Baekhyun sets up own company, but says he will remain as a member of EXO
EXO’s Baekhyun. Image: Twitter/@weareoneEXO
Months after resolving his contract dispute with SM Entertainment, EXO’s Baekhyun confirmed that he’s setting up his own company with Kasper, a South Korea-based choreographer.
Baekhyun made the revelation during an Instagram Live in the wee hours of Tuesday, Aug. 8, as he laid down future plans for his career.
“It’s a company I started with my friend Kasper at the thought of [wanting] to grow many good choreographers and dancers. It’s not set in stone yet, but I’m researching a lot and trying different things to make good results with good purpose. The company will come out with a different name that is not One Signature,” he said. “On a good day, I’ll officially announce it to everyone.”
The “UN Village” singer then opened up about being “always curious about settlement and contract-related matters for a long time,” where he spoke about his previous contract dispute with the music label.
“For a long time, I was always curious about settlement and contract-related matters. In the midst of that, we were faced with various situations due to Teacher Lee Soo-man’s absence, which made me more curious,” he said, while referring to SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man.
“I always wanted to personally check myself, because during the two years I was in the military, I worked hard on vocal lessons, gave a lot of opinions after my service ended on how we can release an album better for fans who waited two years… However, there are many rules everywhere in the company that I can’t break. After communication and mutual understanding, I have a good and mutually supportive relationship with SM,” he continued.
During the Instagram Live, the EXO member also pointed out that while he wants to release a solo album, he noted that he wants to “prepare for it properly” while baring his intention to become a music producer.
“The reason why I’m not releasing an album is not because I’ve lost my initial mindset but because this is a very important period in my life,” he said. “I wish to prepare for it properly and more certainly, making it delayed. I’m sincerely sorry to those who love and support me.”
Baekhyun clarified that while he’s in the process of setting up his own company, he will continue to stay with SM Entertainment and promote as a member of EXO, as he stressed that he won’t “tolerate anyone who spreads false information.”
“I’m sorry for making fans go through a difficult time. I will not tolerate anyone who spreads false information,” he said. “I don’t wish to harm the name of EXO. I don’t want to cause harm to my members. I will work harder, so whenever you look [on the internet], you will only find good things. I’ll be someone who works hard to repay you.”
Baekhyun debuted as the main vocalist of EXO in April 2012, and started a solo career in July 2019. He’s also part of the sub-units EXO-K and EXO-CBX, as well as SM Entertainment-focused unit SuperM, where he’s the leader. EDV
