The group EXO is resuming team activities after two and a half years but has become embroiled in internal conflict during the comeback process. The year-end fan meeting and activities for the 8th full album, involving six members—Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay—have been officially confirmed, but the absence of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (hereafter referred to as ChenBaekXi) has led to conflicting positions between the agency SM Entertainment and ChenBaekXi's side (INB100).

On October 27, SM announced that EXO would begin year-end fan meeting 'EXO'verse' and activities for the 8th full album next year with six members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. The fan meeting is scheduled to be held from December 13 to 14 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. This marks the first team activity in two and a half years since the 7th album in 2023, raising high expectations among fans for a full-group comeback.

However, on October 29, INB100 issued a statement reaffirming their intention to pay 10% of ChenBaekXi's revenue. INB100 explained that since a lawsuit is currently underway, they plan to complete legal procedures after reaching an agreement. They also claimed that they accepted the conditions proposed by SM for EXO's full-group activities and communicated their willingness to agree but were excluded from the activities.

SM immediately rebutted. SM emphasized that what was requested from the three members was the payment of 10% of individual activity revenue as stipulated in the existing agreement dated June 18, 2023. However, this has not yet been fulfilled. SM mentioned that trust between both parties has significantly deteriorated and that the damage caused to the team EXO, as well as the hurt inflicted on fans and members, has been considerable. Therefore, SM stressed the need for the three members to fulfill the existing agreement and make sincere efforts to restore trust.

The next day, INB100 released another statement. INB100 stated that all negotiations were conducted on the premise of 'EXO full-group activities,' clarified their intention to fulfill the existing agreement, and are communicating directly with the members. They also emphasized their efforts to be part of the team and declared that ChenBaekXi will diligently proceed with fulfilling the existing agreement and do their best to restore trust with the members and reach amicable consultations with SM.

This conflict is not the first between the two sides. In 2023, ChenBaekXi raised issues regarding settlement and requested termination of their exclusive contract, filing a complaint against SM with the Fair Trade Commission. Subsequently, they reached an agreement under the condition that SM would handle EXO activities and INB100 would manage individual activities, but the dispute reignited when ChenBaekXi did not pay 10% of individual revenue. ChenBaekXi claimed that SM did not adhere to the music distribution commission rate (5.5%), while SM countered that the distribution commission rate was a clause deleted from the agreement.

The prosecution, courts, and the Fair Trade Commission all sided with SM. Regarding major issues raised by ChenBaekXi such as fraud, unfair contracts, and failure to provide settlement documents, the conclusion was 'no illegality,' and the court dismissed most orders for document submission and requests to inspect accounting books. Although legal procedures have concluded for now, the breach of trust remains.

The core of this situation is 'agreement fulfillment' and 'trust restoration.' SM maintains the principle that legal issues and team activities are separate, while INB100 emphasizes their intention to participate as part of the team regardless of legal procedures. However, amid repeated disputes, the name 'EXO full-group' is once again drifting away.

Ultimately, the biggest victims are the team and the fans. EXO's comeback, breaking a long hiatus, has been overshadowed by controversy rather than celebration, and the six members have been burdened with unnecessary pressure. Fans express fatigue, saying, "It's unfortunate that EXO is caught up in disputes again." EXO's return holds great significance for fans, but the current conflict is undermining the team's image and fans' expectations.