The Timeline Of EXO-CBX and SM Entertainment Legal Battles
This page will serve as the summary of the timeline of the ongoing legal battles between EXO members Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chen, and SM Entertainment.
On June 1st of 2023, EXO fans woke up to the shocking announcement of three EXO members filing requests to terminate their contracts with SM, citing ‘slave contracts’ as the reason. The two sides seemingly reached an agreement in 2023, but new lawsuits and issues arose in 2024.
Note:
- Each press release/ statement update will be summarized but considering how lengthy each response is. Its advised you proceed to read the full article for full context on each point.
- This page will be updated whenever a new development happens
- Copying this article is strictly prohibited. When citing, please credit the JM team with a link back to this page.
Table of Contents
June 1, 2023
1- EXO members notify the press of their intentions to terminate their contracts with SM
EXO members Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin want to part ways with SM Entertainment and have notified the agency they want their exclusive contracts to be terminated via their lawyers official press release.
Summary:
The three members filed the lawsuit on April 29, 2023, at the Seoul Central District Court. They are seeking to terminate their contracts with SM Entertainment, which were originally set to expire in 2025.
The members cited “unfair contract terms” as the reason for their lawsuit. They allege that SM Entertainment has been taking advantage of them financially and has not been providing them with adequate support.
2- SM responds to the report and says ‘outside forces are to blame’
Summary:
The agency released a statement on May 2, 2023, saying that it is “disappointed” by the lawsuit and that it believes the members’ claims are “groundless.” Blames outside forces and claims someone is trying to recruit them.
SM Entertainment said that it has “provided the members with the best possible care and support” throughout their careers and that it has “always been fair and reasonable in its dealings with them.”
The agency said that it is “confident” that it will be able to “vindicate” itself in court and that it will “continue to do everything it can to protect its artists and its rights.”
3- SM Accuses BPM Of Being The Outside Force Trying To Recruit EXO-CBX, BPM Denies
Summary:
On the 1st of June, an SM representative stated to Maeil Business Star Today, “It is true that we have sent a proof of content to Big Planet Made Entertainment.”
Later, Big Planet Made Entertainment countered the report in an interview with Sports Seoul, stating, “MC Mong met the junior artists out of personal connections, but there was no intention of recruitment,” and “MC Mong is not currently an executive director at Big Planet Entertainment.”
However, Big Planet Made Entertainment acknowledged that they did receive a proof of content from SM.
4- SM claims EXO comeback will proceed as normal
Summary:
Despite news of EXO members Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin notifying their agency, SM Entertainment, about their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts, SM has issued a statement saying they’re expected to film their upcoming music video as scheduled.
5- SM Entertainment Follows Up With A Detailed Statement Addressing EXO- CBX’s Slave Contract Allegations
Summary:
In the statement, SM Entertainment denies all of the allegations made by the members, including claims of unfair contract terms, lack of support, and financial mismanagement.
The agency also states that it has been “fair and reasonable” in its dealings with the members and that it has “always provided them with the best possible care and support.”
SM Entertainment says that it is “disappointed” by the lawsuit and that it will “continue to do everything it can to protect its artists and its rights.” they also call out BPM by name and say they’re trying to lure their idols in.
June 2, 2023
1- EXO-CBX’s Attorney Fires Back At SM Claims Of Outside Forces In Lengthy Statement
Summary:
In the statement, the attorney denies all of SM Entertainment’s allegations and says that the members have “legitimate concerns” about their contracts.
The attorney also says that SM Entertainment has been “unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions” about the members’ concerns and that the lawsuit is the only way for them to get a fair resolution.
Here are some of the key points from the statement:
- The attorney denies all of SM Entertainment’s allegations.
- The members have “legitimate concerns” about their contracts.
- SM Entertainment has been “unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions.”
- The lawsuit is the only way for the members to get a fair resolution.
2- MC Mong Refutes Interference Allegations Made By SM
Summary:
In the statement, MC Mong denies all of SM Entertainment’s allegations and say they will take legal action if this continues.
June 5, 2023
1- EXO-CBX File Official Complaint Against SM Entertainment With The Fair Trade Commission
Summary:
On June 5, Attorney Lee Jae-hak from the law firm Linn announced the decision to report SM to the FTC through a third statement, “We have filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment with the Fair Trade Commission regarding their ‘abuse of market dominance’.” Their statement explains why they’re doing it.
