EXO, one of the biggest boy groups in KPOP, is finally coming back with a full-length studio album this July, but with the impending legal dispute with some of its members, will this be the group's last?
"EXO's 7th full-length album will be released on July 10," SM Entertainment announced in a press release. "As they've worked hard preparing, the album-related promotions will proceed as planned, and the detailed schedule will be released soon."
The news of a highly anticipated album release comes just days after some rather troubling news for EXO's fanbase.
According to reports, several members, particularly Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, filed lawsuits against the label and entertainment company to terminate their exclusive contracts.
This may mean that the three members will no longer participate in future music releases or other group-related activities with EXO.
EXO-CBX
EXO currently consists of nine members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun; they debuted back in 2012 and eventually rose to international prominence shortly after.
With their great success in music, it came as a complete surprise to fans that three members are willing to part ways with their agency and label after being with SM Entertainment for over a decade.
As per Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin's attorney, SM Entertainment refused to provide a "transparent accounting of their payment process" despite being asked by the members several times since March this year.
"The request for transparent accounting is the most basic right of the artists, and SM Entertainment is also bound by law to fulfill their requests. But SM has maintained that they will not be able to do so," Lee Jaehak continued.
"As such, SM has abused its power and influence by making artists, after signing a 12-13 year contract, re-sign with them to make their contracts exceed 17-18 years."
On top of the transparency allegations, their lawyer also alleged that the members have also experience abuse from the company.
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Future of EXO
The impending legal dispute between the company and members is worrying some fans, and they are wondering whether the three will still be included in the upcoming comeback.
According to SM Entertainment, they are. However, since the lawsuit was just filed, there is no word on whether they will continue with the group or how the issue will be resolved.
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