EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (collectively known as Exo-CBX) have filed a lawsuit against their agency, INB100, seeking to nullify their exclusive contracts.
On Monday morning, the Seoul Central District Court’s 50th Civil Division, presided over by Chief Judge Lee Sang-hoon, held a hearing on CBX’s injunction request to suspend the validity of their contracts with INB100.
INB100, originally founded by Baekhyun, was acquired by One Hundred Label, a subsidiary established by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cha Ga-won and MC Mong in May 2024.
Sources reveal that CBX notified CEO Cha’s team in April of their intent to terminate the contract, citing unpaid royalties and contract violations.
Following repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact Cha’s team, CBX filed a lawsuit last month to confirm the non-existence of their exclusive contract and requested an injunction to suspend its validity.
Representatives from Cha’s side were notably absent from the hearing.
CBX’s legal team stated that CEO Cha is currently incarcerated, and all attempts at communication have been unsuccessful.
When the court inquired if they had also been unable to reach Cha’s legal representatives, CBX’s team confirmed this was the case. The court subsequently concluded the hearing.
CEO Cha was arrested and indicted last August on fraud charges exceeding 30 billion KRW (about 22.5 million USD), with his first trial scheduled for next month.
Cha allegedly proposed a business venture to Nomus Co., Ltd., utilizing the intellectual property (IP) of artists under his agency. He received an advance payment of approximately 24.2 billion KRW (about 18 million USD) but failed to execute the business plan. The total estimated damages amount to about 29.4 billion KRW (about 21.8 million USD).
Cha’s team has vehemently denied these allegations, claiming they are part of a hostile takeover attempt targeting One Hundred Label.