Jump to content

SM Entertainment

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Pinkblood)

SM Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Native name
SM 엔터테인먼트
FormerlySM Studio (1989–1995)
Company typePublic
KRX: 041510
Industry
Genre
Founded
  • February 14, 1989; 35 years ago (1989-02-14) (as SM Studio)
  • February 14, 1995; 29 years ago (1995-02-14) (as SM Entertainment)
FounderLee Soo-man
HeadquartersSM Entertainment 83-21, Wangsimni-ro, Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Services
  • Licensing
  • Publishing
  • Record distribution
RevenueIncrease US$657 million (2022)
Increase US$62.3 million (2022)
Owner
Number of employees
601 (As of 2023)
DivisionsSee divisions
Websitewww.smentertainment.com
www.smtown.com

SM Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Korean: SM엔터테인먼트) is a South Korean multinational entertainment agency established in 1995 by Lee Soo-man. It is one of South Korea's largest entertainment companies and has been responsible for fostering and popularizing the careers of many K-pop stars garnering huge global fanbases.[5][6] The company operates as a record label, talent agency, music production company, event management and concert production company, and music publishing house. SM Entertainment is known for having led the worldwide K-pop phenomenon and the musical side of "Hallyu",[7] also known as the "Korean Wave", with early overseas successes such as H.O.T., S.E.S., and BoA.[8]

The label currently represents K-pop artists such as Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, J-Min, Shinee, Zhou Mi, Exo, Red Velvet, NCT, SuperM, Aespa, Got the Beat, and Riize, and has previously represented Hyun Jin-Young, H.O.T., S.E.S., Shinhwa, Fly to the Sky, The Grace, f(x), and Henry Lau. It also manages actors, including Lee Jae-ryong, Yoo Ho-jeong, Cho Jun-young and previously represented Lee Yeon-hee, Go Ara. In Japan, SM co-publishes Avex Trax releases for artists including Ayumi Hamasaki, Namie Amuro, and Koda Kumi, as well as Johnny's Entertainment artists such as Arashi and KAT-TUN.[9]

History

[edit]

1989–2000: Creation and first-generation artists

[edit]
Company logo until October 2017

After graduating from California State University, Northridge in the United States, Lee Soo-man returned to Korea and in 1989 established what was then known as "SM Studio" in the Apgujeong neighborhood of Gangnam, Seoul and signed singer Hyun Jin-young. During the 1990s, SM Studio developed an in-house system that looked after all aspects of its artists' careers.[10] Lee's approach was targeted at teenage audiences, and took a holistic view of the qualities needed to become a successful entertainer.[11] In February 1995, the company changed its name to SM Entertainment and set up its capital fund.[12] SM then developed an in-house production system and created a string of successful artists, including boy band H.O.T. in 1996, girl group S.E.S. in 1997, boy band Shinhwa in 1998, R&B duo Fly to the Sky in 1999, and soloist BoA in 2000.

Jung Hae-ik was appointed CEO at the time of SM's official reestablishment in 1995,[13] and was succeeded by Kim Kyung-wook in 1998.[citation needed]

2000–2005: Affiliations and second-generation artists

[edit]
Super Junior at KCON in 2015.

The early 2000s saw the disbandment of both H.O.T (in 2001) and S.E.S (in 2002).[14] Shinhwa departed to a new agency, and new acts like the duo Isak N Jiyeon and the boy band Black Beat failed to attain the popularity of previous SM artists.[14] In December 2000, SM established an affiliate company called Fandango Korea.[15] In January 2001, the company founded an overseas division, SM Entertainment Japan.[16] Around the same time, the company was approved for listing on KOSDAQ, and SM established an affiliation with the Japanese major label Avex Trax. SM also formed the subsidiaries BM Entertainment and Cid. K Entertainment (under which the girl groups M.I.L.K. and Shinvi were signed, respectively), but they later dissolved when their groups disbanded.[citation needed]

In late 2002, SM was awarded the Grand Prix of Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the Culture Contents for Export Award in music.[17]

In 2003, SM became affiliated with Starlight Corporation Ltd. and C-Cube Entertainment Corporation.[citation needed] That same year, the company debuted five-member boy group TVXQ. The following years saw the debuts of artists such as TRAX (2004), The Grace (2005), and Super Junior (2005).

