EXO's Xiumin Faces Unfair Treatment from KBS Over 'Music Bank' Appearance

EXO's Xiumin and his agency, One Hundred, have claimed they faced unfair treatment regarding his appearance on KBS's 'Music Bank'.

One Hundred, the parent company of INB100, where Xiumin is currently signed, stated on the 4th that despite multiple attempts to arrange meetings with the broadcaster, KBS has remained unresponsive. They further revealed that KBS unofficially communicated that it would be impossible for Xiumin to appear on programs like KBS2's 'Music Bank' alongside SM Entertainment artists.

The agency expressed their disappointment, stating, "We have continuously tried to convey the message to KBS to prioritize the artist and fans, but our efforts have been ignored."

They added, "If this unfair situation continues, our artists will be unable to perform on music shows during the weeks when SM Entertainment artists are promoting their albums. We believe it is highly unfair for a public broadcaster like KBS to make decisions based solely on the interests of a specific company."

Xiumin debuted with the boy group EXO under SM Entertainment in 2012. In 2023, he, along with members Baekhyun and Chen, moved to INB100 under One Hundred. Xiumin is set to release his solo album 'Interview X' on March 10.

Official Statement from One Hundred

Hello, this is One Hundred.
We would like to address an important issue regarding our artist's appearance on KBS.

Xiumin, who is part of INB100, is preparing to release his solo album 'Interview X' on March 10, marking his first solo release in two and a half years. Despite our efforts to arrange meetings with broadcasters to ensure Xiumin can present a great stage for fans, KBS has remained unresponsive.

Recently, KBS unofficially informed us that it is impossible for Xiumin to appear on programs like KBS2's 'Music Bank' alongside SM Entertainment artists.

Although this position is difficult to accept, we have continuously tried to convey the message to KBS to prioritize the artist and fans. However, our efforts have been ignored.

We believe that a public broadcaster should not block the meeting between artists and fans due to interests with a specific agency.

If this unfair situation continues, our artists will be unable to perform on music shows during the weeks when SM Entertainment artists are promoting their albums.

We believe it is highly unfair for a public broadcaster like KBS to make decisions based solely on the interests of a specific company. We have done our best to resolve this situation, and we apologize to the fans for this unfortunate news.

Regarding KBS's decision that has made it difficult for Xiumin and other artists to appear on 'Music Bank', we will continue to strive for fairness and ensure that no more artists suffer from such unfair practices. Although Xiumin's appearance on KBS is currently impossible, we will not give up and promise to find other ways to create great events and memories for the artist and fans.

Once again, we apologize for disappointing our artists and fans, and we will continue to strive to correct unreasonable practices and become a company that truly supports artists.

Thank you.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr