Why Are Some EXO Members Missing From Their Upcoming Album?
In case you missed it, KPop veterans EXO just announced their eighth album, coming early 2026.
Early reactions to the news have been mixed across social media.
On the one hand, fans are ecstatic across the board for the returning members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Sehun, Kai, and Lay — especially since this is Lay’s first full-length collaboration with the group since 2021.
On the other hand, there has also been outcry that three members — one-third of their existing lineup — have noticeably gone unmentioned: Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin.
EXO's Shrinking Roster
EXO originally debuted in 2012 as a 12-member group split into two subunits — EXO-K and EXO-M — promoting simultaneously in South Korea and China. The full original lineup comprised Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Tao, Kai, and Sehun.
However, the group has faced multiple departures over the years, as is common with longstanding groups in the KPop industry. In 2014 and 2015, three of EXO’s Chinese members — Kris, Luhan, and Tao — left the group after filing lawsuits against their label SM Entertainment.
Of these, Luhan and Tao remained active in their solo careers, and Kris is currently in prison after being convicted on charges including rape and tax evasion.
While the remaining nine members continued as EXO, the group's unity would face yet another challenge nearly a decade later.
EXO-CBX Controversy
As mentioned above, members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin — collectively known as subunit EXO-CBX — have been noticeably absent from announcements about the December fanmeeting and the 2026 album.
The conflict dates back to June 2023, when the trio raised concerns over contract terms and payment transparency, according to multiple Korean entertainment outlets. That same month, EXO-CBX sent a formal notice to SM Entertainment expressing their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts, citing alleged discrepancies in settlement data.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannah...xo-members-missing-from-their-upcoming-album/
@EXOL
In case you missed it, KPop veterans EXO just announced their eighth album, coming early 2026.
Early reactions to the news have been mixed across social media.
On the one hand, fans are ecstatic across the board for the returning members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Sehun, Kai, and Lay — especially since this is Lay’s first full-length collaboration with the group since 2021.
On the other hand, there has also been outcry that three members — one-third of their existing lineup — have noticeably gone unmentioned: Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin.
EXO's Shrinking Roster
EXO originally debuted in 2012 as a 12-member group split into two subunits — EXO-K and EXO-M — promoting simultaneously in South Korea and China. The full original lineup comprised Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Tao, Kai, and Sehun.
However, the group has faced multiple departures over the years, as is common with longstanding groups in the KPop industry. In 2014 and 2015, three of EXO’s Chinese members — Kris, Luhan, and Tao — left the group after filing lawsuits against their label SM Entertainment.
Of these, Luhan and Tao remained active in their solo careers, and Kris is currently in prison after being convicted on charges including rape and tax evasion.
While the remaining nine members continued as EXO, the group's unity would face yet another challenge nearly a decade later.
EXO-CBX Controversy
As mentioned above, members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin — collectively known as subunit EXO-CBX — have been noticeably absent from announcements about the December fanmeeting and the 2026 album.
The conflict dates back to June 2023, when the trio raised concerns over contract terms and payment transparency, according to multiple Korean entertainment outlets. That same month, EXO-CBX sent a formal notice to SM Entertainment expressing their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts, citing alleged discrepancies in settlement data.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannah...xo-members-missing-from-their-upcoming-album/
@EXOL
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