Mediation Between SM Entertainment and ChenBaekXi Concludes Without Agreement

Background of the Dispute

The ongoing legal issues between SM Entertainment and its artists, collectively known as ChenBaekXi, have reached a new stage. On September 23, 2025, the first mediation session concluded at the Seoul Eastern District Court, presided over by Judge Jo Yongrae. This mediation sought to address the contractual disputes stemming from allegations of inadequate revenue settlement data reported by SM Entertainment.

Key Events Leading to Mediation

Prior to the mediation, significant events unfolded. On September 1, 2025, the court consolidated the lawsuits filed by both SM Entertainment and ChenBaekXi, which consists of members Chen (Kim Jongdae), Baekhyun (Byun Baekhyun), and Xiumin (Kim Minseok). These consolidated cases were referred for mediation, marking a crucial step towards resolving the ongoing conflicts.

In 2023, ChenBaekXi notified SM Entertainment of their intention to terminate contracts, citing insufficient revenue settlement data as a primary reason. This led to a complaint being filed with the Fair Trade Commission, further complicating the relationship between the artists and their agency.

The Mediation Process

During the mediation session, both parties presented their cases, but unfortunately, no agreement was reached. This outcome raises questions about the future of ChenBaekXi within SM Entertainment, especially as they look towards establishing their new agency, INB100, for personal activities.

The lack of resolution in this mediation highlights the ongoing struggles artists face within the industry regarding transparency and fair compensation. Fans have expressed their concerns over these disputes, indicating a strong desire for their idols to achieve a satisfactory resolution.

Next Steps

As the situation develops, both SM Entertainment and ChenBaekXi will likely continue to navigate this challenging landscape. The outcome of this mediation could set a precedent for future artist-agency relations in the K-pop industry. Stakeholders and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that respects the rights and needs of the artists.

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