2005–2010: Expansion and international artists

[edit]
Girls' Generation at the DMC Festival in September 2015
Shinee in October 2016
f(x) in October 2015

In 2005, Kim Young-min became the company's third CEO,[8] under whom several artists debuted with a view to promoting outside of South Korea. Artists produced by SM during this period included Chinese-born soloist Zhang Liyin (2006), Japanese-language soloist J-Min (2007), Girls' Generation (2007), Shinee (2008), and f(x) (2009). In April 2008, SM debuted a Mandarin-language sub-unit of Super Junior, named Super Junior-M. In October 2008, SM announced plans for BoA's debut in the American market, under a newly formed subsidiary label named SM Entertainment USA.

In May 2008, the SM Art Company opened under co-CEO Pyo In-bong, with a focus on producing theatrical works. The company's first venture was a production of the American musical comedy Xanadu, starring Super Junior members Heechul and Kangin.[18]

2010–2012: Joint and further ventures

[edit]

In February 2010, after two decades on SM's board of directors, founder Lee Soo-man resigned from his position in order to "focus more energy on SM's overseas business, new business management, and artist development."[19] In March of the same year, KMP Holdings was established as a joint venture between SM, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Star Empire, Medialine, CAN Entertainment, and Music Factory.[20] The firm's first release from SM was Super Junior's fifth studio album, Mr. Simple, which marked the end of SM's self-distribution. In May, SM announced its highest ever first quarter operating profits, at KR₩10.4 billion, up 471% from the same period the previous year. Gross revenue was reported at KR₩22.7 billion, a 58% increase on the previous year.[21]

In April 2011, SM, YG, JYP, KeyEast, AMENT, and Star J Entertainment came together to form United Asia Management, a joint investment agency geared towards advancing Asian music worldwide. That August, SM joined with Thai media company TrueVisions to create an international joint venture, SM True.[22]

Exo in June 2016

In 2012, SM debuted the large-scale boy group Exo, split into two units in order to promote in Korea and China simultaneously.[23] In February, SM acquired Hawaiian travel firm Happy Hawaii and launched SMTown Travel, a new business initiative specializing in travel and tourism under Kang Jung-hyun.[24][25] Later that year, SMTown Travel offered package deals for overseas fans attending Super Junior's Super Show 4 Tour encore concerts in Seoul.[26] In March, 47 of SM's recording artists became stockholders of the company. Kangta, BoA, and most members of Super Junior and Girls' Generation received 680 shares each (with a value of approximately US$27,200 per person), while members of more recent groups like Shinee and f(x) received 340 shares each (with a value of around US$13,600 per person).[27] In August, SM held an art exhibition at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center,[28] and collaborated with Visa and KB Kookmin Card to begin printing SM artist cards.[29] That same month, Korean TV personalities Kang Ho-dong and Shin Dong-yup announced that they had signed exclusive contracts with SM's new broadcasting subsidiary, SM Culture & Contents (SM C&C), marking SM's expansion into television.[30][31] The next month, in September, SM C&C merged with AM Entertainment (which then represented top actors such as Jang Dong-gun, Kim Ha-neul, and Han Ji-min),[32] and two other TV personalities, Lee Su-geun and Kim Byung-man, announced that they had also signed with SM.[33] In November, KMP Holdings was acquired by KT Music, and in June 2013, KT Music absorbed KMP's distribution network.[34]

2013–2016: Third-generation artists and new music ventures

[edit]
Red Velvet going to a recording of Music Bank in June 2019

In 2013, SM C&C acquired Hoon Media (a production company led by Lee Hoon-hee, responsible for KBS serials 1 vs 100, Heroines 6, Qualifications of Men, and Music Bank) and Woollim Entertainment, a record label responsible for artists such as Infinite.[35][36][37]

In January 2014, SM and the other six talent agencies behind KMP Holdings formed a collective bond partnership and bought 13.48% of KT Music's stocks, leaving parent KT Corporation with 49.99%.[38] In February, SM acquired a share in Baljunso, an indie record label founded in 1991 by Kang Byung-yong.[39] On August 1, SM debuted Red Velvet, its first girl group since f(x) five years prior.

