Baekhyun of EXO shares his post-SM dispute state of mind, while SM Entertainment updates on the current situation.

Today (19th), EXO member Baekhyun sent a message through the fan platform Bubble. He said, "Thank you for your trust. I apologize for the troubles and hardships I have caused you." After resolving the dispute with his agency SM Entertainment, Baekhyun expressed his state of mind.

image source|topstarnews

Baekhyun then stated, "I am still Baekhyun." This statement seems to reassure fans that even after successfully resolving the exclusive contract dispute through negotiation, he remains the same person they know.

Previously, Baekhyun, along with members Xiumin and Chen, raised the claim of invalidity of their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment in June of last year. Amidst the tense standoff, the three successfully guided SM Entertainment into negotiations, ultimately reaching a final agreement.

image source_instagram|baekhyunee_exo

On the 19th, SM Entertainment stated, "We have thoroughly discussed all the issues and resolved the disagreements, successfully achieving a friendly agreement." Furthermore, they expressed, "We engaged in discussions with mutual respect and made modifications (to the exclusive contract) and promise to further strengthen our future relationship."

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Here is the official statement from SM Entertainment: "Recently, our agency and the three artists involved have displayed different positions and issues in public, causing confusion among the public who supports EXO. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused. We have had sufficient time to discuss all the issues with the artists. Through these discussions, we were able to resolve the disputes arising from misunderstandings and reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. We are pleased to share this with everyone and provide our conclusive stance."

image source_instagram|baekhyunee_exo

“Firstly, we have confirmed and will continue to maintain the artists' contractual relationship. Through partial negotiations and modification processes, we have decided to actively and continuously carry out EXO's activities. We have fully listened to and understood the thoughts of the three artists, and we have thoroughly conveyed our stance to them. They have also opened their hearts to understand our position regarding the artist contracts. As a result, fair negotiations and modification processes have taken place between us and the three artists, with a commitment to further strengthening our future relationship. Additionally, we will support and encourage the three artists to engage in activities in new ways and forms, fully showcasing their individuality."

image source|SM

“Furthermore, we would like to clarify the aspect regarding third-party interference, which was a misunderstanding on our part. Initially, we received information that a third party had unfair intentions and made contact with the three artists. We mentioned this as the main cause of the recent turmoil. However, through these discussions, we have come to understand that we misunderstood the extent of the third-party interference. We take this opportunity to apologize for any inconvenience caused to individuals as a result of our statement."

“We apologize to the fans, including the other members of EXO, and to those who trust and wait for EXO. We extend our apologies to everyone. We will make every effort to respond to the expectations of the public who support us."

"Lastly, through this incident, we have deeply reflected on the individual concerns of our artists and the growth direction of our company with the beginning of SM 3.0. With the support of our fans, we will envision a more mature and evolved future for SM 3.0. We will strengthen and consolidate our mutual assistance and respect with our artists under the new standards of transformation and development in SM 3.0."