Fans of EXO have been waiting a long time for the possibility of a full-group comeback. Now, the sub-unit EXO‑CBX (members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin) is officially back in the conversation. Their agency, INB100, released a statement confirming that the trio intends to participate in EXO’s full-group activities under SM Entertainment.
This development marks a major shift. EXO-CBX had been navigating contractual and legal disputes for some time while still expressing a desire to remain part of EXO. Their willingness to rejoin as full group members suggests a new chapter for one of K-pop’s biggest acts.
EXO-CBX’s Agency Confirms Efforts Underway for Full-Group EXO Activities
In the statement published on October 29, 2025, INB100 outlined the progress of negotiations with SM Entertainment. The key points include:
- On July 9, 2025, EXO-CBX met with SM to agree on the direction of the whole group’s activities.
- On September 10, 2025, both sides exchanged detailed agreement drafts and entered a stage of practical negotiation.
- After mediation on October 2, EXO-CBX conveyed that they were willing to accept all of SM’s proposed conditions to enable a year-end full-group comeback.
- The trio reportedly cleared their individual December schedules to prioritize EXO activities while awaiting SM’s final response through their legal representatives.
The tone of the statement emphasizes the members’ commitment to EXO and their fans, alongside regret for the delay in clarifying their stance.
What Led to This Point: A Brief Background
To fully understand the significance of this announcement, a little context helps. EXO-CBX consists of three longstanding EXO members who launched their sub-unit in 2016. In June 2023, they notified SM of their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts, citing concerns over the settlement data and contract transparency.
Shortly afterward, by June 19, the parties announced they had resolved their differences and the members would continue group activities under SM, while launching solo careers via INB100.
Despite that resolution, EXO-CBX’s participation in full-group activities had remained unclear. Previous announcements of EXO’s fan meetings and album releases did not include them. That exclusion sparked renewed questions among fans about their status within the group.
What Fans Should Look Out For Next
While the statement is optimistic, some caveats remain:
- Final Contract Terms: Although EXO-CBX stated they accepted SM’s terms, the agreement remains unofficial until both parties or their legal representatives publicly confirm the final details.
- Official Comeback Schedule: Clearing December is one thing, but a confirmed comeback date and album announcement will solidify this news.
- Inclusion in Upcoming Releases: Will EXO-CBX be included in the next album, music videos, live shows, and promotional cycles? Fans will watch this closely.
- Fan Response: While many will be happy, some sections of the fandom may remain cautious given past uncertainty. Outreach and clear communication may help build trust.
- Legal & Contract Issues: Given the prior lawsuits and mediation sessions, this agreement could still be subject to legal and financial adjustments behind the scenes.
In short, the promise is there, but execution will determine success. The next few weeks will be pivotal.
Final Thoughts
This announcement marks a hopeful turning point for EXO and their supporters. The fact that EXO-CBX’s agency explicitly addressed the matter and outlined a transparent timeline demonstrates accountability. On the flip side, SM Entertainment also stands to gain by affirming stability in one of its major groups.
If the follow-through is smooth, we could witness a major comeback that honors EXO’s history while giving fans renewed excitement for the future. For now, patience is key. Observers and fans alike should keep an eye out for official releases and promotional announcements.
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