On January 19, 2026, EXO officially released their eighth studio album, titled REVERXE.
This was a major milestone as it was their first full-group studio album since EXIST in 2023, signaling a “revival” of the group’s supernatural concept.
However, the comeback was controversial because it featured only six members:
- Active Members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay (who notably returned for his first major group project since 2018).
- Absent Members: Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were excluded from the album and promotional materials. SM Entertainment cited a “destruction of trust” stemming from the ongoing litigation with the trio.
The Legal Conflict and “EXhORIZON” Tour
The primary reason for the “disbandment” rumors is the severe legal friction between SM Entertainment and the CBX members.
- Litigation Status: As of late April 2026, the court battles continue. SM Entertainment recently placed provisional seizures on the assets of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin in February 2026.
- The World Tour: Despite these issues, a world tour titled EXO PLANET #6 – “EXhORIZON” was announced to launch in Seoul in April 2026. The tour is moving forward with the active members, though the status of the CBX members’ participation remains a point of intense speculation and uncertainty for fans.
- Internal Struggles: Recent reports in April 2026 suggest that the CBX members are also facing internal issues with their independent management, INB100, citing unpaid settlements, leading them to notify the label of contract termination.
“We are proud and happy to be EXO. Now that only good times with EXO-L remain, we want to make good memories.” – EXO members during their 2026 showcase.
While EXO is legally and professionally still a group under SM Entertainment, they are currently functioning as two separate entities.
The “six-member” EXO continues to release music and tour, while Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin pursue solo activities and unit performances (like the 2026 Dream Concert in Hong Kong) while battling SM in court.
