SOURCE: 첸백시, 또 소속사와 결별…SM 이어 INB100도 계약 해지 통보
EXO's sub-unit, CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) has notifies their agency, INB100, of the termination of their exclusive contracts.
According to a report by The Fact on the 10th, CBX sent a notice of contract termination to INB100's CEO Cha Gawon at the end of March. The group requested payment of unpaid earnings and an explanation regarding the alleged contract violations, but stated that they have not received a satisfactory answer even after two weeks. In response, CEO Cha Gawon's side stated, "We will resolve the issue of unpaid earnings, even if it means we have to receive additional investment or use personal funds."
INB100 is a label established by Baekhyun as he prepared to become independent from SM Entertainment. In May 2024, it became a subsidiary label under One Hundred, led by CEO Cha Gawon.
Prior to CBX's departure, a broader wave of artists have left One Hundred. Starting with Taemin, followed by nine members of THE BOYZ (excluding New), VIVIZ, Lee Mujin, BE'O, and Lee Seunggi, multiple artists have successively notified the company of contract terminations, citing reasons such as unpaid earnings, lack of support for entertainment activities, and unpaid payments to external vendors.
This also marks the second agency dispute for CBX. Previously in 2023, they were in a conflict with SM Entertainment over the failure to provide settlement data and unfair contract terms. Afterward, Baekhyun established INB100 and pursued independent activities. However, after mostly losing in legal battles and now facing another dispute with INB100, they are assumed to have suffered both financial losses and damage to their image.
A full-group comeback for EXO remains uncertain. While CBX expressed their desire to participate in EXO's activities in last October, SM Entertainment stated, "The agreement to end the dispute and group activities are separate matters," drawing a clear line.
