After a long and ongoing struggle with their entertainment company, SM Entertainment, EXO-CBX, EXO's sub-unit members Chen, Xiumin and Baekhyun have decided to move on. Despite their decision to stay and perform together as a group, the trio has officially left the company. Furthermore, shortly after returning to the music scene after his military service, member Baekhyun created his own entertainment company named “INB100.”
However, on December 8, 2023, a huge step was made by the two remaining members of the subunit who decided to join their bandmate's company. Baekhyun also wholeheartedly welcomed Chen and Xiumin.
The dispute that has been going on for several days has finally been resolved through this agreement where INB100 will be run in collaboration with SM Entertainment. Fans were happy to see these three members finally get a fair verdict. Furthermore, SM Entertainment itself revealed an official statement on the matter to confirm his whereabouts.
EXO INB100 member Baekhyun's company has released an official statement about the signing of Chen and Xiumin
EXO-CBX, made up of members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, has enjoyed massive popularity since their debut in 2016, and has been known for their distinctive sound as an all-vocal group. However, behind the scenes, the trio faced obstacles and tensions with their agency, SM Entertainment.
One of the key issues revolved around promotions and timelines for the group. Fans were voicing concerns about what they saw as insufficient opportunities for the trio to showcase their talents. Despite the subunit's popularity, they have seen limited comebacks and promotional activities compared to other subunits and members pursuing solo careers.
The members' individual endeavors have also contributed to the challenges faced by EXO-CBX. Chen, in particular, has faced backlash in the past, and controversy when he announced his engagement and impending fatherhood. The subsequent cessation of Chen's promotional activities raised questions about SM Entertainment's handling of the situation and ignited discussions about the agency's treatment of its artists during critical personal moments.
A breakdown in communications between members and the agency heightened tensions. Reports indicate that this sub-unit, like other K-Pop groups, faced challenges related to a lack of transparency and participation in decision-making processes. Fans have been vocal in their frustrations, voicing concerns about the agency's management approach and its impact on artists' well-being.
Thus, after much struggle and discussion, all parties reached a fair end by drawing a balanced line between them. Members Chen and Xiumin have decided to join Baekhyun's newly established entertainment agency, which has released an official statement about welcoming the two.
After deciding that the individual activities of these three members and the group activities of the sub-unit would be managed by INB100, SM Entertainment reserved the right to manage the entire group, and EXO's activities.
This was SM Entertainment's statement:
Hello, this is SM Entertainment. We want to inform you about the direction of EXO's future activities. Moving forward, all eight EXO members will continue their activities together as EXO. In addition to showcasing new music and performances, they plan to greet fans unchanged through EXO's fan meeting scheduled for April as well as through various activities.
In particular, exclusive contracts with members who have renewed their contracts are still in effect, DO (Do Kyung Soo), whose exclusive contract has expired, has agreed to participate in group activities, and we are in constant discussion regarding future activities. In the case of Chen (Kim Jong Dae), Baekhyun (Byun Baek Hyun), and Xiumin (Kim Min Suk), we agreed to enable the artists to proceed separately in the case of individual activities under the above exclusive contracts.
As before, EXO plans to communicate with fans through music and good performance, so please show a lot of interest and support to the members' activities. The agency will work harder to support the group as well as the activities and growth of each member. Thank you.
Fans were happy to see the members found their independent paths and celebrated via messages on Twitter:
Regarding the addition of Chen and Xiumin to the INB100 board, an inside source said:
“The members of CBX, who are entering their thirteenth year of activities this year, have repeatedly thought and asked different questions about the future. Many initiatives have continued regarding the rapidly changing global K-Pop environment as well as plans for life as artists after their 20s. The beginning of this label is based on Long-term deliberations and aspirations of members.
With two EXO members, Kai and Sehun serving in the military, member DO also ventured away from SM Entertainment and joined the company created by his long-term manager. However, members Suho and Chanyeol decided to stay with SM and also focus on solo activities.