They say that SM has ignored the FTC issuing corrective orders to SM twice in October 2007 and January 2011, and continued to do with their contracts as they’ve done.
2- SM Entertainment Claim They Will Provide Copies Of Settlement Documents For EXO-CBX [same time as the point statement issued]
Summary:
On June 5th, SM issued an official statement regarding the recent request for copies of settlement documents from Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin. SM said, “We would like to inform you of the decision we have made after careful consideration of the request for copies of settlement documents from the 3 artists.”
SM emphasized in their statement that settlement documents are confidential information that cannot be disclosed to third parties. They further explained, “In the case of a group, the information of other members is also included, requiring special caution.”
Furthermore, SM explained the situation and obtained consent or agreement from the other EXO members, apart from the 3 artists, regarding the provision of settlement document copies. They emphasized their commitment to do their best to ensure that EXO’s activities, which fans are eagerly anticipating, are not affected.
3- SM Entertainment Issues Official Response After EXO-CBX Report Them To The FTC
Summary:
SM Entertainment released an official statement emphasizing that “the artists’ press release contains many parts that are not true and argue that its evident that the intention of the artists, who triggered this incident, is to invalidate the effectiveness of the new exclusive contracts.
4- EXO-CBX Issue Detailed Response To SM’s Recent Response After Being Reported To The FTC
Summary:
The lawyer issued a follow-up statement addressing all the points SM made. They deny what they said and also add they have not yet been provided the Settlement Documents SM promised
June 8, 2023
1- EXO members spotted together departing to film a variety show somewhere in Korea
Summary:
A rep from SM confirmed the group is filming for a reality show somewhere in South Korea.
2- FTC begins investigating SM
Summary:
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has begun reviewing the dispute between EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin and their agency, SM Entertainment. The FTC has mainly handled disputes over exclusive contracts with entertainers through the Seoul Office of Competition. However, considering the significance of the dispute involving popular K-pop group members, there is a possibility that the case may be transferred to the FTC headquarters.
June 19, 2023
Dispute seemingly over
Summary:
On the 19th of June, SM and EXO-CBX issued a joint statement, stating, “We have been able to resolve the misunderstandings and disagreements that arose due to previous misunderstandings and reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.” The members have resolved the issues they had with SM and have reached an agreement and will continue to be represented by SM.
January 8, 2024
CBX leaves SM and join Baekhyun’s label
Summary:
Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen (CBX) announced their official start of independent label ‘I&B 100’ on the 8th of January, promising diverse activities. Individual activities under the independent label will be carried out based on mutual agreement with SM Entertainment.
May 16, 2024
EXO-CBX’s agency becomes A Subsidiary Of ONE HUNDRED, a Label of MC Mong
Summary:
The new entertainment company, INB100, has been announced as a subsidiary of ONE HUNDRED, the producing company behind Million Market and Big Planet Made Entertainment. Read about it here.
June 10, 2024
1- CBX’s press conference announcement of pursuing new legal action against SM
Summary:
EXO’s CBX announces an emergency press conference Regarding More Allegations Of SM’s Unfair Treatment. The three idols don’t attend but Chairman Cha Gawon, INB100 CEO Kim Dongjoon, and lawyer Lee Jaehak were in attendance.
2- CBX’s press conference details
You can take a look at the comprehensive press conference summary here. In short, the three idols allege issues with the distribution fee not what’s agreed upon, they allege SM failed to provide accounting data, the members haven’t received renewal contract amount despite promoting with EXO, and share details of why Baekhyun re-signed during his military service.
3- SM rebuttal and announcement of pending legal action
In a statement on the same day, SM expressed their deep regret over the method and content of the press conference. They allege MC Mong still had connections to tampering with their idols as evidenced by how EXO-CBX became a subsidiary of his label. They alleged that CBX Want to Enjoy the Rights/Benefits as EXO Members but Ignore Promises/Obligations, and claim the agreed upon distribution fee of 10% was signed, and they will file a lawsuit against the members.
Read the full details here.
June 11, 2024
Rumors of EXO’s comeback being canceled due to the new escalation.
Summary:
One media outlet alleged this and EXO-CBX denied it. SM stated, “It is true that we were planning to release an EXO album, and there have been no additional discussions regarding changes in the plan.”
