EXO-CBX Members Allege Broken Promises and Unfair Treatment by SM Entertainment
On June 10, representatives of EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, collectively known as EXO-CBX, convened a press conference to voice their grievances against SM Entertainment. The representatives, including Cha Ga Won, chairwoman of p_Arc Group; Kim Dong Joon, CEO of INB100; and attorney Lee Jae Hak, outlined alleged breaches of settlement agreements and unfair trade practices.
Attorney Lee Jae Hak asserted that SM Entertainment had reneged on a previously agreed-upon 5.5 percent commission rate for albums and music, as stipulated in the terms of a settlement. Instead, SM Entertainment was said to be demanding 10 percent of the artists' revenue from individual activities, encompassing album releases, concerts, and advertisements.
Despite attempts to resolve the issue through a certification of contents sent to SM Entertainment in April, the representatives claimed they had yet to receive a satisfactory response. Lee Jae Hak declared that the agreement had become void due to its breach and that they intended to pursue legal action.
We will cancel the agreement based on the grounds of fraud or terminate it due to non-fulfillment of obligations, Lee Jae Hak stated. We will also consider filing a criminal complaint and a complaint with the Korea Fair Trade Commission regarding the process of signing the agreement.
The representatives emphasized their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin amidst the ongoing dispute.
Solo Pursuits and Recent Endeavors of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin
In January 2024, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin entered into an agreement with INB100 to manage their solo activities, while their EXO group activities remained under SM Entertainment's purview.
Chen released his fourth Korean-language EP, Door, on May 28, 2024, featuring the title track Empty. Baekhyun also embarked on a solo career under INB100 and announced his Lonsdaleite concert tour, which commenced in Seoul on March 16, 2024. Xiumin, alongside his fellow members, also transitioned to INB100 for the management of his solo pursuits.
