As the much-anticipated EXO comeback closes in, a seemingly innocuous Instagram post from group member Baekhyun has stirred controversy amongst fans.

Amid the trio EXO-CBX's ongoing legal wrangling with SM Entertainment, Baekhyun's social media action appears to subtly highlight the rift.

Unspoken Feuds and an Upcoming Comeback

EXO's Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin, collectively known as EXO-CBX, are currently locked in a legal dispute with SM Entertainment.

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Despite the friction, it's been announced that all members will partake in EXO's much-awaited comeback.

On June 12, a pre-release single, "Let Me In," had fans eagerly anticipating the rest of the album. This tantalizing preview was quickly followed by the official schedule release via the EXO Twitter account.

Yet, as fans collectively held their breath for what lay ahead, Baekhyun seemingly threw shade at SM Entertainment through an unexpected medium.

Baekhyun's Instagram Post: Artistic Expression or Sly Dig?

Baekhyun's Instagram repost of EXO's comeback schedule, though typical for any idol, soon became a hot topic of discussion.

Fans were quick to notice an anomaly in his version of the post. The SM Entertainment logo, initially placed at the top left corner, was conspicuously absent in Baekhyun's rendition of the poster.

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While some believed the idol's cropping to be an aesthetic choice, a majority interpreted it as a covert dig at SM Entertainment.

Though unconfirmed, the deliberate exclusion of the logo seemed to resonate with the trio's ongoing legal situation.

Twitter Buzz: Fans Chime In

Baekhyun's deft crop did not escape eagle-eyed netizens who took to Twitter to express their amusement.

One user tweeted, "The way Baekhyun cropped out the SM logo," pointing out the missing branding element. Another user lauded the move as a display of "king behavior."

While the true intent behind the crop remains a mystery, the timing and context do paint a compelling picture.

The Legal Drama Continues

In the backdrop of this Instagram intrigue, the legal battle between EXO-CBX and SM Entertainment persists.

The artists, as represented by their lawyer, have expressed a desire to continue with EXO activities despite terminating their contracts with SM Entertainment.

This wish to stay, despite their dispute, points to their deep-rooted dedication to the group and their fans.

EXO-CBX Legal Stance: Here for the Fans

According to their legal representative, the lawsuit doesn't reflect any lack of affection towards their fans.

Regardless of the outcome of the ongoing litigation, the idols are grateful for their fans' unwavering support and remain committed to their EXO activities.

The legal representative also rebutted SM Entertainment's claim about the trio attempting to sign with another label, putting to rest swirling rumors about a potential shift.

Baekhyun's Instagram post, in the midst of these tensions, lends a glimpse into the unfolding dynamics between EXO and SM Entertainment.

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While the legal issues play out in court, the focus for Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin remains their music and their fans.

As the drama unfolds off-stage, fans eagerly await EXO's comeback, hoping the group's artistry will triumph over controversy.

Regardless of the legal outcome, one thing is certain: the support from EXO-Ls, the group's dedicated fanbase, remains as unwavering as ever.

Their journey ahead, filled with new music and performances, promises to be an exciting, albeit bumpy, ride.

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Cassidy Jones wrote this.
KpopStarz owns this article.