After Kris, Luhan and Tao left EXO, SM has filed a total of 23 lawsuits against Chinese sponsors who helped the three members’ activities in China. SM is insisting that the Chinese members are continuing to do their illegal entertainment activities in the country because a legal battle between the agency and the three members hasn’t ended yet and it means they still belong to the agency.
Well, check out what SM talked about its lawsuit against the three members first. SM thinks their behavior was absolutely disgraceful.
“Kris, Luhan and Tao filed lawsuits through same attorney in Korea. And even before the case went to trial, they appeared in various movie, commercial films and TV shows in China. They used their popularity as EXO members to be active as entertainers in the country, and by doing so, they infringed upon the interests of EXO and SM. And they also caused our affiliated companies considerable economic damage. Until the court decision is reached, their exclusive contracts with SM are valid, and all of their individual activities in China violate the contracts. We will make them take legal responsibilities for it.”
Actually, it’s unusual for SM to respond so strongly to the case because the agency has been always very sensitive about its public image. However, as it’s not the first time that SM’s idol singer filed a lawsuit against the agency and there is a concern that Lay, another Chinese member of EXO will leave the group too, SM had no choice but to mount a tough response. What SM wants to do now is to put brakes on Kris, Luhan and Tao’s activities in China.
Instead, SM has set up its new branch in China "Lay Workshop" which will provide a full support to Lay in the country. No doubt, SM decided to do this to prevent Lay's breakaway from EXO. SM has already lost 3 talented Chinese members, and Lay’s breakaway from EXO could be fatal to the group and the agency. After Kris, Luhan and Tao left EXO, SM realized that it needs a special measure to control its foreign idols. And yeah, setting up “Lay Workshop” in China was a part of the agency’s projects to captivate foreign idols’ hearts.
So, do you think Lay will not leave EXO for ever? For now, it's highly unlikely that he will leave the team. He’s released his solo album and has taken the leading role in his Chinese movie too. Unlike Kris, Luhan and Tao who had to focus on their group activities when they were in EXO, Lay is now active both as a member of EXO and as a solo artist at home and abroad. SM is taking care of everything about him, and it seems he is so satisfied with his life.