In August 2015, SM partnered with sports marketing company IB Worldwide to create Galaxia SM, responsible for golfer Park In-bee, gymnast Son Yeon-jae, and Choo Shin-soo, right fielder for the Texas Rangers.[40] On November 6, the 10th anniversary of Super Junior's debut, SM announced the creation of the group's own sub-label, Label SJ.[41] In late 2015, SM partnered with modeling company ESteem to promote self-owned content and network.[42] The venture later expanded its acting division through the acting debuts of models Ki Do-hoon and Lee Cheol-woo. In 2015, SM had reported revenues of KR₩325 billion (approximately US$287 million) and a net income of KR₩21.7 billion (US$19 million).[43]

NCT 127 during a recording of Music Bank in October 2018

In January 2016, founder Lee Soo-man held a conference at the SM Coex Artium, announcing plans for a new boy group, NCT, an acronym for Neo Culture Technology, with "unlimited members".[44][45] Its first sub-unit, NCT U, released two debut singles in April 2016.[46] NCT has since expanded to three more units - NCT 127 in July 2016,[47] NCT Dream in August 2016,[48] and the China-based unit WayV in January 2019.[49] The sub-label Label V manages WayV.[49] With members debuting yearly from 2016 to 2020, NCT as a whole currently has 20 members.[50]

At the beginning of 2016, the company opened a restaurant, SMT Seoul,[51] and also established a series of stores selling branded foods under the name SUM Market.[52] On February 11, 2016, the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group acquired a 4% minority stake in SM Entertainment for US$30 million.[53] On May 5, 2016, SM released the first single under its newly established EDM label ScreaM Records, "Wave", featuring f(x) members Amber and Luna and produced by Xavi & Gi and E-mart's Electro Mart.[54][55] ScreaM Records opened as part of SM's New Culture Technology 2016 project, under which SM also initiated the digital music channel SM Station and a number of mobile apps.[56] In late 2016, SM began organizing a League of Legends tournament, called SM Super Celeb League, in which SM artists Heechul and Baekhyun played against both professional gamers and fans from South Korea and China.[57]

2017–2022: NCT expansion, business expansion and the end of "SM 2.0" era

[edit]

On February 16, 2017, a source from the task force in charge of the international K-pop academy has plans to open this upcoming September. The Gangnam-based academy is a collaborative venture with the private Jongro Sky Academy [ko]. Plans for the school to be certified as an alternative program for domestic Korean middle and high school education, as well as US secondary school education, are also underway.[58] In March 2017, SM acquired the independent record label Mystic Entertainment, becoming the label's largest shareholder.[59]

In March 2018, SM acquired entertainment agency KeyEast and drama production company FNC Add Culture, a subsidiary of FNC Entertainment.[60] Two months later, FNC Add Culture changed their name to SM Life Design Group.[61] On October 2, 2018 it was revealed SM had acquired Million Market, home to singer-song writers, rappers and R&B singers.[62] In October 2018, SM partnered up with Trans Media of Indonesia, which was owned by CT Corp.[63] In February 2019, Trans Media and SM signed their Heads of Joint Venture Agreement together.[64] Later, on the same month, SM opened its Indonesian office in Jakarta.[65][66]

SuperM at a press conference in October 2019

In January 2019, SM debuted NCT's China unit, boy group band WayV.[67] On August 8, 2019, SM and Capitol Music Group – which earlier signed NCT 127 in April 2019[68] – announced SuperM, a supergroup consisting of Taemin from Shinee, Baekhyun and Kai from Exo, and Taeyong, Ten, Lucas and Mark from NCT units NCT 127, NCT Dream and WayV, in the 2019 Capitol Congress event in Los Angeles.[69] The group debuted in October 2019.[69] The group's self-titled EP entered the Billboard 200 albums chart at number one, making SuperM the first Asian artist in history to top the US album chart with a debut release.[70] In November 2019, SM signed with Creative Artists Agency for representation in all areas.[71] In March 2020, SM appointed production head Lee Sung Soo as the company's CEO, as well as Tak Young Joon as SM's chief marketing officer (CMO).[72]

