When they debuted in January of 2012, EXO looked like the next big music group for Kpop. Showing off their vocals, rap technique, and dance, the group quickly rose in popularity, both in China (EXO-M) and Korea (EXO-K).
The popularity quickly resulted in multiple award wins, including the 2013 MAMA Award for Album of the Year, un-seating fellow label-group Super Junior (who had won in 2011 & 2012). They were the next generation for SM Entertainment.
But it is beginning to fall apart. It began in May, where EXO-M leader, Kris Wu filed a lawsuit towards SM Entertainment(SME) to terminate his contract. He criticized SME to not treating their artists fairly, reporting that the company had not allowed him to visit his family in Vancouver, Canada. It was not the first time SME received a lawsuit from an artist, Han Geng of Super Junior being the first. Kris has currently continued his career in China, acting and rumoured to be releasing an album in the near future.
Super Junior was able to continue with the lose of one member, so it appeared EXO would be fine too. But as we are finding out now, a second member of EXO-M is filing a lawsuit against SME as well.
On October 9, 2014 (KOR time), Luhan filed his lawsuit to nullify his contract with the company. There have been much speculation about this, but there were no hard evidence. Many had believed Luhan was on sick leave, recovering from intense fatigue. But that does not seem to be the case now, with reports that the relationship between the two sides have gone bad. Luhan had set a deadline to resolve this conflict, but it seems it has past, judging by the issuing of the lawsuit.
EXO, once started out as a 12 member group, is now, possibly down to 10 (6 in EXO-K, 4 in EXO-M). This leads to the question, "Can EXO still continue their success with the absence of two members?" Super Junior lost one member due to lawsuit and have continued to produce popular music. EXO members have been quiet these few weeks, possibly unsure themselves as to what will happen to them. They were shocked when Kris left, and this time with Luhan leaving, it could be a big blow. Can they come back and dominate the Kpop industry in the future?
Aside from EXO, SM Entertainment have been through a tough year, losing artist after artist. Last week, popular member, Jessica was reportedly kicked out of Girl's Generation, causing SM's stocks to drop drastically. After Luhan's news was announced to the public, the stocks plummeted. It seems SME will continue to fall in stocks until they are able to resolve the drama within their company. It will need time before SM can come out and release what is happening within their organization.
