EXO's Xiumin Faces Conflict with KBS as Im Woojin Skips 'Limousine Service' Recording
Xiumin (시우민) of EXO is currently embroiled in a dispute with KBS regarding his appearance on music shows, which has led to fellow artist Im Woojin (이무진) also skipping the recording of the YouTube web entertainment show 'Limousine Service' (리무진서비스) on March 5. Reports indicate that the conflict stems from Xiumin's agency, INB100, which is part of the One Hundred group, having issues with KBS over Xiumin's participation in KBS 2TV's 'Music Bank' (뮤직뱅크).
Im Woojin is signed under Big Planet Made Entertainment, which is also a subsidiary of One Hundred, similar to INB100. The speculation is that Woojin's absence from the recording is linked to the ongoing tensions between KBS and Xiumin's agency.
A representative from One Hundred stated, "We have been unable to reach the head of KBS's entertainment division for two weeks regarding our artists' participation. Despite multiple attempts to communicate with the production team, we have received no responses or opportunities to meet."
They further explained, "Given the lack of response from the decision-maker at KBS, we had no choice but to interpret this as a refusal for all our artists to participate. If our artists were to comply with KBS's conditions and appear under duress, it would only solidify an unfair situation."
On March 4, One Hundred released an official statement highlighting that Xiumin is set to release his solo album on March 10 and has made numerous attempts to meet with KBS, but has been met with silence. They claimed that KBS unofficially communicated that Xiumin's simultaneous appearance on programs featuring SM Entertainment artists, such as 'Music Bank', would not be possible.
KBS has denied these claims, stating they are "not true." The situation escalated further when the head of One Hundred took to social media to express frustration, although the post was later deleted. With the ongoing conflict involving Xiumin and now Im Woojin's absence, it seems the repercussions will continue for the foreseeable future.
