“Trust Is Broken”: SM Fires Back at EXO-CBX, Who Say They Still Want a Full-Group Reunion

The long and complicated conflict between EXO’s subunit CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin) and SM Entertainment has reached a breaking point. Their dispute over contracts and settlements has now turned into a full-blown legal and public war. EXO-Ls are upset because this dispute has a serious impact on EXO’s 2026 comeback.

They have been waiting for an OT9 comeback for years, and now, when the time comes, only six members are participating. There are a lot of conflicting opinions; some blame SM, while others criticize CBX.

How the EXO-CBX and SM Entertainment Dispute Began

The feud began in June 2023, when Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin decided to terminate their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment. The trio claimed their contracts were “unfair” and accused SM of failing to provide proper settlement and accounting records for their activities.

After intense negotiations, both sides reached a temporary truce known as the “6·18 Agreement.” This deal allowed CBX to promote independently under their own label, INB100, while still participating in EXO’s group activities under SM.

As part of the agreement, CBX agreed that 10% of the profits from their individual activities would be paid to SM. 

However, this fragile compromise didn’t last long. By June 2024, SM claimed that CBX had not paid the 10% share and decided to take the matter to court. In response, CBX filed its own lawsuits, alleging unfair treatment and lack of financial transparency.

Court Ruled in Favor of SM Entertainment

Over the past year, multiple courts and government bodies have sided with SM Entertainment. According to LawTimes and other legal reports released on October 28, CBX lost every single case they filed against the company.

The Seoul Eastern District Court dismissed their request for the disclosure of all accounting documents. They called it an unnecessary and “psychological pressure tactic.” Their appeals to the police and prosecutors, accusing SM of misrepresentation, were also rejected for lack of evidence.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism concluded that SM did not violate any parts of the Popular Culture Industry Act. It stated that the company had properly disclosed settlement data to the members.

Similarly, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) ruled that there was no unfair contract or illegal financial support connected to SM’s distribution partnership with Kakao Entertainment.

Even after multiple appeals and re-appeals, every complaint by CBX was dismissed. The courts emphasized that their repeated filings seemed aimed at pressuring SM rather than seeking a genuine resolution.

These outcomes have left CBX in a weak position legally, with their leverage in negotiations nearly gone.

SM Entertainment’s Side: “Trust Is Broken”

After their courtroom victories, SM Entertainment issued a strong statement making its position very clear. The company said it was now impossible for EXO-CBX to continue EXO activities together due to a complete breakdown of trust.

SM’s legal team stated that although the 6·18 Agreement still existed, CBX had not fulfilled their financial obligations. Therefore, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin had no grounds to participate in future EXO activities.

The agency clarified their position on CBX’s future with EXO through their legal team, saying, “It is no longer possible for Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin to continue EXO activities while they continue to deny not only their exclusive contract but also the validity of the agreement based on it.

SM stressed that the members’ multiple lawsuits and public disputes had damaged the group’s image and hurt fans. They argued that even if the legal battle ended, CBX must first restore trust and honor their commitments before any discussion about returning to EXO could happen.

INB100’s Response: “We Accepted All Conditions”

Only a day later, on October 29, CBX’s agency INB100 released their own lengthy statement that completely contradicted SM’s version of events.

According to INB100, CBX had not refused to pay SM. Instead, they were waiting for legal procedures to conclude before making payment. Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen had already expressed their willingness to pay the 10% required under the 6·18 Agreement.

INB100 revealed that the members had been actively preparing for a full-group EXO comeback. They even met directly with SM several times to discuss terms. EXO-CBX said that on July 9, 2025, both sides had met to discuss directions for EXO’s activities. They had entered a “practical negotiation phase” by September 10 and exchanged documents and detailed proposals.

Then, during a court mediation on October 2, CBX reportedly agreed to all of SM’s conditions for EXO’s reunion and even cleared their schedules in December 2025 to focus on group promotions.

However, before receiving SM’s official response, they were blindsided by news of a fan meeting and a new EXO album announcement that did not include them.

While making such efforts toward EXO’s full group activities, we received notice regarding the fanmeeting and full album announcement that excluded CBX. We apologize for the delayed response as we were confirming SM’s position regarding the progress of the agreement amid these unexpected circumstances.

The company added that CBX members chose the path of agreement because they valued their fans’ loyalty. Members sincerely hoped for a full EXO reunion despite the tension.

CBX members truly value the sincerity of fans who have supported them for such a long time. Because they strongly desired EXO’s group activities, they chose the path of pursuing an agreement.

SM’s Follow-Up Statement: “Agreement and Team Promotions Are Separate”

SM Entertainment then responded again on October 29, saying that INB100’s statement distorted facts. The company explained that resolving legal disputes and participating in EXO group promotions were separate matters.

SM clarified that while they had won all legal disputes, CBX still hadn’t paid the 10% required by the June 2023 agreement. They also said CBX’s actions, including filing an objection on October 16, just two weeks after the court mediation, contradicted their claims of wanting peace.

“We cannot help but express deep regret over the (CBX) members’ announcement, which distorts these facts. SM will give its full support and effort to the EXO activities scheduled to begin in December.”

SM also highlighted that the group had already suffered enough due to the internal conflict. The agency’s focus was now on protecting the remaining members and their fans.

What Happens to EXO Now?

For now, EXO’s future looks divided. SM confirmed that the group’s ‘EXOverse’ fan meeting in December 2025 and their 8th full-length album in early 2026 will proceed with only six members — Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay.

This will be Lay’s first full participation in an EXO group album since 2021. However, the absence of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin has left fans heartbroken and confused.

INB100 maintains that negotiations are still ongoing and insists that CBX remains open to reconciliation. They expressed their desire to “restore trust” and fulfill their promises to fans. However, since SM has taken a firm stance and the courts ruled in its favor, many fans fear that the rifts may now be too deep to repair.

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