Official Statement from INB100
We sincerely apologize to fans for the confusion and concern caused by the delay in announcing our stance regarding CBX’s participation in EXO’s full-group activities.
INB100 and our artists Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (hereafter referred to as “CBX”) promised fans that they would take part in EXO’s full-group activities as members of EXO, and we have been making every effort to fulfill that promise.
We would like to share the details of what has transpired so far.
1. July 9, 2025 – Confirmation of initial agreement intention with SM Entertainment
We met directly with SM to confirm both sides’ willingness and direction toward an agreement for EXO’s full-group activities.
2. September 10, 2025 – Mutual sharing of specific agreement terms
Both parties exchanged concrete agreement proposals and entered into substantive discussions.
3. Full acceptance of SM’s demands
After the second mediation session on October 2, CBX accepted all of SM’s conditions and clearly conveyed their intention to agree in order to realize EXO’s group comeback by the end of the year.
4. Schedule adjustments prioritizing EXO activities
The members cleared all personal schedules in December to focus on group activities and were awaiting SM’s final response through their legal representatives.
While making such efforts toward EXO’s full-group activities, we received notice regarding the fan meeting and full album announcement that excluded CBX. We apologize for the delay in our response as we were confirming SM’s position regarding the progress of the agreement amid these unexpected circumstances.
CBX members deeply value the sincerity of fans who have supported them for such a long time, and because they have strongly desired EXO’s group activities, they chose the path of pursuing an agreement.
Accordingly, we plan to finalize the agreement for EXO’s full-group activities as soon as possible.
We are deeply grateful to all the fans who continue to believe in and wait for us, and we will do our very best to achieve a positive result. We kindly ask for your continued trust and support.
Sincerely,
INB100
Official Statement from SM Entertainment
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to address the statement released by Byun Baekhyun, Kim Jongdae, and Kim Minseok (hereafter referred to as “the three artists”).
We have already made it clear to their side that the settlement of disputes and participation in group activities are two entirely separate matters.
First, regarding the settlement of disputes, SM has won all of the cases thus far. In this situation, the only condition we requested from the three artists was to pay 10% of the revenue from their individual activities, as stipulated in the original agreement dated June 18, 2023.
However, this obligation has not yet been fulfilled.
Furthermore, the issue of participating in group activities is separate. Due to the numerous excessive disputes, the trust between both parties has been severely damaged, and the harm done to EXO as a team, as well as the pain caused to the members and fans, has been significant.
Therefore, it was only natural that the execution of the existing agreement and the sincere efforts of the three artists to restore trust should come first.
However, contrary to their claim that they accepted all of SM’s conditions and clearly expressed their intent to agree after the second mediation session on October 2, the three artists actually filed an objection on October 16.
We cannot help but express deep regret over today’s announcement, which distorts these facts.
SM Entertainment will give its full support and effort to the EXO activities scheduled to begin in December.
Thank you.
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