As EXO gears up to mark their 13th debut anniversary on April 8, tensions between fans and SM Entertainment have reached new heights.
SM Entertainment revealed a livestream event for EXO’s 13th anniversary that includes only Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., and Kai, prompting strong criticism from fans who believe the move disregards the group’s full lineup.
In response, devoted EXO-Ls have launched protests against the agency for excluding several key members: Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin, Lay, and Sehun (currently enlisted in the military), from the celebration.
The hashtag #EXO_IS_NINE has since trended globally for days, with fans emphasizing that EXO’s long-standing motto, “WE ARE ONE,” must hold true especially on such a meaningful occasion.
Offline Protests Amplify Fan Demands
Taking their protest offline, EXO-L fanbase @EXOBreakingNews organized a protest truck stationed outside SM Entertainment’s headquarters. The truck, draped in banners with messages like “13 Years of EXO, 9 Hearts as One,” is legally protected by a police permit, preventing SM from removing it as long as fans are on site.
“This is about respect and recognition,” said one fan guarding the truck. “We’re not asking for anything unreasonable. We just want all the members who built EXO’s legacy to be acknowledged.”
The CBX and Lay Controversy
The controversy isn’t new. In 2023, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (collectively known as CBX) publicly challenged SM Entertainment over alleged contract violations and unfair treatment. Despite settling the dispute, their public stance appears to have impacted their group involvement, with fans claiming SM has deliberately sidelined them since.
Lay, who has focused on his solo career in China, is still officially an EXO member. Yet his absence from the anniversary event adds to the mounting frustration.
“EXO is nine members. That has never changed. Even if they’re in different places, their presence matters,” one fan tweeted.
Fans Stand Firm Despite Criticism
Although some critics have labeled the protests “delusional,” EXO-Ls stand unified. They insist that their actions are not based on blind loyalty but on principle. “We’re not just fans we’re part of EXO’s journey. We’ve seen them rise together, and they should be celebrated together.”
EXO IS NINE TODAY, TOMORROW, ALWAYS AND FOREVER
CBXL in the EXO: 13irthday Home Party#첸백시와함께하는엑소#CBX_is_EXO #EXO_is_NINE @SMTOWNGLOBAL @weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/FREIEVIjpE
— Night Rain
(@TaranomL) April 4, 2025
With SM Entertainment maintaining silence as the anniversary approaches, the likelihood of last-minute additions remains slim. Still, the #EXO_IS_NINE campaign has already made its mark demonstrating the unwavering support of a fandom that refuses to let “WE ARE ONE” become an empty slogan.
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