Fans of K-pop boy group EXO were sent abuzz with disappointment as they discovered that the group was conspicuously absent from the lineup of the highly-anticipated 2024 SM Entertainment Season’s Greetings. 

On Wednesday, October 25, Kwangya released the promotional poster for their Season’s Greetings. In it are a multitude of SM Entertainment’s artists, including beloved acts like TVXQ, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa and even the rookie boy group RIIZE.

Among the groups under SM Entertainment, three were noticeably absent: Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and EXO. However, both Girls’ Generation and SHINee were quick to explain that the Season’s Greetings for their groups will have pre-orders by November. Furthermore, they explained that the two groups had a different schedule compared to other SM Entertainment artists given their prior schedule. 

Meanwhile, EXO didn’t release a statement about their Season’s Greetings until Friday, October 27. Similar to Girl’s Generation and SHINee, theirs will also have a separate schedule. Other details about pre-order for EXO’s Seasons Greetings will be announced through a separate notice at a later date.

Although SM Entertainment has finally confirmed that EXO is still releasing a Season’s Greetings for 2024, fans are still unhappy as to why it took several days before they released an explanation about the delay. The omission already left fans puzzled and anxious about the group’s future activities with the agency. 

On social media, fans lamented as to how the agency failed to properly promote EXO, especially in light of recent contract disputes and member departures from the group.

EXO vs SM Entertainment in 2023

Notably, thi puzzling exclusion comes at a time when EXO has been navigating a series of ups and downs with their agency SM Entertainment. 

In June, fans were taken aback when it was revealed that three EXO members, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, had issued contract termination notices to SM Entertainment. The EXO-CBX sub-united filed to terminate their contracts with SM Entertainment, citing alleged “mistreatment and unfair contract terms.” In response, SM Entertainment refuted these claims. After a three-week legal battle, both parties had reached a settlement. 

Then in October, new reports emerged that two more members,  Chanyeol and Sehun, were potentially transferring to another agency to pursue solo careers. But SM Entertainment swiftly denied these rumors, emphasizing that the contract signed by the members last year remains valid. 

Shortly after, SM Entertainment also confirmed that D.O. would continue his solo activities under a newly established label. Additionally, he will simultaneously maintain his connection with SM Entertainment for EXO activities.

Amidst these developments, leader Suho assured fans that EXO will continue as a full group. 

Featured image: EXO members pose for their album ‘EXIST.’ Credit: Facebook/EXO