Legal Standoff Continues for EXO-CBX
Looks like the boys of EXO-CBX aren’t backing down. The ongoing contractual battle between Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (aka EXO-CBX) and their longtime agency SM Entertainment is heading to court—again.
Second Mediation, Same Outcome
On April 2, the Eastern Seoul District Court held a second mediation session to resolve disputes over contract fulfillment and unpaid settlements between the two parties. Just like the first session in March, only legal reps showed up, and once again, no resolution was reached.
The court officially declared that the mediation had failed, pushing both sides into a formal legal showdown. Talk about déjà vu.
How We Got Here
This messy split dates back to mid-2023 when EXO-CBX accused SM of not properly disclosing settlement reports and announced their departure from exclusive contracts. The trio even took their complaint to South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission.
Eventually, both sides reached a temporary agreement: EXO-CBX would stay under SM for group activities, while pursuing solo projects under a new label, INB100. But harmony was short-lived.
The Revenue Royalties Clash
In June, SM sued the trio for allegedly ignoring an agreement to pay 10% of their solo earnings. CBX fired back with a counterclaim, stating that SM had broken its promise to offer a fairer album distribution fee—which was supposed to be 5.5%. They’re now demanding SM hand over actual settlement records for the years they were under contract.
If you’re wondering whether this case ends in a handshake or a gavel slam, stay tuned—it’s only heating up.
What’s Next for EXO-CBX?
The failed mediation means the dispute will move forward as a formal civil trial. That means more court dates, more document combing, and possibly more drama ahead.
Will this battle reshape how idol contracts work in K-pop? Or will it become another sad chapter in the long book of agency-artist conflicts? Fans—and probably a few entertainment lawyers—are watching closely.
