The Legal Crossroads: What’s Happening Behind the Scenes with CBX
The landscape for EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (CBX) has shifted dramatically as the trio takes decisive legal action against their label, INB100. This isn't just another industry dispute; it is a complex intersection of corporate management failures and artist rights. As of September 7, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court has begun reviewing the trio's application for an injunction to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts. This formal step follows months of mounting tensions, marked by the artists' claims regarding unpaid contract fees and settlement distributions.
A Stalled Defense: The Impact of Executive Absence
What makes this case particularly difficult to navigate is the absolute silence from the label's side. During the recent court interrogation, the legal representatives for INB100 failed to appear, and the company has refrained from submitting any written materials to the court. The explanation provided by CBX’s legal counsel, lawyer Sim Gyu-hwang of Law Firm Sina, points to a deeper systemic issue: the company's CEO, Cha Ga-won, is currently under arrest. Because of this, the artists have effectively been left without a functional point of contact at the management level to address their grievances.
Tracing the Corporate Architecture of 'One Hundred'
To understand the depth of the current crisis, one must look at the structural history of INB100. Founded by Baekhyun in June 2023, the company was later integrated into the One Hundred label in May 2024. The label, which has become a focal point of industry concern, was co-founded by CEO Cha Ga-won and musician MC Mong. However, after internal conflicts, MC Mong departed in July 2025, leaving Cha to navigate the company’s operations alone. The subsequent legal and financial fallout has created a ripple effect, impacting a significant roster of talent associated with the label.
A Broader Trend of Management Instability
The situation at One Hundred has escalated into a recurring pattern within the agency's ecosystem. High-profile figures including Lee Seung-gi, The Boyz, Viviz, and entertainer Kim Dae-ho have all reportedly moved to terminate their exclusive contracts, citing similar issues regarding unpaid settlements. These collective exits highlight a systemic breakdown in the label’s ability to uphold its end of artist agreements, transforming what began as individual disputes into a mass exodus of talent seeking stability elsewhere.
The Path Forward: What Happens Now?
With the trio having filed a secondary lawsuit seeking confirmation of the nullification of their exclusive contracts, the judicial system is now the primary theater for resolving these disagreements. If the court decides to grant the injunction, it would effectively pause the legal validity of the contracts until a first-instance ruling is reached in the main lawsuit. As for CEO Cha Ga-won, who faces allegations involving 30 billion KRW in fraud, the legal timeline remains fixed; he is currently scheduled for his first trial next month on the 13th. For fans and industry observers alike, the situation serves as a stark reminder of how critical administrative integrity is to the health and longevity of an artist's career.
Source Article: Read the original Korean news here
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