Despite a decline in activity in recent years, the well-known Korean boy band EXO has kept its place in the country’s entertainment business. However, it was unexpectedly disclosed today (June 1) that three members of EXO, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, have asked their agency, SM Entertainment, to end their contracts.
They claimed to have sent SM Entertainment a total of seven requests since March 21st, asking for copies of pertinent documents and transparent settlement information, according to lawyer Lee Jae-hak. But their requests were turned down. SM Entertainment reportedly requested new contracts lasting 17–18 years or longer, acting in a highly inappropriate and oppressive manner despite the actors signing long-term contracts worth 12–13 years with the agency. “They repeatedly engaged in extremely improper and coercive behavior, effectively transforming their lengthy trainee periods into over 20 years of SM Entertainment enforcing slave contracts with its advantageous position,” lawyer Lee claimed.
In response, SM Entertainment quickly released a statement in which it claimed that the musicians had made incorrect decisions as a result of the nefarious influence of other forces. The statement emphasized that external forces’ actions were not only unlawful but also intended to foster enmity between the corporation and its artists or among the artists themselves in order to dismantle the current team.
In a statement, SM Entertainment emphasised their unwavering dedication to the SM 3.0 strategy they unveiled earlier this year and charged outside parties with planning behind the scenes: They have influenced our artists to make poor decisions, break exclusive agreements, or sign several contracts. The reality remains that these other forces not only persuaded our artists to breach our legal exclusive contracts but also persuaded us to breach our own exclusive contracts or enter into dual agreements with other artists that we are in charge of.
