The ongoing legal battle between EXO (엑소) members Chen (첸), Baekhyun (백현), and Xiumin (시우민), a.k.a EXO-CBX (엑소-첸백시), and SM Entertainment have moved onto the next step. On 23rd September 2025 (Tuesday), both parties attended their first court-led mediation session, but the outcome wasn’t favourable.
To recap, in June 2023, Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin filed a lawsuit against their then-agency SM Entertainment, accusing the label of unfair long-term contracts and a lack of transparency in payment. Initially, the dispute concluded in a mutual agreement, which led to all three EXO members leaving SM Entertainment after their contracts expired and signing with INB100, established by Baekhyun.
However, another controversy arose in 2024 after INB100 officials accused SM Entertainment of not upholding their end of the agreement and demanding a 10% royalty from the CBX members. This issue reignited the legal battle with SM Entertainment filing a civil lawsuit against the idols to compel them to pay the 10%, and CBX filing a criminal lawsuit against the label for fraudulent contract terms.
According to reports, the first mediation session yesterday failed to bring the two sides to an agreement. The closed-door proceedings lasted 30 minutes, with only legal representatives present. As both sides couldn’t resolve the dispute, a second mediation session is scheduled for 2nd October 2025 (Thursday). Meanwhile, EXO-Ls have shared their reactions to the mediation outcome.
Understandably, many were rooting for the EXO-CBX members, hoping that they would continue to fight for their rights. It’s also worth noting that SM Entertainment has a history of contract disputes with its former artists, so fans were more supportive of the idols rather than the agency. While some voiced concerns about the legal dispute affecting EXO’s rumoured comeback, others said they won’t support any group activities without the CBX’s presence.
For now, we’ll have to wait for the result of the second mediation to see if there will be any progress in this dispute. Whatever happens, we wish both parties all the best.
Sources: Korea Herald, Twitter
