Fans And Netizens Provide Proof Of EXO’s Alleged Mistreatment By SM Entertainment Over The Years
On June 1 (KST), EXO‘s Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen shocked fans by announcing they would sue SM Entertainment to terminate their contracts. Since that announcement, fans and netizens have reflected on the group’s 10+ year career and found many moments of alleged mistreatment from the company.
Here are some of the moments of alleged mistreatment from the company.
1. No Phones, Poor Food At Debut
During an episode of Radio Star, Baekhyun talked about how different things were from when EXO debuted to NCT‘s debut. One big difference is that the EXO members were not allowed phones for 2-3 years. Baekhyun also revealed that the group lived off kimbap during that same time, and the members had to “fight” over the slightly better choice.
2. Forcing Members To Work Through Injuries
Before former member Tao left the group, he sustained many injuries but was announced to still participate in comeback activities. Kai also suffered many different injuries but also ended up performing. Several other members also suffered injuries through the years as well.
that he would still be promoting in the comeback despite his severe injuries. there are videos of yixing passing out backstage at exo’s concert jongin has had multiple injuries yet he was still performing at exo’s concerts or sitting on stage in with his crutches or a + pic.twitter.com/EzdMnYH12Y
— 𝓞 🌸 (@kyoongisms) June 1, 2023
3. Album Release Problems
SM Entertainment came under fire for changing the number of covers available for their Don’t Fight The Feeling album from six to one the day before the presale began. The group’s Obsession album also had stocking issues, and The Box album had manufacturing issues.
📢Announcement regarding to EXO Special Album [DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING] (Photo Book Ver.1)
🌟The cover has been changed from 6 versions to 1 version due to the manufacturer's circumstances.
So there is only one version for Photo Book Ver.1. https://t.co/elBrV0nezo— KTOWN4U_USA, CANADA & MEXICO (@Ktown4u_CANU) May 12, 2021
4. Not Protecting Members From Malicious Comments
Fans feel the company could have done a lot more to protect Chen after the announcement of his marriage and baby from malicious commenters. Many feel Chanyeol has also not been protected enough, as Korean EXO-Ls continue to demand their removal from the group even in the last month.
Remove Chen and Chanyeol, who harmed the group. Stop treating fans like fools. EXO doesn’t need malignant members. Chen, Chanyeol, Out.
— Truck
5. EXO’s Performances At Recent SMTOWN Concerts
Fans criticized SM Entertainment for “excluding” Sehun from their 2022 SMTOWN concerts and only allowing the other group members to perform one song individually.
EXO members solo performance tomorrow!!
D.O. – That’s Okay
Chen – Beautiful Goodbye
Kai – Peaches
Suho – Hurdle
Xiumin – Serenity pic.twitter.com/16kHev9Mes— klau (@kokokbop) August 19, 2022
While this is not all the mistreatment fans allege to have taken place, it gives a good idea of why fans are upset with SM Entertainment.
