Baekhyun financial loss allegations and CBX lawsuit

Singer Baekhyun of the group EXO is reportedly facing massive financial losses, estimated at approximately 63 billion won (roughly $46 million USD), following the collapse of his agency, One Hundred.

Initial reports from commentator Lee Jin Ho detailed three specific areas of loss: a promised 35 billion won signing fee involving a residential unit in the Eterno Phase 3 complex that has not been built, a 16 billion won lease deposit for a residence in La Nuvo Hannam that may be unrecoverable, and 12 billion won in unpaid settlement payments. These issues are linked to One Hundred and its chairman, Cha Ga Won.

Subsequent reports clarified that these financial difficulties are tied to broader legal disputes. Baekhyun, along with fellow members Xiumin and Chen, had previously sought to terminate exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment. Allegations suggest that side dealings with One Hundred led to delayed royalty payments to SM Entertainment, prompting the company to proceed with EXO as a five-member group. The insolvency of One Hundred and internal conflicts involving its leadership have left Baekhyun in a precarious financial position.

In a recent legal escalation, the members of the K-pop subunit CBX—Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin—filed a lawsuit against their agency, INB100, seeking to suspend the effects of their exclusive contracts. This action follows a notice sent by the trio in April regarding unpaid royalties and unresolved revenue sharing. The Seoul Central District Court has begun reviewing the request for a temporary suspension of the contracts.

Reports indicate that other artists, including Lee Seung-gi, The Boyz, and VIVIZ, have also issued notices to terminate contracts due to royalty arrears. Furthermore, agency leader Cha Ga-won faces fraud allegations involving 30 billion won, with a trial scheduled for October.