June 13, 2024
SM files lawsuit against CBX
Summary:
An SM representative stated on the 13th of June to Maeil Business Star Today, “We have filed a lawsuit for contract fulfillment against Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin in the Seoul Eastern District Court. We will respond according to the law and principles.”
Read details here.
June 14, 2024
CBX says they will counter-sue SM
The trio promises to “publicly disclose everything including last year’s negotiation process and actively respond.” The trio also apologized to fans for causing concern, anxiety and disappointment
Read details about it here.
June 26, 2024
EXO-CBX Files Police Complaint Against SM Executives For Fraud
A representative from INB100, the agency of EXO-CBX, stated to media outlets, “we filed a lawsuit against SM’s CEO Lee Seong-su and co-CEO Tak Young-joon at Seoul Seongdong Police Station for fraud under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Economic Crimes.”
March, 2025
1-Media outlets report that Xiumin is unable to appear on music shows due to SM’s influence, KBS denies
The trio’s agency has claimed that he was denied an appearance on KBS 2TV’s music program Music Bank ahead of his solo activities, and KBS has denied the allegations and stated that they’re “still in communication with Xiumin’s agency.”
2-MC Mong threatens to expose SM via recordings and more
MC Mong voices his dissatisfaction with SM Entertainment after XIUMIN, who is under his agency, was reportedly unable to appear on KBS’s Music Ban due to SM’s interference.
September, 2025
CBX and SM’s 1st mediation session yields no results
On the 23rd of September of 2025, the Seoul Eastern District Court’s Civil Division 15 (Chief Judge Jo Yongrae) held the first mediation session regarding the settlement lawsuit and contract enforcement lawsuit filed by EXO-CBX and SM against each other. However, the two sides failed to reach an agreement. As a result, the court scheduled a second mediation session for October 2.
EXO teases winter comeback
EXO’s official accounts teased an official comeback, but without clarifying whether CBX would participate.
October, 2025
1- 2nd mediation session fails
Media outlets reported that the 2nd mediation session yielded no results too.
2- CBX lose all lawsuits against SM
in late October of 2025, the court gave verdicts of no charges or dismissals regarding the five lawsuits filed by CBX against SM.
According to court rulings and non-referral decision documents obtained by Law Times, investigative agencies, administrative agencies, and the court all judged that there was no evidence to acknowledge illegality or deception in SM’s actions. Additionally, in the police complaint filed against SM, the police concluded there was no suspicion due to insufficient evidence and decided not to refer the case. (source)
3- EXO’s comeback as six members without CBX
On October 27 of 2025, SM revealed that the group will hold a fan meeting titled “EXO’verse” on December 13 and 14 of 2025 at Inspire Arena in Jung-gu, Incheon. Following that, they plan to release their 8th full-length album in the first quarter of 2026 and continue with various activities, heightening anticipation among global fans.
Only Members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay will participate in both the fan meeting and the new album. Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin will not be joining this comeback amid their ongoing legal battle with SM.
4- CBX says they were blindsided by SM’s announcement
On the 29th of October of 2025, INB100 released an official statement to claim that they’ve met with SM in the past and have done their best trying to reach an agreement so the members could participate in the group’s activities to the point the trio freed up their December schedule in anticipation of the upcoming EXO activities. However, the agency says they were blindsided by SM’s comeback and fan meeting announcement regarding EXO this coming December.
5- SM snaps back, says CBX have lost all lawsuits and yet to pay the 10%
SM issued an official statement to confirm that they have indeed won all their disputes with the trio and despite that, the trio has yet to pay the 10% of their individual activity revenue agreed upon in 2023. Until then, SM says “since numerous unreasonable disputes have significantly damaged mutual trust between both parties, as well as caused considerable harm to EXO as a team and emotional distress to fans and members, it was only natural that the three should first fulfill the existing agreement and make a sincere effort to restore trust.”
6- CBX issues 2nd response, pledge to do their best so the trio can partake in EXO’s activities
CBX followed with a 2nd statement staying they intend to reach an agreement with SM Entertainment so that CBX can take part in EXO’s full-group activities.
April, 2026
EXO-CBX notifies their agency of contract termination
On the 10th of April of 2026, The Fact reported that EXO-CBX sent a certified notice of contract termination to INB100 CEO Cha Ga Won at the end of March.
According to the report, EXO-CBX requested responses regarding unpaid settlements and contract violations, but after two weeks without a satisfactory answer, they decided to terminate their exclusive contracts.