Baekhyun Blamed For EXO’s “Embarrassing” Album Sales

EXO’s long-awaited comeback with REVERXE and its title track “Crown” is facing heavy backlash, and the reaction has only worsened following the release of the group’s first-day album sales.

| SM Entertainment

According to Hanteo, REVERXE sold 265,934 copies on day one. While this number would be respectable for many groups, it has sparked intense criticism due to EXO’s own history.

[HT] EXO (@weareoneEXO) 8th Full Album <REVERXE>

DAY 1: 265,934

TOTAL: 265,934 #EXO #엑소 pic.twitter.com/oRwNrU9s2B

— KOREAN SALES (@koreansales_twt) January 19, 2026

Their previous album, EXIST, surpassed one million copies on its first day, making the current drop impossible for fans and netizens to ignore.

| SM Entertainment

The shocking sales performance was quickly linked to the absence of CBX, particularly Baekhyun.

Many netizens are openly blaming the sharp decline on Baekhyun’s absence, arguing that he was the main driver of EXO’s sales power.

In the end the whole group sales were built around one member and the others were just decoration. https://t.co/6X0HuWhoKW

— Lily⁷ (@Luvsirjeon) January 19, 2026

That’s just another proof of why SMTOWN coerced Baekhyun and blackmailed him into renewing, and why they’re still obsessed with 10% of his solo revenue. That company loves money, and Baekhyun alone makes more profit than six of them combined. https://t.co/uhow4GROwV pic.twitter.com/X00aWfivzq

— rèvèrie🪽 (@kyoongluvers) January 19, 2026

Damn Baekhyun was really carrying the group's sales.. https://t.co/21JgJlUuQd

— Ari⁷ 非 (@taeminiemuse7) January 19, 2026

Several posts accused SM Entertainment of being fully aware of Baekhyun’s financial value, pointing to the company’s past contract disputes with him as proof.

Their fans wanted us to believe baekhyun wasn't necessary only for them to go from selling a million to 250k and baekhyun ended up outselling them….the downfall is embarrassing 😭😭😭 https://t.co/MpUDDeraCo

— lia ʚїɞ (@virtualbyun) January 19, 2026

Baekhyun was really the one who carried that group sales all that time. thank god, no more charity work😭🙏🏼

— ☆ (@akiisaan) January 19, 2026

Others went further, comparing Baekhyun’s solo performance to EXO’s current numbers and calling the difference “embarrassing.”

wow this downgrade kskskkkdkd so this is what happens when u take away baekhyun's sales from the group wow https://t.co/shJbS2erDw

— miffy (@mfdsll) January 19, 2026

Baekhyun really was the backbone of the group huh, no wonder sm is so bitter 😭 https://t.co/pNw4jOvNUJ

— mavi ⳻⳺ (@mingzaihrs) January 19, 2026

While EXO remains one of K-pop’s most recognizable names, the reaction to REVERXE and its commercial performance shows a major shift in public perception.

EXO