EXO’s highly anticipated full group album may face cancellation due to ongoing conflicts between SM Entertainment and EXO-CBX, a sub-unit consisting of members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. The tension between the agency and the trio has escalated, raising concerns among fans about the future of EXO’s group activities.
On June 11, Korean media reported that the winter album, which was expected to feature all EXO members, might be scrapped. This development follows a series of disputes between SM Entertainment and EXO-CBX. The agency has accused the trio of attempting to exploit EXO’s name for personal gain and has threatened legal action. In response, INB100, the agency representing EXO-CBX, assured fans that these disputes would not impact EXO’s group promotions. They emphasized that the press conference held on June 10 aimed to highlight SM Entertainment’s unfair policies, particularly the requirement for Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin to pay 10% of their revenue to SM Entertainment, despite the agency allegedly violating the agreement first.
INB100 reassured fans that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin remain committed to participating in EXO’s activities. However, SM Entertainment’s official statement to Newsen was less definitive. The agency acknowledged plans for the album but indicated that no further discussions had taken place regarding potential changes.
EXO, a South Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2011 and debuting in 2012, has a storied history. The group originally consisted of twelve members, divided into two sub-groups: EXO-K and EXO-M, performing in Korean and Mandarin, respectively. Over the years, EXO has faced several member departures amid legal battles with SM Entertainment. Despite these challenges, the group has continued to release music and perform as one unit, achieving significant commercial success.
EXO’s first studio album, “XOXO,” released in 2013, sold over one million copies, making them the first Korean act to achieve this milestone in twelve years. Their subsequent albums have also enjoyed immense success, with each selling over one million copies. The group’s sixth studio album, “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo,” became their highest-charting album on the US Billboard 200, debuting at number 23. Their eighth studio album, “Exist,” released in 2023, is their best-selling album in South Korea, with over 2 million copies sold.
EXO has won numerous awards, including five consecutive Album of the Year awards at the MAMA Awards and two consecutive Artist of the Year awards at the Melon Music Awards. They have performed over 100 concerts across four headlining tours and multiple joint tours. The group has been recognized as one of the top five most influential celebrities on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list from 2014 to 2018 and has been labeled “Nation’s Pick” by the Korea Tourism Organization and “Kings of K-pop” by some.
The current conflict between SM Entertainment and EXO-CBX has cast a shadow over the group’s future activities. Fans are left in a state of uncertainty, hoping that the issues can be resolved without affecting EXO’s group promotions. The situation has also brought to light the broader challenges faced by K-pop artists in navigating their relationships with entertainment agencies.
As the situation unfolds, fans and industry observers will be closely watching for any updates. The potential cancellation of EXO’s full group album would be a significant blow to the group’s legacy and the fans who have supported them throughout their journey. The hope remains that a resolution can be reached, allowing EXO to continue their activities as a united group.
