- SM Entertainment sues EXO-CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin over unpaid royalties.
- Legal conflict stems from alleged non-payment of agreed-upon 10% royalty fee.
- Members claim unfair demands from SM regarding solo activities’ revenue.
Amidst the glittering world of K-pop, tensions have flared between SM Entertainment and the members of EXO-CBX. The agency has taken legal action against Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, accusing them of evading royalty payments stipulated in their contract.
On the other hand, the members, supported by their legal team, assert that SM failed to honor its commitments under the agreement, particularly regarding revenue from their solo endeavors.
SM Entertainment and EXO-CBX’s Contractual Rifts
SM Entertainment’s lawsuit against EXO-CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin marks a significant legal escalation within the K-pop industry. The dispute centers on alleged non-payment of a 10% royalty fee, a detail agreed upon in a previous contract resolution following earlier tensions over contract terms.
The trio’s decision to pursue solo activities under INB100, a label founded by Baekhyun, added another layer of complexity to their relationship with SM Entertainment. This move was seen as an attempt to balance artistic autonomy with ongoing contractual obligations.
Both sides have exchanged allegations regarding the handling of earnings from solo ventures. SM Entertainment claims the artists have not fulfilled financial obligations, while the members argue they are being unfairly restricted in their revenue from solo endeavors.
As the legal proceedings unfold in Seoul, industry watchers speculate on the broader implications for K-pop artists navigating the delicate balance between creative independence and contractual obligations under large entertainment agencies. This case underscores the evolving landscape of artist-management relations in one of the world’s most dynamic music industries.
In the competitive realm of K-pop, contractual disputes like this one between SM Entertainment and EXO-CBX members highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining balance between artistic freedom and contractual obligations.
“As artists navigate their careers, disputes over royalties and contractual terms are crucial moments for defining industry standards.”
