The K-pop industry is witnessing a significant exodus from ONE HUNDRED and its subsidiaries, as EXO-CBX become latest artist to file for contract termination from ONE HUNDRED. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin have initiated legal proceedings to sever ties with the agency and its subsidiary, INB100, citing a breakdown in financial trust and systemic contractual violations.
The dispute centers on a series of unpaid settlements. According to reports, the trio sent a certified letter to INB100 and CEO Cha Ga Won in late March, demanding immediate clarification and payment regarding outstanding funds. The artists have reportedly waited over two weeks for a response, but have yet to receive a satisfactory resolution to their demands.
This move marks a precarious turn for Baekhyun, who originally founded INB100 to manage his solo activities following his departure from SM Entertainment. The venture, intended to provide the artists with greater autonomy, became a subsidiary of ONE HUNDRED in May 2024 after an acquisition. What began as a strategic partnership has now devolved into a legal battle over the mismanagement of the group’s intellectual property and earnings.
Financial Mismanagement and the IP Struggle
At the heart of the conflict is the alleged misuse of the EXO-CBX brand. The artists claim that the agency leveraged their intellectual property (IP) and market power to secure lucrative contracts and deals, which reportedly included advanced payments totaling tens of billions of won. However, these funds allegedly never reached the artists, their dedicated staff, or the partner companies involved in their productions.
The financial strain has created a bottleneck for the group’s professional activities. When an agency fails to settle payments with vendors and staff, the operational infrastructure required for tours, recordings, and promotions collapses. For EXO-CBX, this has translated into a position where continuing their scheduled activities has become functionally impossible.
CEO Cha Ga Won has acknowledged the instability. His representatives stated that the company is currently working to stabilize operations and is exploring avenues to settle the debts. These proposed solutions include seeking additional investment rounds or utilizing personal funding to pay out the affected members and staff.
A Pattern of Departures Across the Label
The situation with EXO-CBX is not an isolated incident, but rather the latest symptom of a broader crisis at ONE HUNDRED. The agency is currently facing a wave of contract termination filings from a diverse roster of talent, suggesting a systemic failure in the company’s management and financial obligations.
The list of artists seeking to exit the label includes some of the most prominent names in the industry, spanning both idol groups and soloists. The common thread among these filings is the citation of contractual violations and financial irregularities.
- Taemin: The veteran soloist has filed for termination.
- Lee Seung Gi: Known for his massive crossover appeal, he has joined the legal movement to leave.
- VIVIZ: The girl group has initiated the process to sever ties.
- THE BOYZ: The popular boy group is among those filing for exit.
- BE’O and Lee Mu Jin: Both artists have cited contractual violations as the basis for their departure.
Timeline of the EXO-CBX Dispute
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2024 | INB100 is acquired by ONE HUNDRED, becoming a subsidiary. |
| Late March 2026 | EXO-CBX send certified letter demanding unpaid settlements. |
| April 2026 | Artists file for formal contract termination following lack of response. |
The Impact on the K-pop Ecosystem
The fallout from this dispute highlights a recurring tension in the “idol” business model: the balance between artist autonomy and corporate stability. When artists like Baekhyun create their own labels only to be absorbed by larger entities, the risk of losing control over their financial destiny increases. This case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the acquisition of artist-led boutiques by larger holding companies.
For the fans, the immediate impact is the uncertainty surrounding the group’s future releases and performances. Legal battles of this scale often lead to “hiatuses” that can last months or years, depending on whether the parties reach a settlement or proceed to a full court trial. The loss of a stable management structure means that everything from visa processing for international tours to the distribution of digital singles is currently in limbo.
Industry analysts note that the simultaneous departure of so many high-profile acts—from Taemin to THE BOYZ—could signal a total collapse of the agency’s credibility. In the K-pop world, trust between the artist and the manager is the primary currency; once that is spent, the agency’s ability to attract or retain talent vanishes.
Disclaimer: This report concerns ongoing legal disputes and contractual filings. The details regarding unpaid settlements and violations are based on claims made in legal notices and reports; final judgments have not yet been rendered by a court of law.
The next critical checkpoint will be the official legal response from ONE HUNDRED and INB100 regarding the certified letters sent in March. Whether the agency can secure the promised “additional investment” to pay out the artists or if the cases will move toward a formal court hearing will determine if the artists can reclaim their IP and resume their activities independently.
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