
Xiumin has alleged that SM Entertainment's influence over KBS has made it difficult for him to appear on the network’s programs.
On the 4th, Xiumin’s agency, One Hundred, issued a statement, saying, "Xiumin is set to release a solo album on the 10th. We made multiple attempts to meet with KBS, but they did not respond and remained silent."
They further stated, "KBS unofficially informed us that it would be impossible for Xiumin to appear on programs such as 'Music Bank' where SM Entertainment singers perform. Despite our continued efforts to reach out, we were ignored."
The agency expressed frustration, adding, "A public broadcasting network has blocked us due to a conflict of interest with a specific agency. If this unfair situation continues, our artists will be unable to appear on music shows during the weeks when SM Entertainment artists are promoting. We regret having to deliver such disappointing news."
Finally, One Hundred declared, "We will continue to push for fairness from KBS and strive to prevent other artists from being affected by similar unfair practices in the future. We will never give up."
Meanwhile, Xiumin’s solo album ‘Interview X’ is set for release on March 10th. He has parted ways with SM Entertainment for his individual and Baekhyun-related activities under One Hundred but will continue his EXO group activities under SM Entertainment.
Here is One Hundred’s Full Statement:
Hello. This is One Hundred.
We would like to address an important issue regarding our artist’s appearance on KBS.
Xiumin, who is under INB100, is set to release his solo album ‘Interview X’ on March 10th, marking his first solo comeback in two years and six months.
Since it has been a long time since his last solo release, our team made several attempts to meet with the broadcasting station to arrange his performance on music shows for his fans. However, KBS remained silent and did not even respond to our requests.
Recently, KBS unofficially informed us that it would be impossible for Xiumin to appear on KBS2's 'Music Bank'—a show featuring SM Entertainment artists.
Although this decision was difficult to accept, we continued to reach out, urging KBS to "prioritize the artist and fans." However, even this was ignored.
It appears that this situation has arisen not due to musical considerations, but because a public broadcasting station has chosen to block an artist from appearing due to a conflict of interest with a specific agency.
If such unfair circumstances persist, our artists will inevitably be excluded from music shows whenever SM Entertainment artists are promoting.
We find it highly unjust that KBS, as a public broadcaster, would make programming decisions based solely on the interests of one company. We did our utmost to resolve this issue but are deeply disappointed to share this unfortunate news with fans.
Regarding KBS’s stance, which has made it difficult for Xiumin and other artists to appear on 'Music Bank', we will continue working towards fairness and ensuring that similar injustices do not affect other artists in the future.
Although Xiumin’s appearance on KBS may not be possible at this time, we will never give up. We promise to find alternative ways to deliver exciting performances and meaningful experiences for our artists and fans.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for this disappointing news. We remain committed to correcting unfair industry practices and standing by our artists.
SEE ALSO: EXO's Xiumin drops retro vibe teaser image for his upcoming EP 'Interview X'