EXO Members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen Challenge Unfairness of SM Entertainment Contracts

Seoul, South Korea - In a surprising turn of events, popular K-pop group EXO's members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen have come forward to contest the fairness of their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment, one of the leading entertainment companies in South Korea.

On the 1st of June, Lawyer Lee Jae-hak, representing Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, made an official statement addressing the alleged improprieties in the exclusive reservation clauses of the contracts between the artists and SM Entertainment.

Lawyer Lee stated, "Through their legal representatives, the artists have previously submitted a total of seven requests for proof of content from March 21st until the present. They have repeatedly sought transparent settlement data and copies of the settlement basis."

He further emphasized, "Requesting accurate and transparent settlement information for previous unclear settlements is a basic and just right of the artists. SM Entertainment is obligated to respond in accordance with the terms of the exclusive contracts and the Law on the Development of the Public Culture and Arts Industry. However, SM has unjustly maintained a position of refusing to provide the requested materials."

Moreover, Lawyer Lee argued that SM Entertainment, after previously signing long-term contracts with the artists for periods ranging from 12 to 13 years, is now attempting to extend the duration to an astounding minimum of 17 or 18 years through subsequent exclusive contracts.

This move has been regarded as an act of extreme coercion and deemed highly unfair by the artists and their legal representative.

Citing their concerns, Lawyer Lee added, "The artists feel that, considering a significant trainee period, SM has been imposing what can be described as slave contracts for a period of approximately 20 years. This is due to SM's dominant position in the industry."

In light of these developments, Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin expressed their hopes for attention and understanding, stating, "We sincerely hope that our words and our courageous stance receive the attention it deserves. We would like to extend our heartfelt apologies and gratitude to the fans who have been steadfastly supporting us."

Recently, EXO had hinted at their upcoming group activities, raising fans' anticipation. However, with the news of Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin's contract termination notice, all eyes are now focused on the future direction of the group's activities and how this dispute will unfold.

The revelations by these prominent EXO members have sparked a wave of discussions and debates within the K-pop industry, highlighting the ongoing struggles between artists and entertainment companies over contract terms and fairness.

As fans and industry insiders eagerly await further developments, the outcome of this dispute could potentially reshape the landscape of artist contracts in the South Korean entertainment scene.

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Former S.E.S member Shoo (Yoo Soo Young) warmed hearts as she shared a touching moment with her twin daughters—taking them to the same wholesale market where she once worked during a difficult time in her life.

On May 8, Shoo posted several photos on Instagram showing her spending time with her twin daughters, Ra Hee and Ra Yul, at the Dongdaemun wholesale market. In the caption, she wrote, “Did everyone enjoy the holiday? I feel like I made a memory I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”

The photos showed Shoo and her daughters smiling brightly while eating and shopping together. Her daughters, now visibly grown up, were even seen wearing similar shoes and clothes as their mom.

Shoo opened up about a painful chapter in her past. “When I was struggling, I once sold clothes I got from Dongdaemun with the help of a friend,” she shared. “I used to go there from night to early morning, picking up fleece clothes, hairpins, and shoes, thinking, ‘My kids would love this if I brought them here.’”

Now that her daughters are older, Shoo finally fulfilled that dream. “We laughed so much while shopping. We bought hairpins, socks, and clothes together,” she said. “They’ve grown so much—they can even wear the same things as me.”

Reflecting on the experience, she added, “Memories of my past flashed before my eyes. I told them how I used to work late at night, carrying heavy bags and walking around for 10 hours straight.”

Shoo emotionally concluded, “I was so happy to show my kids the nighttime world I once worked in.”

Fans who remember Shoo’s twins from The Return of Superman were touched to see how much they’ve grown. Shoo, now a proud mom of three, continues to update fans through her TV appearances and social media, showing her strength as both a mother and former idol.

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