By April 2020, it was announced that SM and Naver had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with purpose to expand the reach of concerts to global audience. The joint efforts leads to the creation of Beyond Live, a series of online live concerts, which were created in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[73] On April 20, SM released the first trailer on their official YouTube channel announcing the upcoming series of live concerts dubbed as the "new era of live concert", with the first live show to be headlined by SuperM.[74] The concerts are hosted on Naver's V Live app and made available to audience from more than 200 countries. On August 3, Naver invested ₩100 billion in SM. This would be used for their subsidiaries SMEJ Plus and Mystic Story, as well as plans for merging their fanclubs into V Live's Fanship platform and developing more Beyond Live concerts.[75] A day later, SM announced its partnership with JYP Entertainment to establish Beyond Live Corporation, a joint company for producing Beyond Live concerts.[76][77] SM Coex Artium closed in June 2020.[78] A venue located in Changwon, which has been planned since 2016, will replace it.[79] In addition to the new complex, SM partnered with Jongro Haneul Education [ko] to launch SM Institute, an educational facility to train local and international aspiring artists; the institute is expected to open in March 2021.[80] On June 12, it was announced that SM partnered with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra to release orchestral versions of their artists' most popular songs under the label SM Classics.[81][82] In October 2020, SM announced that Aespa, their first new girl group in six years, would debut with their digital single "Black Mamba" on November 17.[83][84]

Aespa in November 2021

On December 27, 2021, SM announced the creation of their rotational all-female supergroup Girls On Top. The group's first lineup, Got the Beat, consists of BoA, Taeyeon and Hyoyeon from Girls' Generation, Seulgi and Wendy from Red Velvet, and Karina and Winter from Aespa. The group released their debut single "Step Back" on January 3, 2022.[85]

On October 1, 2022, an amusement park collaboration between SM and Everland was launched, based on artists and concepts within the SM Culture Universe (SMCU), called Ever SM Town.[86]

In 2022, SM terminated its production license contract with founder Lee Soo-man's company Like Planning.[87] On December 1, SM announced that the company will be setting up its Southeast Asian headquarters in Singapore, which will be managing joint ventures in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.[88] The company plans to launch retail businesses such as cafes, merchandise stores and pop-up exhibitions in the country.[89]

2023–present: Announcing "SM 3.0" era and major adjustments

[edit]

On February 3, 2023, SM released a video titled "SM 3.0: Producing Strategy Multi 'Production Center/Label' System" on its official YouTube channel, in which co-CEOs Lee Sung-soo and Tak Young-jun revealed that the label was passing from its "2.0" era to the "3.0 era", with major adjustments to come concerning the label's operations. These included shifting from a one-man production system led by founder and executive producer Lee Soo-man to a system under which multiple production teams, both internal and external, would supervise music production and artist promotions. A goal of the new system was to avoid production delays.[90][91] On February 6, it was announced that Kakao had purchased a 9.05% stake of SM Entertainment, becoming the company's second-largest shareholder at the time.[92][93] The next day, Lee Soo-man filed an injunction against SM Entertainment for its issuance of new shares and convertible bonds to Kakao, stating the deal between the companies was "illegal" without his permission as the largest shareholder.[94][95] Two days later, it was announced that Hybe Corporation had become SM Entertainment's largest shareholder after acquiring a 14.8% stake from Lee Soo-man for approximately 422.8 billion won,[96] with the company subsequently acquiring Galaxia SM's 1% stake on March 3, increasing their share to 15.8%.[97]

