EXO confirms December fan meeting and 2026 album featuring Lay; CBX members absent amid legal feud

EXO is gearing up for a major comeback that’s both nostalgic and bittersweet for fans. SM Entertainment has officially announced that the legendary K-pop group will hold a special fan meeting titled EXO'verse on December 13 and 14 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea.

The event will mark not only an emotional reunion but also the beginning of a new chapter, with EXO preparing for a full-length album slated for release in the first quarter of 2026.

SM confirmed that Lay Zhang — the group’s Chinese member who has been pursuing solo activities in China — will join EXO for both the fan meeting and the album promotions. This marks Lay’s first official participation in EXO’s group activities in years.

According to the label’s announcement, six members — Suho, Lay, Chanyeol, D.O. (Doh Kyung Soo), Kai, and Sehun — will participate in the upcoming fan meeting and the new album. However, noticeably absent from the lineup are Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin — collectively known as EXO-CBX. The three singers are currently embroiled in a contractual dispute with SM Entertainment, which has reportedly strained their relationship with the agency and the group’s future activities.
Earlier this year, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin accused SM of unfair contract terms and lack of transparency regarding revenue, while SM countered with claims of contract violation and interference.

Despite the internal rift, anticipation for EXO'verse remains sky-high. The group is expected to perform fan favourites, including their beloved winter classic The First Snow, alongside a brand-new track from their upcoming album.