EXO marches toward six-member comeback, leaving CBX stuck on sidelines
EXO / Xportsnews
EXO is moving ahead with a six-member comeback even as controversy continues over whether Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin — collectively known as CBX — will rejoin the group for future activities.
Coupang Play’s variety show “Sister Salon” teased the group’s appearance at the end of its Nov. 23 episode, announcing that Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun and Lay will be featured in the Nov. 29 broadcast. The lineup reflects the current six-member configuration of EXO’s group promotions.
EXO previously told fans that it is preparing its eighth studio album for release in the first quarter of 2026. The announcement drew attention for confirming that only six members — Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun and Lay — would participate. CBX, active under independent label INB100, is excluded.
The six-member fan meeting “EXO’verse” will take place twice on Dec. 14 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, marking the group’s first large-scale fan event in about a year, and eight months since their 12th anniversary gathering. The event will feature hit songs including their winter classic “First Snow,” as well as the performance of new music.
The fan meeting sold out both shows during presales, reaffirming EXO’s enduring power at the ticket office and signaling a smooth path toward their scheduled comeback. Attention grew after news broke that the members will also appear together on variety programs.
Although Suho, Kai, Chanyeol and Sehun remain under SM Entertainment, D.O., who has his own independent label, and Lay, who left the team earlier to pursue activities in China, will also participate. CBX, however, is not included.
The three members filed a lawsuit against SM in 2023, claiming the agency failed to provide settlement records and enforced unfair contracts. The two sides eventually agreed to maintain exclusive contracts while allowing CBX’s individual activities to be managed by INB100.
But disputes over contract terms persisted, and CBX lost most of their legal battles. INB100 said last month that it had “accepted all conditions presented by SM and clearly conveyed its intention to reach a settlement,” expressing a desire for the trio to participate in full group activities.
CBX / Xportsnews
SM pushed back, stressing that resolving legal conflict and returning to group activities are “separate matters.” The agency said trust between CBX and other EXO members has been damaged, making joint promotions impossible for now.
“It would have been proper for the three members to first implement the existing agreement and work sincerely toward restoring trust,” SM said, adding that the company would “fully support and focus on EXO’s activities starting in December” as a six-member unit.
INB100 responded by saying the trio will continue honoring the previous agreement and make “every effort” to restore trust with the members and reach an amicable outcome with SM. The label again expressed a desire to join group promotions, but EXO’s immediate path remains a six-member comeback.
Fans now watch closely to see whether the conflict will ease as the group heads toward a 2026 return.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.