Amid reports that EXO members Baekhyun, D.O, Sehun, and Chanyeol will leave SM Entertainment, leader Suho spoke out about the group's future.
EXO D.O. To Launch Solo Label Following Baekhyun + Sehun & Chanyeol's Departure Rumors
In June 2023, rumors about EXO's departure from SM, members' withdrawal and disbandment were raised.
Despite the delight of EXO-Ls/Eris (fandom) as they celebrate the group's 11th debut anniversary, it became a bittersweet memory for some after EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin) had a dispute over exclusive contracts with SM.
ALSO READ: EXO DO Reportedly Leaving SM Entertainment & Establish Own Company— Is This the End of the Group?
Ahead of their comeback in the same month, CBX expressed their desire to leave SM due to settlement issues and unfair contract periods, but later announced in a joint statement with SM Entertainment that it would discuss and revise some of the contracts and continue to work as EXO.
Nevertheless, in August, Baekhyun confirmed that he would push through with the establishment of his own company that would cultivate choreographers and dancers.
The issue hadn't fully cooled down when Chanyeol and Sehun were reported to leave SM on October 17. The sub-unit allegedly signed with a new label to pursue their personal activities, which was later on refuted by SM Entertainment. But the agency clarified:
"However, for individual activities of members, we decided to conditionally allow the part that proceeds through the corporation established by the member himself if the member wants under the exclusive contract with SM."
On the 18th, the transfer of D.O. was confirmed. SM Entertainment said:
"The exclusive contract with Do Kyungsoo will end early next month. We discussed with Do Kyungsoo and decided to continue his activities as EXO with SM."
However, D.O. will act and conduct personal activities at a new company established independently by a former SM manager.
What Will Happen to EXO? Suho Attests to Eris About Group's Future
With this, the rumors that EXO will eventually disband due to members' solo paths arose again, shaking EXO-Ls.
Fortunately, the group and the fandom have Suho, the group's leader, reassured Eris about the EXO's future.
On October 19, Suho gave confidence by writing through the paid communication service "Bubble" with fans:
"You've all had a good day. Be proud of it. (Anyway) Don't worry about EXO's promotion, Suho is in charge. We are one."
With this, fans were comforted and showed strong faith.
- "I'm relieved to have Suho."
- "The whole EXO-Ls believe in you."
- "I won't be shaken."
- "If Junmyeon said it, then it's the truth."
On October 8, Baekhyun also attested to fans by leaving the message:
"I won't leave. EXO is one. I won't break the 'We Are One,' so don't worry."
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson.