Chenbaeksi incident, ahead of EXO's comeback, why? The identity of the 'black hand' extended to SM

While Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, members of the group EXO, notified their agency SM Entertainment (SM) of the termination of their exclusive contract, the question of 'why now' was raised. This is because they chose to dispute with the agency right before EXO's comeback. This is the reason why the suspicion of involvement of the 'third force' cannot be heard as a simple rumor.

On the 1st, Lawyer Lee Jae-Hak Lin, who is the legal representative of Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, notified SM of the termination of the contract for reasons such as the transparency of the settlement process and the legitimacy and validity of the existing and new exclusive contracts.

After that, rumors of a “third force” intervened. On the same day, SM refuted, saying, "We have confirmed that there are outside forces that are giving false information and incorrect legal assessments to our artists, and making nonsensical suggestions, such as ignoring our exclusive contract and signing a contract with them." did.

The place designated as the third force is Big Planet Maid Entertainment. In addition, rapper MC Mong was mentioned as the role of 'face madam' to bring Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen.

In response, Big Planet Maid announced, "MC Mong is not currently an inside director of the company, and he has never had contact with Baekhyun, Xiumin, or Chen." However, the suspicions did not disappear despite the explanation from Big Planet Maid. This is because the industry sees MC Mong and Big Planet Maid as one body.

Big Planet Maid Entertainment was established in July 2021. At that time, MC Mong was listed as an inside director of Big Planet Maid Entertainment. The in-house audit position was taken by Park Jang-geun, a member of Duble Sidekick. In November of last year, MC Mong resigned. At this time, Park Jang-geun rose to become the CEO of Big Planet Made Entertainment. Park Jang-geun is also the CEO of Milliot Market, where MC Mong belongs. Million Market is an entertainment agency founded by MC Mong, so the close relationship between the two companies can be questioned.

When the controversy arose, MC Mong immediately took a position. MC Mong's legal representative, Law Firm Gow, said, "MC Mong makes it clear that there was no artificial intervention that could cause a dispute between SM and 'CBX'."

Was there no 'artificial intervention' to terminate Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen's contracts with SM? In the industry, there are also voices that those who approached Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen presented a 'specific contract'. In fact, SM even sent a proof of content related to this to Big Planet Maid.

In addition, rumors are continuing about the reason for Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen's sudden notification. They were in the middle of preparing for the comeback of their group, EXO. On the 31st of last month, the day before the notification, Baekhyun personally promoted EXO's comeback. There is no need to deteriorate the relationship with the agency in the situation ahead of the comeback.

However, if there is a 'third force' as SM claims, the story will be different. From the standpoint of the 'third force', there must be a reason why Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen have to sever ties with their agencies. For example, 'real profit' such as sponsorship and investment that can be obtained by recruiting famous stars at this time.

The 'contract dispute issue' between the member and the agency is negative. This is even more so when it comes to a group that is about to make a comeback. There are many suspicions, but the opinions of both sides on the clarification are divided. Despite the unstable relationship, EXO's comeback will proceed as scheduled. Even for normal activities, an amicable agreement is necessary.

Reporter Yoon Jun-ho, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr