Three members of the popular K-pop group EXO have announced their desire to return to full group activities with their former label SM Entertainment. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, who perform together as the subunit CBX, say they are willing to accept all conditions proposed by SM Entertainment following their recent legal dispute loss.
Their current management company INB100 released a statement on Wednesday expressing the trio's commitment to rejoining EXO's complete lineup. "Both INB100 and CBX have promised to continue EXO's group activities and have made every effort to make it happen," the agency stated. The three artists remain dedicated to performing alongside their former bandmates despite the ongoing tensions.
According to INB100, serious discussions about a potential reunion began during the summer months. CBX met with SM Entertainment representatives in July to explore the possibility of returning to the group, and by September, both sides had entered into practical negotiations. The talks appeared to be progressing positively as both parties worked toward a resolution.
The negotiations reached a critical point during mediation sessions in early October. After the second mediation meeting on October 2, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin agreed to accept all terms that SM Entertainment had suggested for EXO's planned year-end comeback activities. Showing their commitment to the reunion, the three members cleared their personal schedules for December and waited for SM Entertainment's final decision on their return.
However, INB100 expressed surprise and disappointment when SM Entertainment recently made public announcements about EXO's upcoming activities without including CBX. The company revealed plans for EXO to hold fan meetings on December 13 and 14, as well as release the group's eighth full-length album in early 2026. These announced events will feature only the remaining EXO members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay.
INB100 emphasized the emotional connection between CBX and EXO's fanbase in their statement. "CBX members deeply value their fans, who have supported EXO for so many years, and they sincerely wanted to return as part of the full group," the agency explained. The management company stressed that despite the setback, they remain hopeful about future possibilities for reconciliation.
The conflict between CBX and SM Entertainment stems from complex business and legal issues that have been ongoing for some time. The dispute began when Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin accused SM Entertainment of failing to provide proper revenue records and transparency regarding their earnings. The three members raised concerns about the financial management of their careers and demanded better accountability from their former label.
SM Entertainment responded to these accusations by claiming that the trio had not fulfilled their contractual obligations. Specifically, the company alleged that CBX had failed to pay the agreed-upon ten percent of their individual earnings for using intellectual property related to the EXO brand. This includes the use of the group's name, image, and associated trademarks in their independent activities.
The legal battle between the two sides went through the court system, where judges ultimately ruled in favor of SM Entertainment. This court decision has significantly impacted CBX's position in negotiations and their ability to return to EXO activities under their preferred terms. The ruling has also affected their current management situation and future career plans.
INB100, the management company founded by Baekhyun himself, currently represents all three CBX members in their individual and group activities. The company was established as the trio sought greater control over their careers and financial arrangements. Despite the legal setbacks, INB100 continues to advocate for their artists' interests and maintains hope for a resolution with SM Entertainment.
The agency concluded their statement by reaffirming their commitment to finding a solution that would benefit all parties involved. "We remain committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible so that EXO can reunite as one," INB100 stated. This ongoing situation continues to be closely watched by fans and industry observers who hope to see the complete EXO lineup perform together again in the future.
