SM Entertainment has refuted reports that EXO members Sehun and Chanyeol have signed with a different agency for their solo activities.
On Tuesday, October 17, South Korean news outlet SBS reported that Sehun and Chanyeol, who’s also known as sub-unit EXO-SC, have signed with a different label to pursue more individual activities.
SBS shares EXO CHANYEOL and SEHUN have signed exclusive contracts for individual activities with a new agency – the members will still remain with SM for group activities
The new agency is shared to be established by former iHQ CEO Jung Hoontakhttps://t.co/nwBqHAh1GD
— 파룬 (@balloon_wanted) October 17, 2023
According to the report, the unnamed agency was founded by Jung Hoon Tak, the former CEO of the entertainment agency iHQ. Furthermore, it also claimed that Sehun and Chanyeol will still continue their group activities with EXO under SM Entertainment.
In response, the label announced that Sehun and Chanyeol transferred to another agency. “The contracts that EXO members signed with SM Entertainment at the end of last year remain valid,” the agency added.
[UPDATE] SM Entertainment denies EXO Chanyeol and Sehun transferring to other agency
The company stated the contract between SM and EXO members signed at the end of last year is valid and EXO's activities will continue to be carried out by SM
Source: https://t.co/8qRcUPcfvA https://t.co/OQ4B0fwDCS pic.twitter.com/Jm0HcclTMj
— The Seoul Story (@theseoulstory) October 17, 2023
However, the label noted that they have reached a conditional agreement with the EXO members in terms of their plans of pursuing solo activities. Which, they explained, is only possible if the idol “proceed through their own established companies if they wish.”
As of writing, Sehun and Chanyeol have yet to address the issue.
EXO and SM Entertainment in 2023
The news about Sehun and Chanyeol’s status as an artist of SM Entertainment came four months after their fellow EXO members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen also had a dispute with the agency.
In June, the EXO-CBX sub-unit filed to terminate their contracts with the agency over alleged “mistreatment and unfair contract terms.” The EXO-CBX sub-unit cited unclear handling of earnings and slave contracts as their motivation.
At the time, SM Entertainment had refuted claims made by the three EXO members. After a three-week legal battle, it was announced that both parties have reached a settlement.
In July, EXO released their seventh full-length album EXIST. To note, it served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years.
Originally a 12-piece act, EXO made their debut in April 2012. Chinese members Kris, Tao, and Luhan have left the group, while Lay left SM Entertainment in April 2022.
EXO is known for songs “Growl,” “Monster,” “Love Shot,” Overdose,” and “Tempo.”
Featured image: EXO-SC performs at the Waterbomb event in Japan. Credit: Facebook/EXO
