EXO's Grand Return: What to Know About Their New Album and "EXOverse" Fan Meeting

Big news, EXO-Ls! Your favorite K-pop veterans, EXO, are officially gearing up for a major comeback, including a highly anticipated fan meeting this December and their eighth full-length album hitting shelves in early 2026. But while there's tons of excitement, there's also a bittersweet note with a few familiar faces missing from the lineup.

TL;DR

• EXO is set to release their 8th full-length album in Q1 2026, with promotions starting this December.
• A fan meeting called "EXOverse" will take place on December 13-14, 2025, at Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea.
• Six members — Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay — will participate in these activities, marking Lay's first full comeback since 2021.
• Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (EXO-CBX) are not participating due to an ongoing contract dispute with SM Entertainment over terms and payment transparency.

EXO-Ls Rejoice: A Long-Awaited Comeback is Finally Here

After what feels like ages, especially with members completing their mandatory military service and focusing on solo ventures, EXO is officially making a group comeback! The news dropped on October 27, 2025, and fans across social media have been buzzing. This marks their first full-group project since their "Exist" album in 2023, and it's a huge moment for the group and their dedicated fandom.

SM Entertainment, EXO's longtime label, confirmed that the group will host a special fan meeting, dubbed "EXOverse," on December 13 and 14 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea. And that's not all – their eighth full-length album is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, with album promotions kicking off even sooner, in December 2025. Get ready for a busy end of 2025 and an exciting start to 2026!

The Lineup Revealed: Welcoming Back a Beloved Member

For the upcoming "EXOverse" fan meeting and the 2026 album, six members have been confirmed to participate: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O. (Doh Kyung Soo), Kai, Sehun, and Lay. This lineup is particularly exciting for many EXO-Ls because it marks Lay's first official comeback and full-length collaboration with the group since "Don't Fight the Feeling" back in 2021. His return signifies a significant moment, bringing a cherished member back into the group's activities after a period focused on his solo career.

Fans have been ecstatic to see Lay's name included in the announcements, as his presence adds a unique dynamic to EXO's performances and music. His previous appearances have often been virtual or limited, so a full participation in both a fan meeting and an album is a cause for celebration. This partial reunion of the original nine-member lineup truly feels like a new chapter for the group, hinting at the "new world begins" phrase teased with their total lunar eclipse social media post in September 2025, tying into their iconic "universe storyline."

The Elephant in the Room: Where Are Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin?

While the excitement for the returning members is palpable, there's also been considerable concern and "outcry" among fans regarding the noticeable absence of three members: Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. These three form the popular subunit EXO-CBX, and their non-inclusion in the comeback announcements has left many wondering why a third of the group's current active lineup is missing from such a significant return.

Unfortunately, their absence isn't a mystery, but rather the result of a complex and ongoing legal contract dispute with SM Entertainment. This conflict isn't new; it first flared up in June 2023 when the trio raised serious concerns over their contract terms and, critically, payment transparency. At that time, EXO-CBX even sent a formal notice to SM Entertainment, stating their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts due to alleged discrepancies in their settlement data.

Unpacking the EXO-CBX Contract Controversy with SM Entertainment

The initial dispute in 2023 saw both parties eventually agree to maintain the exclusive contract for EXO's group activities, while allowing Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin to pursue individual activities under their new agency, INB100. However, tensions resurfaced in 2024, leading to the current situation. The core of the renewed conflict revolves around financial agreements and the fulfillment of promises.

According to reports from Bandwagon Asia, EXO-CBX claims that SM Entertainment failed to provide proper accounting records and did not honor a promised 5.5 percent distribution fee on album and music sales. On the other side, SM Entertainment has firmly stated that "exclusive contracts must be upheld" and asserted that CBX had agreed to remit 10 percent of their individual activity revenue back to the company. This disagreement highlights a significant financial gap, with approximately 600 million won (roughly $430,000 USD) in dispute as of September 2025.

Court-led mediation efforts have, so far, not resulted in a resolution, as reported by Soompi. This ongoing legal battle is precisely why Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin are currently absent from EXO's group activities, including the upcoming "EXOverse" fan meeting and the 2026 album. The group's 13th anniversary celebration in 2025 also proceeded without CBX, leaving fans with what some described as a "half-hearted full-group" anniversary. The future participation of these three members hinges entirely on the outcome of this lawsuit and any potential reconciliation between the involved parties.

