With EXO moving toward full-group activities, EXO-CBX has reiterated that it wants to resolve its dispute with SM Entertainment and rejoin the team.
In a statement on the 30th, CBX’s agency INB100 apologized to fans “who felt confusion and concern during the legal process,” adding that the trio “remains firm in its intention to remit 10% of revenue from individual activities.” INB100 said CBX plans to follow through “once a settlement is reached and legal procedures conclude,” noting litigation is still ongoing.
The new remarks arrive after SM Entertainment pushed back on CBX’s expressed intent to join an upcoming full-group fan meeting. SM said the 10% payment outlined in a June 18, 2023 agreement “has not yet been executed,” disputed claims that CBX accepted all conditions after an Oct. 2 second mediation session, and noted it filed an objection on Oct. 16.
CBX countered that the figure suggested by the mediator was “an arbitrary calculation unrelated to any mutual agreement,” and that both sides said as much during the session. When that amount was later delivered in writing, “both parties filed objections on the 16th,” CBX said, calling it a routine procedural step and rejecting suggestions that the trio lacks intent to settle.
The group added that all talks have been premised on EXO moving as a full team. CBX said it has made clear it will honor the existing agreement, has communicated directly with members, and has been working to participate as part of EXO.
Previously, SM announced EXO is targeting a first-quarter release for its eighth studio album―its first in two and a half years since 2023’s “Exist”―and a December fan meeting titled “EXOverse.” However, the company said activities would proceed with six members―SUHO, CHANYEOL, KAI, SEHUN, D.O., and LAY―excluding CBX.
A day earlier, SM said in an official statement that repeated disputes have severely damaged trust and hurt the team, fans, and members, adding that CBX should first fulfill the existing agreement and show sincere efforts to rebuild trust before any return is considered.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)