EXO members Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin are pursuing legal action against SM Entertainment.

In an official statement sent through their legal representative, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen stated that they will be terminating their exclusive contracts with the agency starting 1 June 2023.

The three share that they have been asking SM Entertainment for transparency in their settlement reports, but have yet to receive the data. Citing a precedent, this gave them grounds to end their exclusive contracts. The artists have also raised the issue of unfair and long-term contracts with the agency, and are said to be "considering filing a complaint with the Fair Trade Commission regarding the long-term existing exclusive contract and subsequent exclusive contract signing." 

Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen ask fans to listen to their concerns and thank their fans who allow them to have the courage to speak out "about injustice that we have not been able to talk about in the past."

As a group, EXO held a fanmeet in Japan last April. Meanwhile, Baekhyun is scheduled to perform at OVERPASS K-POP CONCERT in Manila on 11 June 2023. Chen has an upcoming Japanese mini-album and tour this August, and Xiumin released his first solo mini-album BRAND NEW last September.