They apologized for causing concern to fans.
EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin have resolved misunderstandings with SM Entertainment and have decided to continue their contractual relationship. Below is the official statement released by the agency.
Hello, this is SM Entertainment. Below is the joint statement of our company and our artists Byun Baekhyun, Kim Jongdae, and Kim Minseok (hereinafter referred to as the three artists). Recently, there was a situation in which the company and three of our artists continued to raise issues from different positions openly. In this regard, the three artists and the company sincerely apologize for causing concern to many who support EXO.
Afterward, the company and the three artists had enough time to discuss all the issues candidly. Through this, we were able to resolve differences of opinion caused by misunderstandings and reach a mutually amicable agreement.
First, while acknowledging and maintaining the contractual relationship between the company and the three artists, we decided to carry out EXO activities more actively through some discussions and revisions.
We listened to and understood the thoughts of the three artists and also conveyed our position on them in detail. The three artists were also open-minded and understood our position regarding artists’ contracts. Accordingly, the company and the three artists promised to solidify their relationship in the future by going through a process of mutually equal discussions and corrections. In addition, we decided to cheer and support each of the three artists so that they could fully demonstrate their individuality and promote in a new way.
Second, there was a misunderstanding about the intervention of third parties. We initially received a report that a third outside force was approaching the three artists with unreasonable intentions, and we stated that this was the main cause of the dispute. However, through this discussion, we learned there was a misunderstanding about the involvement of third parties. We would like to take this opportunity to apologize for causing concern with our announcement.
We and the three artists would like express our apologies to the fans, the other EXO members, and those who trusted and waited for EXO, and we will do our best to repay the support of the many people who supported us.
Lastly, through this incident, we were able to think about the direction of our growth following the launch of SM 3.0, from the individual concern of the artists. Thanks to the fans’ support, we want to draw the future of SM 3.0, which has grown and matured. Under the changed and developed new banner of SM 3.0, we will further strengthen and solidify mutual cooperation and respect with our artists. Thank you.
Previously, the three artists asked to terminate their contracts with SM Entertainment. They later reported that the three artists called out and responded to SM Entertainment’s allegations that they had signed with another label.