They have finally spoken up.
EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) have expressed open dissatisfaction toward SM Entertainment through their management company, claiming that although they have been making efforts for EXO’s full-group activities, the agreement process has been delayed due to SM Entertainment.
On October 29, EXO-CBX’s agency INB100 released a statement apologizing to fans for the delay, The agency also shared a detailed, date-by-date timeline from their own perspective. They claimed that on July 9, 2025, CBX met directly with SM Entertainment to confirm both parties’ intent and direction for an agreement regarding EXO’s full-group activities.
INB100 also further claimed that on September 10, both sides exchanged concrete agreement drafts and entered a “practical negotiation stage.” Following the second mediation session on October 2, EXO-CBX stated they had fully accepted all of SM’s proposed conditions in order to make a full-group comeback by the end of the year, clearly expressing their willingness to cooperate.
They added that they had adjusted their personal schedules, clearing December to prioritize EXO activities, and were waiting for SM’s final response through their legal representatives. However, during that time, they unexpectedly learned of announcements regarding an EXO fan meeting and a full album release without EXO-CBX’s participation.
You can read the full statement and timeline according to INB100 below.
“We sincerely apologize to fans for the confusion and concern caused by the delayed statement regarding the status of EXO’s full-group activities involving Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (collectively known as EXO-CBX).
INB100 and the artists Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, members of EXO, had promised fans that they would participate in full-group activities and have been making every effort to make this happen. We would like to share the progress made so far:
1. July 9, 2025 – First confirmation of intent to reach an agreement with SM Entertainment
To pursue full-group EXO activities, EXO-CBX met directly with SM Entertainment to confirm mutual intent and direction for an agreement.2. September 10, 2025 – Exchange of detailed agreement drafts
Both parties entered a practical negotiation stage by exchanging specific terms of the agreement.3. Full acceptance of SM’s demands
Following the second mediation session on October 2, EXO-CBX clearly expressed their willingness to accept all of SM’s proposed conditions in order to make a full-group comeback by the end of the year.4. Schedule adjustment prioritizing EXO activities
EXO-CBX members cleared their personal schedules for December and awaited SM Entertainment’s final response through their legal representatives. However, while waiting, they learned of announcements regarding an EXO fan meeting and a full album release excluding EXO-CBX.We apologize for the delay in responding, as we were confirming SM Entertainment’s stance amid these unexpected developments.
The EXO-CBX members deeply value the sincerity and support of the fans who have been with them for so long. Their decision to pursue an agreement was made out of a genuine desire to reunite EXO as a whole.
We plan to finalize the agreement as soon as possible to make full-group activities a reality. Thank you for your patience and unwavering support — we will do our utmost to achieve a positive outcome.”