EXO’s Updated Lineup Triggers Fierce Backlash Among Korean Netizens

EXO is facing backlash after their latest social media update confirmed a new 6-member lineup.

The controversy began on November 7, when EXO posted a photo on their Instagram Story showing only six members after it was revealed that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin won’t be part of EXO’s upcoming comeback.

The photo quickly went viral on Pann, where netizens reacted strongly.

One fan said:

“There’s already an article saying they’re promoting as six, and little hints are starting to pop up one by one. So cute lol (Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Lay). A new EXO is being born. The comeback is coming.”
— Pann

EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) had a public conflict with SM Entertainment over contracts and revenue disputes earlier this year. Their absence in the comeback and fan meeting shocked many.

Meanwhile, Korean netizens sided with SM Entertainment this time, slamming the trio and supporting the company’s decision to leave them out. One netizen even questioned including “Yeol-dari” (Chanyeol) in the current group because of old cheating allegations from a 2020 reported ex-girlfriend.

Here are some harsh netizen reactions from Pann:

“Does that mean they’re including Yeol-dari [Chanyeol] as well?”

“I don’t like SM, but this time the company’s right. You can’t let things like contracts and tampering slide. If you let it go once, it sets a bad precedent. The court already dismissed CBX’s case, that’s your answer right there. This isn’t about emotions. It’s about principles and trust. Fan trust ultimately breaks down over things like this.”

“This group already went through hell with the three Chinese members leaving… never imagined there’d be three ‘traitor’ members from Korea too.”

“Honestly, the ones who left EXO aren’t impressive as individuals (They just look like instructors at a vocational art academy. If they weren’t EXO members, based on looks or vibe, they wouldn’t seem like celebrities). They’ve talked too much, and it feels like each of them just wants to do whatever they want, drunk on their own self-importance. Doesn’t seem like they care about their fans or their team. The moment someone offers them more money, they ditch everyone and leave… But then they still want to promote as EXO because that way they can earn more.”

“Finally. Only the loyal ones are left.”

As the situation unfolds, international EXO-L fans are expressing disappointment with the remaining six members instead, criticizing the group’s latest move.

Watch a related video on the controversy here:

EXO’s future is looking divided as they prepare for their comeback with a smaller lineup — and fans are already heated.