EXO's ChenBaekXi's Legal Battle with SM Entertainment
According to a Korean media outlet, the legal dispute between EXO members ChenBaekXi (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) and SM Entertainment (hereafter referred to as SM) has escalated.
SM has filed a lawsuit against the members, and ChenBaekXi's agency, INB100, has announced their intention to counter-sue for unpaid settlements.
On the 14th, INB100 stated, "On the 12th, SM filed a lawsuit against us. Without responding to our negotiation proposal, SM immediately opted for legal action. Regarding our longstanding doubts about settlements, we will file a settlement claim lawsuit against SM."
The conflict dates back to June of the previous year. ChenBaekXi had informed SM of their intent to terminate their exclusive contract, alleging that they were being forced into unfair long-term agreements. After intense negotiations, both parties stated that they had amicably resolved the issue, emphasizing the importance of EXO's continued activities.
However, the conflict reignited on the 10th when ChenBaekXi held an emergency press conference, accusing SM of failing to honor their negotiation agreements. They claimed that SM's demand for 10% of their sales revenue, despite not fulfilling the promise of a 5.5% distribution fee, was unjust.
Subsequently, on the 12th, SM filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Eastern District Court to enforce the contract. SM stated, "We have agreed to allow ChenBaekXi to conduct activities through personal corporations and to receive 10% of the personal corporation's sales. We will respond to this situation according to the law and principles."
This renewed conflict has put the other five EXO members and their fans in a difficult position, especially with EXO planning a group comeback this winter. If the conflict drags on, there is a possibility that the comeback could be canceled. On the 11th, SM confirmed, "We were indeed planning a winter release for EXO, and there have been no additional discussions about changing this plan."
Meanwhile, EXO's leader Suho is scheduled to have an interview today (the 14th) regarding the conclusion of the MBN drama "The Crown Prince Has Disappeared." During a press call for the musical "Mozart!" last June, Suho was questioned about the ChenBaekXi dispute. He responded, "I don't think today is the right time to answer this, but the members are working well together, and we are preparing diligently to show our fans better music. Please look forward to it. Above all, please pay more attention to the 'Mozart!' performance that has just started."
Given that today's schedule is also taking place amidst the ongoing dispute, there are concerns that Suho might be unfairly dragged into the controversy again.