EXO-CBX And SM Entertainment’s Mediation Outcome Sparks Heated Reactions
The ongoing legal battle between EXO‘s Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin and SM Entertainment has taken another step, and fans are already weighing in on the outcome. Their first court-led mediation session failed to bring the two sides to an agreement, leaving many EXO fans to show which side they’re rooting for.
On September 23, SM and CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin attended their first mediation at the Seoul Eastern District Court regarding their contract and settlement dispute. The session ended without progress, and a second attempt is now scheduled for October 2.
For fans, the lack of resolution was not seen as a setback. Many expressed that it was expected such a complicated issue wouldn’t be solved in just one session. Instead, the failure to reach an agreement has been framed as proof that CBX is unwilling to compromise on their demands, particularly when it comes to issues like distribution fees and settlement transparency.
it’s okay, actually it’s rare for mediation to be successful in just one session, and this is also a sign that CBX is not backing down from defending their rights..
best of luck, CBX 🥹❤️🩹🙌🏻 https://t.co/Tn7kSFAQGF
— 엘사 ✴︎ (@BAEKH0NI) September 23, 2025
it’s actually not surprising that the first mediation between CBX and SM didn’t end in an agreement. Mediation is just the first step, more like a test talk where both sides explain their stories. Since the issue is about a lot of money and tricky contract rules, of course it’s… https://t.co/7ZKpWglHgy
— tala ⭐ ARCADIA ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ☁️🎸 (@stardaexing) September 23, 2025
It's understandable that a single mediation session wasn't enough for both parties to reach an agreement with this kind of dispute, but it's great to see that the CBX boys are standing their ground & not willing to settle for less than what they deserve!! AS THEY SHOULD!!! 👏… https://t.co/WMgNYmGzk6
— sof ⛅️ (@WITHKINGJD) September 23, 2025
Fans also voiced pride in the trio for holding their ground against SM, stating that this moment shows their determination to prioritize fairness over convenience. Unsurprisingly, EXO fans have always been on CBX’s side during this feud and have hit SM Entertainment with strong reactions for attempting to sue the members.
good to know that cbx didn’t settle down with sm. sm should be the one to agree with cbx’s terms. let’s keep supporting cbx! fighting on oct 2!
— 리톨보보후 cocox (@litolbobohu) September 23, 2025
For me, the failure of mediation is not negative; it just means that CBX is not ready to compromise with SM and that they will prioritize their rights.
— pika✴︎🍋 SAW BAEKHYUN (@_baekachu_) September 23, 2025
As anticipation builds ahead of the October 2 session, fans have promised to continue supporting the members no matter how long the dispute drags on. For them, the ongoing conflict is less about legal technicalities and more about CBX’s commitment to stand up for their rights within the industry.
It was expected that no mediation will happen in first attempt but i am so proud of CBX for not letting sm get what they want and standing for their rights https://t.co/zjhLeCURtW
— Ana | (@legendsexo_) September 23, 2025
With the next mediation date set, attention remains on whether SM and CBX will finally find common ground, or if the legal battle will continue to escalate.
