According to reports on April 10, Baekhyun, along with fellow EXO-CBX members Chen and Xiumin, formally notified INB100 CEO Cha Ga Won of their intent to terminate their exclusive contracts at the end of March. The trio cited unresolved issues, including unpaid earnings and breaches of contract, and requested clarification. However, even after the two-week response period, they reportedly did not receive a satisfactory explanation.
INB100 was originally established by Baekhyun as he prepared to operate independently from SM Entertainment. In May 2024, the company was absorbed into a larger structure under One Hundred, a label co-founded by Cha Ga Won and MC Mong. Following the acquisition, Cha Ga Won became the largest shareholder, overseeing INB100 alongside affiliated labels such as Big Planet Made Entertainment.
Controversy intensified as reports revealed that despite securing large-scale deals using EXO-CBX’s intellectual property and receiving advance payments worth hundreds of billions of won, the company allegedly fell into complete capital impairment. It is also claimed that tens of billions of won in settlements owed to the artists remain unpaid. Additionally, payments to external partners and staff were reportedly delayed, making normal promotional activities difficult for the artists.
In response, Cha Ga Won’s side stated that efforts are underway to stabilize the company, including seeking additional investment or injecting personal funds to resolve the situation. Baekhyun and EXO-CBX are not the only artists to take action. Several high-profile figures previously affiliated with Cha Ga Won’s network, including members of THE BOYZ, Taemin, Lee Mujin, BE’O, VIVIZ, and Lee Seung-gi, have also reportedly terminated their contracts and left.
The situation surrounding Cha Ga Won has further escalated as he is currently facing three fraud-related lawsuits. Allegations suggest that he secured large advance payments through contracts using artists’ intellectual property but failed to follow through on the business operations. Authorities are reportedly investigating the cases collectively.
Sources: Daum | 더팩트
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