EXO December 2025 Comeback Without Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin: Lay Returns After Contract End
K-pop group EXO's much-anticipated reunion will proceed without three members as legal disputes continue to divide the once-complete lineup.
SM Entertainment confirmed October 27 that EXO will hold "EXO'verse," a two-day fan meeting on December 13-14 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea. The group plans to release their eighth studio album in early 2026-their first group project since "EXIST" in 2023.
However, the announcement sparked controversy when only six members were confirmed: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay.
CBX Lawsuit Blocks Full Reunion
Three members-Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (known collectively as EXO-CBX)-won't participate due to ongoing litigation with SM Entertainment. The dispute centers on approximately 600 million won ($430,000).
The conflict began in June 2023 when CBX accused SM of unfair contracts and financial opacity. While both sides initially agreed that CBX could manage solo activities through Baekhyun's company INB100 while remaining with EXO under SM, tensions reignited in 2024.
SM claims CBX failed to pay the agreed 10% of individual activity revenue. CBX counters that SM didn't honor a 5.5% distribution fee agreement for music sales. Two court mediation sessions in September and October 2025 failed to resolve the dispute.
Lay's Unexpected Return
The lineup's biggest surprise is Lay (Zhang Yixing), the Chinese member whose contract with SM Entertainment ended in April 2022. He hasn't participated in EXO activities since 2016, though he contributed to their 2021 virtual reunion during the pandemic.
Lay's involvement marks his first physical appearance with the group in eight years, since their 2017 Hong Kong concert. His return has divided fans-some praise his loyalty, while others question the incomplete lineup that excludes three original members.
Seven Years Without a Complete Group
EXO last performed with all Korean members during "Love Shot" promotions in December 2018. That release still excluded Lay, who was focused on his China career.
From 2019 through 2025, military service prevented full group activities. Now that all members have completed their mandatory service-Sehun finished last on September 20, 2025-fans had hoped for a complete reunion.
Instead, the legal battle has fractured those plans indefinitely.
What Fans Are Saying
The EXO-L fandom remains split. Some blame CBX for jeopardizing group activities with the lawsuit. Others support the trio's fight for financial transparency, viewing it as necessary even if costly to the group's unity.
During EXO's April 2025 anniversary livestream, CBX members were absent. Baekhyun later commented he wished he'd known about it, fueling further tension and confusion.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming activities represent a bittersweet milestone. After years waiting through military service, fans finally have new EXO content-but not the complete reunion they imagined.
With no settlement in sight and relationships reportedly damaged beyond repair, this six-member configuration may become EXO's new normal rather than a temporary situation.
Tickets for the December fan meeting go on sale October 30 (fan club presale) and October 31 (general sale) through Ticket Melon at 110,000 won ($82) per ticket.
Quick Facts:
- Event: EXO'verse Fan Meeting
- Dates: December 13-14, 2025
- Venue: Inspire Arena, Incheon
- Album: 8th studio album, Q1 2026
- Participating: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Lay
- Absent: Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin
- Last full promotion: Love Shot (December 2018)
