EXO fans were all over the moon when it was announced that they would get to see the five active members on a new season of EXO's travel the world on the ladder. Except, the excitement quickly dissipated into anger as they noticed how SM C&C, the content production subsidiary of SM, has been cutting members Chanyeol and Chen out of the footage for the new season.

It all began when the 1st episode of the third season got aired on wavve when fans were quick to notice how in the beginning montage showing the previous season of EXO's ladder, the two members were, for the most part, cut out of the montage and none of their moments were shown. As soon as it was pointed out, EXO fans quickly showed their frustration towards SM but calmed down after watching the five members embark on their vacation and settling on the idea that maybe it was simply because they were both enlisted into the military and couldn't be mentioned nor seen on the show.

They could only distract fans for a little while, as in the most recent episode of EXO's ladder, fans noticed how Chanyeol and Chen were in none of the season 2 photos memories on the wall. In fact, SM has decided only to show photos of the members who decided to be part of the relaxation team on the last day of their trip with Suho, Xiumin, Kai, Baekhyun, and Sehun. Chanyeol & Chen, being the activities team that became the highlight of the season according to many fans, were not in said photos, and SM didn't bother with adding their photos. 

"This really bothers me. Idk but why SM didn't even include Chanyeol and Chen in Episode 4? Like the caption said Ladder season 2 photos but there's no ChanChen?" - @famxloey on Twitter.

Many have pointed out that it is quite ironic for SM to do this. Chanyeol and Chen have both been the target of hate for the past year from a part of the Korean EXO fanbase due to false rumors and marriage. By cutting them off from the show and acting as if they were never there, EXO fans say that SM might be trying to cater to that part of the fanbase, which is unforgivable for a company that has released a statement saying EXO would not have any change into their lineup and that they would sue people for spreading misinformation. 

According to some fans, the fact that SM is engaging in feeding in this type of behavior only contradicts their previous statements and gives antis additional fuel to hate on both Chanyeol and Chen. They also point out the fact that the EXO members haven't mentioned Chanyeol nor Chen; instead, they just talk about Baekhyun.

On the other side, some fans still believe that maybe it is a simple coincidence that the two members were omitted from several moments in the show so far. They also say that maybe SM has cut the part where the members have mentioned Chanyeol and Chen.

What do you think about this situation?