A Look Back at EXO's Evolving Roster Through the Years

EXO's journey has always been dynamic, even from their debut. They originally launched in 2012 as a massive 12-member group, cleverly split into two subunits, EXO-K and EXO-M, to promote simultaneously in South Korea and China. The full original lineup included Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Tao, Kai, and Sehun.

However, like many long-standing K-pop groups, EXO has faced its share of member departures. In 2014 and 2015, three of the Chinese members – Kris, Luhan, and Tao – left the group after filing lawsuits against SM Entertainment regarding their contracts. While Luhan and Tao continued successful solo careers, Kris later faced serious legal issues and is currently imprisoned after being convicted on charges including rape and tax evasion.

These past changes have shaped EXO into the nine-member group fans have known for many years. The current dispute with EXO-CBX adds another layer to this history, underscoring the complexities and challenges of long-term contracts in the demanding K-pop industry. This latest development means that for the foreseeable future, EXO will continue promotional activities with their current six-member lineup, at least through 2026.

"EXOverse" Fan Meeting: What to Expect and How to Join the Fun

Even with the reduced lineup, the "EXOverse" fan meeting promises to be an unforgettable event for EXO-Ls. Set for December 13 and 14, 2025, at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, the members are ready to give fans a fantastic show. Expect them to perform beloved hits, including their iconic winter classic, "The First Snow," which is always a fan favorite.

But there's more! Attendees will also get an exclusive sneak peek as the group plans to unveil a brand-new track from their upcoming 2026 album for the very first time. This live premiere is a major highlight, offering fans a glimpse into EXO's new musical direction and what the eighth full-length album will bring.

If you're eager to secure your spot, here’s what you need to know about tickets:

• Fan Club Presales: October 30, 2025, at 8 PM KST (5:30 PM IST) via Melon Ticket.
• General Sales: October 31, 2025, at 8 PM KST (5:30 PM IST) via Melon Ticket.
• Ticket Price: KRW 110,000 (inclusive of VAT, approximately $77 USD).

For international fans who can't make it to Incheon, there's good news! The fan meeting will also be available for online viewing through Beyond LIVE and Weverse livestreams. Keep an eye on EXO's official social media accounts for further details on how to access these online broadcasts.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for EXO's Future?

The upcoming fan meeting and album release mark a significant milestone for EXO, showcasing their resilience and continued dedication to their music and fans despite the internal challenges. This will be their first group project since their 2023 album "Exist" and a true reunion for many members after completing their mandatory military service, making it a pivotal moment in their career.

While the current six-member lineup is what fans can expect for the immediate future, the door isn't entirely closed for a full nine-member reunion. The possibility of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin rejoining group activities ultimately depends on the resolution of their ongoing legal dispute with SM Entertainment. Until then, EXO-Ls will continue to support the active members as they embark on this exciting new chapter, eagerly anticipating the new music and performances that lie ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About EXO's Comeback When is EXO's new album coming out? EXO's eighth full-length album is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, with album promotions starting in December 2025. Who are the members participating in the comeback? Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay will be participating in the "EXOverse" fan meeting and the upcoming album. Why are Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin not part of the comeback? Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin are currently not participating due to an ongoing contract dispute with SM Entertainment, involving concerns over contract terms and payment transparency. Where can I watch the "EXOverse" fan meeting online? The "EXOverse" fan meeting will be available for online viewing via Beyond LIVE and Weverse. Specific details for these livestreams will be announced soon on EXO's official social media channels. Sources

• Forbes: "Why Are Some EXO Members Missing From Their Upcoming Album?" by Hannah Abraham
• GMA Integrated News: "EXO is making a group comeback after all the members complete their military service"
• ymchoi: "EXO to End the Year with Fans, Teases Full-Group Comeback"
• Hindustan Times: "EXO announces December fanmeeting and new album including Lay; Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin missing amid feud" by Ayushi Agrawal
• News18: "EXO Set To Organise Fan Meet, Drops Details Ahead Of Comeback Album Release" by Grace Cyril & Trending Desk
• Soompi: "EXO Announces Fan Meeting And New Full Album Featuring 6 Members Including Lay" by M Lim