EXO to hold “EXO’verse” fan meeting this December. Six members reunite, including Lay, after long hiatus. Fans react as CBX remains absent amid legal dispute.
After years of military service and solo activities, EXO is finally set to reconnect with fans in the grandest way possible. On October 27, SM Entertainment officially announced that the legendary third-generation K-pop group will hold a fan meeting titled “EXO’verse” at Inspire Arena, Incheon, on December 13 and 14, 2025, followed by the release of their eighth full-length album in the first quarter of 2026.
The announcement immediately sent waves through the fandom, marking a rare reunion of six members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay, performing together again under the name EXO.
According to SM Entertainment, EXO will look back on their journey with EXO-L (the official fan club name) by performing some of their biggest hits, including the iconic winter song “First Snow,” while also unveiling several new tracks from the upcoming album for the first time. The two-day fan meeting will serve as the starting point for a major comeback after a long hiatus. Tickets will go on presale for fan club members through Melon Ticket at 8 p.m. KST on October 30, followed by general sales at the same time on October 31. SM also confirmed that the event will be streamed online via Beyond LIVE and Weverse, with additional details to be announced later.
Source: X @real_eri61
A Reunion Filled with Joy and Pain for Fans
While the news brought excitement, the fandom’s reaction was far from simple. Across X (formerly Twitter), many fans shared mixed feelings after learning that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (CBX) were not included in the upcoming lineup. The trio has been in a legal dispute with SM Entertainment over contract enforcement since 2024. Their second mediation earlier this month reportedly ended without an agreement, raising concerns that a complete nine-member EXO reunion may not happen anytime soon.
Several fans voiced their solidarity by reviving hashtags like #EXOisNINE and #CBXisEXO, emphasizing that all nine members ( Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun) remain part of EXO regardless of their current legal or contract situation.
“We tolerated Lay’s absence for specific reasons, and we tolerated the members’ military service. But we never tolerate their absence for no reason. EXO is 9. No less, no more.”
Others expressed deep frustration over the agency’s silence regarding CBX’s status.
“Answer the damn question first. Is CBX still EXO? You can’t keep milking us without even giving us the details. You’ve gotten away with it in 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2023. You can’t do that to us anymore.”
These posts sparked wide discussions among EXO-Ls around the world. Many admitted they felt angry and tired but still could not let go of the group they had supported for more than a decade.
“I hate my good taste in music. Happy 13 years of misery to me!”
“If I could go back, I’d still choose the same path.”
One of the most surprising elements of the comeback is the return of Lay Zhang to group activities. After leaving SM Entertainment in April 2022 to focus on his solo career in China, Lay’s participation in EXO’verse marks his long-awaited reunion with the group. His comeback is seen by fans as both sentimental and symbolic, showing that his bond with EXO remains strong even after years of separation.
Meanwhile, EXO and BTS, two defining icons of third-generation K-pop, are both preparing for full-group comebacks after completing military service. Industry experts view this as a pivotal moment in the revival of the third-generation idol era, as newer fourth- and fifth-generation groups continue to dominate the market.
One fan proudly wrote:
“Proud of all members. All of you have strong shoulders from a tough agency.”
With over a decade of experience and a loyal global fan base, EXO now stands at the beginning of a new chapter filled with emotion and challenges. Although this comeback journey is mixed with uncertainty and tension, EXO continues to represent resilience, loyalty, and artistry in the world of K-pop.
Source: SM Entertainment, EXO Official Account, Sports Seoul, MHN Sports, TV Daily, Xports News, TV Report
Seeing Lay back with the members feels like a dream. My inner 2014 EXO-L is so emotional right now. But my heart also aches for CBX… 
They’ll make you feel things. Welcome to the fandom, let me know if you need song recs! 
