EXO's New Album In Limbo, Agencies Clash Over Subunit CBX Inclusion In Group Comeback - Read Statements

Korean

bands EXO and CBX’s reunion has now become a hot topic of discussion since its announcement made by INB100. In fact, the agency which handles CBX has also issued a statement on social media regarding the reunion. But this is not the end of a drama; EXO’s agency, SM Entertainment, has responded to INB100’s statement.

EXO-CBX reunion controversy

The drama began when CBX’s agency, INB100, shared a statement on CBX members – Chen, Baekyun and Xiumin’s activities with EXO. The statement reads, “We sincerely apologise for the confusion and concern caused by the delay in releasing our position regarding EXO-CBX’s participation in EXO’s full-group activities. INB100 and our artists Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (hereafter “EXO-CBX”) have promised fans to participate in EXO’s full-group activities as members of EXO and have been making every possible effort to fulfil that promise. We would like to share the progress made so far.” “1) July 9, 2025 – First confirmation of agreement intentions with SM Entertainment. To pursue EXO’s full-group activities, EXO-CBX met directly with SM to confirm mutual intentions and the direction for an agreement. 2) September 10, 2025 – Exchange of concrete agreement drafts. Both parties shared specific terms and entered a substantive negotiation stage. 3) Full acceptance of SM’s requirements. After the second mediation date (October 2), EXO-CBX clearly expressed their intent to accept all conditions proposed by SM for EXO’s year-end full-group comeback. 4) Schedule adjustments prioritising EXO’s group activities. EXO-CBX cleared all personal schedules for December and awaited SM’s final response through their legal representatives.Also Read : BTS V, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, EXO’s Kai Leave For Paris Fashion Week Together; K-Pop Go Wild Over Iconic Airport Trio While EXO-CBX were making these efforts for EXO’s full-group activities, they learnt about the announcement of EXO’s fan meeting and full album release excluding them. We apologise for the delayed response, as we needed to confirm SM’s position amid this unexpected situation. The members have always cherished the fans’ sincerity above all else and have earnestly wished for EXO’s full-group activities, which is why they chose the path of reconciliation. We plan to reach an agreement for full-group activities as soon as possible. We sincerely thank all the fans who have continued to trust and wait for us, and we will do our utmost to achieve a positive outcome. We ask for your continued expectations and support,” INB100 concluded. Reacting to INB100’s statement, SM Entertainment, who handles EXO, said, “We have made it clear to the three members' side that the settlement of the dispute and group activities are separate matters. Regarding the dispute settlement, we have prevailed in all disputes so far, and the only thing we demanded from the members' side was the payment of 10% of their individual activity revenue as stipulated in the existing agreement dated June 18, 2023. However, this has not yet been fulfilled. The issue of participating in group activities required sincere efforts from the three members' side to fulfill the existing agreement and rebuild trust, as the excessive number of disputes significantly damaged the trust between both parties, and the harm caused to the team EXO and the pain inflicted on the fans and members were considerable.” “However, contrary to the members' statement today that they accepted all conditions proposed by us after the second mediation session on October 2nd and clearly conveyed their intent to settle, they filed an objection first on the 16th. We cannot help but express deep regret over the three members' announcement today, which distorts these facts. We will do our best to support and exert efforts for EXO's activities, which are set to begin in December,” EXO’s note concluded. For the unversed, EXO was one band group, but three members of it, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, left the band and formed CBX. Stay tuned for more updates!