Kai’s ‘6-member’ comment on EXO sparks comeback doubts for CBX
Kai / Xportsnews
A casual remark by Kai about EXO’s current lineup is stirring online debate, with fans questioning whether the trio CBX may be drifting further from a full-group return.
The moment came during the Monday broadcast of SBS variety show “Uh, But Like, Seriously!,” where cast members jokingly expressed interest in appearing as guests at EXO’s upcoming world tour concerts.
When host Lee Sang-min mentioned that Kai would begin EXO concerts in April, Kai confirmed plans for a world tour. As the cast playfully pushed for guest appearances, Kai shut it down, saying, “Don’t get your hopes up,” and added, “It’s a secret. The concert might even get canceled,” waving his hands dismissively.
The banter continued, with Tak Jae-hoon jokingly asking for a favor, and Lee urging Kai to let them join. Kai replied cautiously, “I’ll say just one thing. I’m also entering contract renewal season soon,” prompting laughter and more teasing from the cast.
But it was one seemingly simple exchange that drew the most attention. When Tak asked, “Kai, how many EXO members are there besides you?” Kai answered, “Right now? Five.” The response effectively pointed to a six-member lineup, including himself.
Online, that single line quickly became the focus.
Kai / Captured from SBS
EXO, originally a 12-member group under SM Entertainment, was later reorganized into a nine-member act following the departures of three Chinese members. However, after contract disputes involving subunit members Xiumin, Baekhyun and Chen — collectively known as CBX — the trio has been absent from group promotions.
As a result, EXO has recently continued activities as a six-member group.
Kai’s “six members” remark has now led some fans to speculate that a full-group reunion including CBX could be increasingly unlikely, especially as legal disputes between the trio and the agency remain ongoing.
Reactions online were mixed, with some netizens commenting, “So it’s officially six now,” while others joked about adding unrelated figures into the lineup.
Whether Kai’s comment reflects a temporary reality or a longer-term shift remains unclear — but the remark has once again highlighted the uncertainty surrounding EXO’s full-member comeback.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.