The 6-member lineup of EXO, minus ‘ChenBaekXi’, has been unveiled.
EXO will hold the ‘EXO’verse’ fan meeting at Inspire Arena in Jung-gu, Incheon on February 14 at 2 PM and 7 PM.
This fan meeting is being held about 1 year and 8 months after the last, and it showcased the group’s enduring popularity by selling out both shows in the fan club pre-sale.
In addition, the first public release of the EXO 6-member photo has attracted attention.
Previously, when the ‘2025 Melon Music Awards (MMA)’ poster was released, EXO was the only group without individual photos, featuring only the team logo, leading to humorous speculation that frequent member changes left them without a suitable image. This poster resolves that issue.
Notably, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin are excluded, while Lay, who left in April 2022, and D.O. (Do Kyung-soo), who established his own agency in 2023, have returned to join the comeback activities.
In the poster, the EXO members are gathered, creating a warm atmosphere. Their relaxed expressions and natural poses heighten expectations for the fan meeting.
This poster is interpreted as a signal from SM of the official comeback as a 6-member group.
Previously, ChenBaekXi filed a lawsuit against SM in 2023, claiming SM had not provided settlement data and had formed unfair contracts. The two sides later agreed to maintain the exclusive contract, but individual activities would proceed through INB100.
ChenBaekXi lost most of the legal battle and in October expressed a desire to join this EXO full-group activity. However, SM stated, “Settlement agreements and group activities are separate matters,” citing trust issues with other EXO members as the reason for refusal.
INB100 reiterated, “ChenBaekXi is carrying out the existing agreement sincerely and aims for a smooth negotiation with SM while rebuilding trust with the members,” but SM remained firm.
In this unresolved conflict, EXO will continue as a 6-member team without ChenBaekXi, planning to release their 8th regular album in the first quarter of next year.
Image source: Xportsnews, SM Entertainment, Melon
