Netizens aren’t holding back their thoughts.
Koreaboo
The new reality of EXO’s current member lineup is sparking scathing reactions from Korean netizens following the group’s latest social media update.
On November 7, less than two weeks after it was revealed that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin would not be joining EXO’s upcoming comeback, the group shared a photo of the remaining members to their Instagram Story.
The image quickly went viral on Pann, with one netizen deeming the gradual shift to the group’s new lineup “so cute.” Alongside the group’s latest photo update, the fan noted how recent news headlines are already referring to EXO as a “six-member group.”
There’s already an article saying they’re promoting as six, and little hints are starting to pop up one by one. So cute lol (Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Lay)
A new EXO is being born. The comeback is coming.
— Pann
EXO-CBX has been embroiled in a public dispute with SM Entertainment over contracts and revenue distribution since earlier this year, but many were shocked to learn last month that the trio would not be participating in EXO’s comeback or fan meeting this December. While international fans are largely criticizing the company, however, numerous Korean netizens have slammed Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin.
Now, reactions to seeing EXO working together as six have been just as harsh, with numerous netizens arguing that SM Entertainment made the right decision for a range of reasons.
Others, meanwhile, took an even more critical stance, with one netizen questioning the inclusion of “Yeol-dari” in the current lineup — a nickname Koreans gave Chanyeol as a play on the word ‘yangdari’, which means someone who dates two people at once. The nickname emerged after allegations surfaced in 2020 from his reported ex-girlfriend, who claimed he repeatedly cheated on her during their three-year relationship.
- “Does that mean they’re including Yeol-dari [Chanyeol] as well?”
- “I don’t like SM, but this time the company’s right. You can’t let things like contracts and tampering slide. If you let it go once, it sets a bad precedent. The court already dismissed CBX’s case, that’s your answer right there. This isn’t about emotions. It’s about principles and trust. Fan trust ultimately breaks down over things like this.”
- “This group already went through hell with the three Chinese members leaving… never imagined there’d be three ‘traitor’ members from Korea too.”
- “Honestly, the ones who left EXO aren’t impressive as individuals (They just look like instructors at a vocational art academy. If they weren’t EXO members, based on looks or vibe, they wouldn’t seem like celebrities). They’ve talked too much, and it feels like each of them just wants to do whatever they want, drunk on their own self-importance. Doesn’t seem like they care about their fans or their team. The moment someone offers them more money, they ditch everyone and leave… But then they still want to promote as EXO because that way they can earn more.”
- “Finally. Only the loyal ones are left.”
On the flip side, many international EXO-Ls are expressing their disappointment with the remaining six members of EXO instead.
EXO Members Blasted For Recent Insensitive Post Amid CBX Lawsuit
