EXO’s full-group comeback faces confusion as CBX awaits SM’s approval

Will EXO be back?

After months of silence, legal filings, and countless fan theories, hope for an EXO full-group comeback has flickered back to life — though not without fresh confusion.

On 29 October, INB100, the agency representing Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (CBX), announced that the trio had expressed their wish to reunite with EXO for upcoming activities.

The agency revealed that all three members had already cleared their schedules for December, awaiting final confirmation from SM Entertainment.

But what began as a hopeful update quickly turned bittersweet. Shortly after, SM Entertainment announced EXO’s year-end fan meeting (set for 13–14 December) and confirmed that an eighth studio album was in the works for early 2026 — without CBX.

The listed lineup featured Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay, reigniting concerns about division within the group.

INB100’s statement reflected both sincerity and frustration, noting, “CBX members deeply value their fans and sincerely wanted to return as part of the full group.” The agency added that it was committed to “reaching an agreement as soon as possible so that EXO can reunite as one.”

However, SM Entertainment’s response was far from conciliatory.

The company released a statement of its own, stressing, “We clearly stated to the trio in the past that reaching an agreement to end our legal dispute and [EXO’s] group activities were two separate matters... We cannot help but express deep regret at the trio’s statement from today, which distorts the truth regarding these kinds of circumstances.”

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

The conflict between CBX and SM has been one of K-pop’s most-watched legal sagas. CBX accused the agency of lacking transparency over earnings, while SM countered that the trio failed to pay the agreed 10% of personal activity income tied to EXO’s brand rights — a case the courts ruled in SM’s favour.

Despite this, both sides had reportedly resumed reconciliation talks earlier this year, with meetings taking place between July and October.

The dream of "OT9" remains a burning dream for their loyal fan base, and EXO's harmonies have always stood for unity. A ray of hope that EXO may soon unite once more as one voice, one narrative, and one group is provided by CBX's readiness to come back.