SM Responds To CBX Agency’s Statement On EXO Activities: Where Things Stand Now

SM Entertainment has issued a firm response to INB100’s announcement about seeking an agreement for Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (CBX) to join upcoming EXO activities—drawing a clear line between legal matters and group schedules.

Earlier this week, EXO confirmed a December fan meeting and a full-length album slated for early 2026 with six members participating: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O. (Doh Kyung Soo), Kai, Sehun, and Lay. The update arrived amid continuing legal fallout surrounding CBX’s disputes with SM.

Background: Court Rulings And A Push For Agreement

On October 28, courts either acquitted or dismissed multiple lawsuits that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin had filed against SM Entertainment. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism found no regulatory violations in relation to CBX’s complaints against the agency.

On October 29, INB100 stated it intended to reach an agreement enabling CBX to take part in EXO’s group activities.

SM’s Stance: Two Separate Tracks—Legal And Group

SM emphasized that resolving legal disputes and participating in EXO’s schedules are “separate matters,” adding that trust must be restored before any group activity discussions move forward. The agency reiterated that it has already prevailed in its legal battles and said one outstanding condition remains: payment of the 10 percent revenue from individual activities stipulated in the June 18, 2023 agreement—an obligation SM claims has not yet been fulfilled.

“We clearly stated to the trio in the past that reaching an agreement to end our legal dispute and [EXO’s] group activities were two separate matters.”

SM also noted that, contrary to CBX’s assertion of willingness to accept SM’s conditions after a second mediation on October 2, the trio filed an appeal on October 16—an action the agency says undermines the narrative of imminent agreement.

What It Means For EXO-Ls

• December schedules are moving forward with six members, with SM pledging full support.
• CBX’s participation hinges on fulfilling prior contractual terms and rebuilding trust.
• With an appeal in motion, legal proceedings may continue in parallel to any potential negotiations.

Bottom line: EXO’s immediate plans stay on course with six members, while any CBX return to group activities will depend on concrete steps toward resolving outstanding obligations and restoring confidence between both sides.