One of the biggest K-pop acts, EXO, had big ambitions to release an album as a group this winter. However, a serious disagreement between EXO-CBX (members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin) and SM Entertainment, their management business, has put these plans in danger Fans who have been anticipating new songs from the entire group anxiously are feeling uneasy and disappointed as a result of this argument.
Initial Ideas for a Winter Album
According to rumors on June 11, EXO and SM Entertainment first talked about the possibility of releasing a full album in the winter. Rather than songs with a lot of performance, the emphasis was on seasonal tunes. One such song is “First Snow,” which garnered a lot of support from the general population.
However, the idea was not further explored in the first half of the year due to the members’ separate and solo commitments. It was agreed upon notwithstanding that a winter album would still be released. The prospect of fresh songs from the whole group thrilled fans.
Conflict’s Emergence
The plan for EXO’s return is being faced by serious difficulties. In an emergency news conference on June 10, EXO-CBX accused SM Entertainment of unfair business practices. They said that even after sending certified mail complaining about how unfair it was that they only received 10% of sales and 5.5% of album revenue, SM had not replied for more than two months.
The head of One Hundred, the organization that runs EXO-CBX’s agency INB100, Chaga Won, refuted claims of tampering, saying, “Absolutely not,” and underlined that EXO-CBX members still wish to take part in full-group activities.
The Reaction of SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment swiftly apologized and denied the allegations in a statement. They clarified, saying, “The improper inducement (tampering) of our artists by MC Mong and Cha Ga Won is the essence of all incidents,” and refuted the statements made about the distribution commission rate.
In addition, SM stated, “We are not obligated to respond to demands with improper purposes and will take necessary measures, including imposing confidentiality obligations on EXO-CBX, and will confidently address settlement-related issues within legal procedures.”
Uncertain Prospects for the Winter Album
It’s generally accepted that the latest press conference has gone too far, especially in light of the significant disagreement that occurred between EXO-CBX and SM Entertainment last year. It is so anticipated that, barring another momentous agreement, it will be challenging to witness EXO’s full-group album this winter.
Supporters are dissatisfied and worried about what will happen to EXO’s music as a whole. The war has clouded the upcoming winter album, and there is little chance that it will be resolved. EXO’s full-group operations are still unknown as of right now.
