SM Entertainment has announced legal action against EXO’s Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (collectively known as EXO-CBX). On June 13, the company revealed, “We have filed a complaint against Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin with the Seoul Eastern District Court to enforce the fulfillment of their contracts. We will respond in accordance with the law and principles.”
The dispute centers around what SM Entertainment describes as "unreasonable behavior" from the trio. They claim this behavior violates the terms of their agreements, prompting the legal move to ensure compliance.
On June 10, representatives of EXO’s Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin convened a press conference, alleging that, “SM Entertainment disregarded the negotiated terms that were the premise of the agreement.”
In response, SM Entertainment released a detailed statement denying these allegations. They asserted that the conflict stems from "unfair inducement (tampering) by MC Mong and Cha Ga Won toward our artists" and accused EXO-CBX of enjoying the benefits of being EXO members while neglecting their obligations.
About the ArtistsChen is a renowned vocalist known for his work with EXO, its subgroup EXO-M, and subunit EXO-CBX. He has also participated in SM's project SM the Ballad. Beyond group activities, Chen has recorded popular tracks for TV dramas, including "Best Luck" for It's Okay, That's Love and "Everytime" for Descendants of the Sun. In 2019, he launched his solo career with the EP April, and a Flower, followed by Dear My Dear, both achieving significant success.
Baekhyun is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actor, a key member of EXO and its subgroup EXO-K, as well as the supergroup SuperM. He began his solo career in 2019 with the EP City Lights, which sold over half a million copies. Baekhyun's subsequent EPs, Delight and Bambi, each sold over a million copies, cementing his reputation as the "Genius Idol" and earning him multiple Mnet Asian Music Awards for Best Male Artist.
Xiumin is known for his vocal and acting talents. A member of EXO-M and leader of EXO-CBX, Xiumin debuted as a solo artist with the EP Brand New in 2022. He has also ventured into musical theater and acting, with roles in School OZ, the web drama Falling for Challenge, and the film Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River. He has collaborated with his EXO bandmates on various projects, including the soundtrack for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
The legal battle between SM Entertainment and the EXO-CBX members highlights ongoing disputes within the K-pop industry, raising questions about artist management and contractual obligations.
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