EXO had planned to release a full-group album this winter, but it seems likely to be canceled due to the conflict between EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin) and SM Entertainment.
On June 11, reports revealed that SM and EXO initially discussed plans for a winter full album release, focusing on seasonal songs rather than performance-heavy tracks. An example of such a seasonal song is "First Snow," which received significant public love.
However, due to the members' solo and individual activities, the project was not further discussed in the first half of the year. Despite this, it was understood that a winter album would still happen.
EXO's comeback plan is now facing significant challenges. On June 10, EXO-CBX held an emergency press conference, accusing SM of unfair practices. They claimed that despite sending certified mail regarding the unfairness of receiving only 5.5% of album revenue and 10% of sales, SM had not responded for over two months. Chaga Won, chairman of One Hundred, the parent company of EXO-CBX's agency INB100, denied tampering allegations, stating, "Absolutely not," and emphasized that the EXO-CBX members still want to participate in EXO's full-group activities.
SM quickly released a statement expressing regret and refuting the claims. They clarified, "The essence of all incidents is the improper inducement (tampering) of our artists by MC Mong and Cha Ga Won," and explained that the claims regarding the distribution commission rate were untrue.
Furthermore, SM hinted at legal action, stating, "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."
Given the major conflict between EXO-CBX and SM last year, it is widely believed that the recent press conference has crossed a point of no return. Therefore, it is expected that it will be difficult to see EXO's full-group album this winter unless another dramatic agreement is reached.
SEE ALSO: INB100 accuses SM entertainment of unfair practices in EXO-CBX deal
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Heh. They just want to turn the fans against cbx by using the full album as a hostage. As disappointing as it is if there's no album, to be free from sm for own artist growth is more important IMO
i can't speak for every exo-ls out there, but for me, as someone who been one since almost d1, with all the shits we have to take from sm regarding exo throughout the years, (and i do not side my biases unconditionally,) no doubt this is just another one of those.
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