Just days ago, former SM Entertainment CEO Lee Soo-man made headlines with the release of his own documentary, which grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons. Now, the agency—one of the Big 4 (alongside HYBE, JYPE, and YG Entertainment)—is back in the news, facing backlash from fans and netizens.

They're back in the news because many believe the agency is deliberately erasing EXO-CBX members—Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin—from recent content. The controversy began after EXO Kai's show Jeongwaja aired online, where viewers noticed the CBX members were not mentioned.

Kai was seen interacting with a guest who didn't recognize him. While he was shocked by this, he tried to jog the person's memory and started mentioning names of EXO members. 

For those who may not know, the group consists of nine members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. 

However, D.O. ended his contract with SM Entertainment to pursue different career paths. Meanwhile, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin launched their own label to manage their solo careers due to contract issues. Despite this, they are all still very much part of the group.

EXO's fandom, EXO-Ls, were quick to notice that the CBX members were never mentioned during the interaction and the omission raised eyebrows. Some fans pointed out visible cuts in the clip, sparking speculation that Kai might have said their names but those parts were intentionally edited out. However, others weren't entirely sure if he mentioned them at all.

One said, "No, but whispering a few names in a row really doesn't require that many cuts. Like, what else could they be saying in between if not… oh! Just naming three people literally everyone knows? The cuts are so obvious."

no but whispering a few names in a row really doesn’t require that many cuts like what else could they be saying in between if not… oh! just naming three people literally everyone knows??? the cuts are so obvious https://t.co/elvkZpmse3

— riia 🇺🇦 / 백현’s ✧ EofR / 🍩 (@bbhiin) May 1, 2025

Another added, "This is the result of letting SM get away with everything. Now SM is normalizing the CBX erasure in every context. What makes you think they’ll still let them participate in future group comebacks, lol?"

this is the result of letting sm get away with everything. now sm is normalizing the cbx erasure in every context. what makes you think that sm will still let them participate in the future group comebacks lol https://t.co/dgbWcxLH4c

— joy 💟🔮 essence of reverie (@forparkloey) May 1, 2025

One more fan wrote, "Blocking the members from talking about EXO-CBX and deleting the scenes from videos if they do is extremely evil and shameless behavior."

Blocking the members from talking about EXO-CBX and deleting the scenes from videos if the members talk about them is extremely EVIL & SHAMELESS behavior 🤮🤮
YOU CAN NOT ERASE CBX's EXISTENCE IN EXO.@SMTOWNGLOBAL COME OUT YOU COWARD AND EXPLAIN YOURSELF #EXO #CBX_IS_EXO… pic.twitter.com/l1Sczs2km9

— EXO_EXO-L_5814 (@EXO_EXOL_5814) May 1, 2025

This incident comes amid growing accusations that SM Entertainment may also be blacklisting their former artists ahead of upcoming comebacks. Baekhyun is set to release new music in May, as is former SM artist Jaejoong. 

However, many noted that neither appeared on the promotional comeback roaster shared by 1theK, a major K-pop media channel known for covering high-profile releases.

The allegations have drawn parallels to past instances, such as Jaejoong's widely discussed "blacklisting" after he parted ways with SM Entertainment following a legal dispute. Many believe SM has a history of strained relationships with artists who exit the company, particularly those who pursue legal action or raise concerns publicly.  

no jaejoong or baek like okay nobody gaf then https://t.co/wWM8xobLw6

— cat (@MULTIEXO) May 1, 2025

While SM Entertainment has yet to comment on the current situation, the perceived exclusion of CBX from Kai's show has added fuel to long-standing concerns if EXO is disbanding and also about the company's treatment of their former idols.

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