EXO Baekhyun's Surprising Move During SM Lawsuit Causes Uproar— Here's Why

On June 17, 2024, a message sent by Baekhyun via the fan communication app Bubble has ignited a storm of criticism amidst his legal battle with SM Entertainment. The message, intended for EXO-Ls (known as Eri), has raised eyebrows due to its timing and implications amid the ongoing dispute.

The controversy unfolded when a post titled "The message that EXO's Baekhyun sent yesterday on Bubble" surfaced on the popular Korean forum theqoo. Within hours, it amassed over 67,000 views and 400 comments, reflecting intense public interest and debate.

In the message, Baekhyun expressed heartfelt sentiments to fans, stating:

"To Eri, who gave me unconditional love in a world without unconditionality, I hope that today is a little better than yesterday. I just miss you a lot." While seemingly innocuous, the use of "Eri" as a term of endearment traditionally reserved for EXO-Ls has sparked criticism amidst the legal turmoil involving SM Entertainment.

Currently embroiled in a legal dispute alongside fellow EXO members Xiumin and Chen, Baekhyun's mention of EXO's fandom name has been viewed by some netizens as insensitive and hypocritical.

Critics argue that amidst conflicts with the management agency, using the fandom's name could be seen as leveraging fan loyalty during a turbulent period for personal sentiment.

Online reactions have been swift and mixed, with netizens expressing their discontent:

• "Wow, the timing couldn't be worse. It feels like he's playing on fans' emotions."
• "Using 'Eri' when there's a legal battle over EXO's future? Not a good move."
• "This just shows how tangled up everything is. You can't separate personal feelings from professional disputes."

Others have questioned the appropriateness of invoking EXO's fandom name amid the ongoing legal battles, implying a disconnect between Baekhyun's public message and the current challenges facing the group.

Baekhyun's message, though intended as a gesture of gratitude to loyal fans, has inadvertently deepened the divide in public opinion regarding his actions amidst the legal wrangling with SM Entertainment.

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Written by Cassidy Jones.