Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin of the K-pop boy group EXO announced on Monday, January 8, their decision to manage their solo activities under I&B100, Baekhyun’s independent label.

Also known as the sub-unit CBX, the trio are set to introduce the members’ individual activities under I&B100. Moreover, they will also be more active with unit activities now that they’re in a separate label.  

In the group’s press release, I&B100 also revealed their plans to revive the members’ musical personalities. As the trio are already entering their 13th year in the industry, the agency shared that the EXO members have been pondering more about their future career plans. 

With this, the move will serve as a starting point for Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin to experiment and participate more in the artistic process of doing music, including writing and producing songs. According to the agency, it’s the members’ “longtime dreams” to do so. 

“The start of this label is based on long-standing deliberation and aspirations of the members,” IB&100 added.

To note, I&B100 is an agency Baekhyun established himself in June 2023. With Chen and Xiumin also signing under the label, fans are anticipating to see more of CBX activities this year.

After the announcement, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin have now opened their individual social media accounts. Additionally, the agency also posted their first series of solo photos. 

EXO to continue future activities with SM Entertainment

Although the three members are now set to handle their own activities, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin reassured fans that they will continue their group activities with EXO. 

Through a social media post, SM Entertainment commented about the direction of the K-pop boy group.  “Going forward, all eight members of EXO will continue activities together as EXO,” they said. 

Aside from showcasing new music and performances, the label also teased that the group has plans to stage a fan meeting in April. 

According to SM Entertainment, the exclusive contracts of Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin are still valid with the agreement to allow them to independently conduct personal activities. To recall, CBX previously filed a lawsuit against the label in June 2023. But both parties reached a settlement after a few weeks.

Aside from CBX, member D.O. (Do Kyungsoo) has also parted ways with the agency in  October 2023. Since then, he has pursued activities under Company SooSoo. However, SM Entertainment shared that the “That’s Okay” singer has agreed to participate in EXO’s activities and is currently in ongoing discussions about their future schedules.

“EXO plans to communicate with fans through good music and stages. So we ask for your interest and support in the members’ activities,” SM Entertainment

EXO, which debuted in 2012, released their seventh full-length album Exist in July 2023. 

Featured image: I&B100 releases new profile photos of EXO’s Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. Credit: Instagram/I&B100