On March 3, 2023, a South Korean court issued an injunction against SM Entertainment's deal with Kakao.[98] On March 6, 2023, Kakao launched a tender offer bid, in which it sought to acquire 35% of SM Entertainment's shares, in addition to the 4.9% stake already owned by the company.[99][100] On March 12, 2023, Hybe announced that it no longer planned to acquire a majority stake in SM Entertainment, saying that the bidding war with Kakao could "damage shareholder value".[101] On March 24, 2023, Hybe announced that it would sell its entire stake in SM Entertainment to Kakao by participating in its tender offer.[102][103] On March 28, 2023, Kakao announced that it had successfully acquired a 35% stake in SM Entertainment through its tender offer bid, resulting in a combined 39.87% stake between Kakao and its subsidiary, Kakao Entertainment, making it the largest shareholder. Hybe sold half of its stake in SM to Kakao, leaving it with 8.81%.[104][105][106] On March 31, 2023, during the shareholders' meeting, SM Entertainment appointed chief financial officer (CFO) Jang Cheol-hyuk as its new CEO.[1][2] Former co-CEO Lee Sung-soo returned to his role in A&R as chief A&R officer (CAO).[3] Lee Soo-man declared the meeting "the end of an era" for the company he founded, stating he was "moving toward the future".[2]

Riize in September 2023

On August 1, 2023, SM Entertainment announced that they would form a joint venture division with Kakao Entertainment in North America.[107][108] The following day, SM announced the establishment of its music publishing subsidiary, Kreation Music Rights.[109] SM debuted its new boy group Riize in early September,[110] featuring former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro.[111] On November 16, 2023, SM Entertainment signed an agreement with British entertainment company Moon&Back to debut a new British boy group.[112][113] The final NCT sub-unit, NCT Wish, made their debut in February 2024.[114] On March 18, SM's music publishing subsidiary Kreation Music Rights launched new production label Kustomade as part of SM's multi-label strategy, managing soloist Kim Woo-jin and Yelo, a member of the production team MonoTree.[115][116]

Divisions

[edit]

Investment

Branches

  • SM Japan (2001)
  • SM USA (2008)
  • SM True (2011), joint venture with True Corporation of Thailand
  • SM Entertainment Beijing (2012)
  • SM Entertainment Indonesia (2019), joint venture with Trans Media of Indonesia[120]
  • SM Entertainment Vietnam (2020)[121]
  • SM & Kakao Entertainment America (2023)[122]

Labels

LIC stands for Labels In Company and is SM Entertainment's in-house label were introduced following SM 3.0.[123]

Institute

  • SM Institute (2021, partnership with Jongro Haneul Education)

Former labels

  • Baljunso: A South Korean indie record label founded in 1991 and acquired by SM in February 2014.[126] The label is now defunct.
  • Label SJ: An exclusive label established in 2015 to manage Super Junior. It was officially shut down in March 2023 due to the group being moved to SM's new production center.
  • Woollim Entertainment: A South Korean record label and entertainment company founded in 2003. In August 2013, SM acquired the label and merged it into their subsidiary SM C&C as Woollim Label.[127] In March 2016, SM C&C decided to spin off their music content business with Woollim.[128]
  • All I Know Music (AIKM): A hip hop label founded by Mystic Story. It became part of SM in 2019 following their acquisition of Mystic Story. The label is now defunct.
  • Million Market: A South Korean record label founded in 2012. It was acquired by SM in October 2018.[129] As November 2023, the remained shares of SM had acquired by Chairman Cha Won, a major shareholder of BPM Entertainment.[130]

Artists

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Filmography

[edit]

Controversies

[edit]

Contractual disputes

[edit]

JYJ (TVXQ)

[edit]

In late July 2009, three of the five original members of SM boy group TVXQKim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu – applied to the Seoul Central District Court to investigate the validity of their contract with SM,[131][132] as they felt the thirteen-year contract was excessively long and that earnings were not fairly distributed to the members,[133] but contract destruction, they shall be compensated to the Employer by three times the total investment amount and two times the ordinary profit during the remaining contract period.[134] The news of this dispute caused SM's KOSPI stock price to drop by 10.06%.[135] In addition, 120,000 fans of TVXQ filed a petition against SM's long-term contracts to the Seoul Central District Court, and also filed for compensation for an SMTown Live Concert that was canceled a week before its scheduled date.[136]

Their statement read, "(They) have had health problems and finally reached their physical limits, but SM continued to send them abroad and plan excessive activities. Thus, the three members have started to hope they will be able to continue their careers as they wish, instead of being used as tools for the agency's profits."[137]

The court ruled in the favour of the three ex-members. In response, SM held a press conference claiming that the lawsuit was fraudulent, and filed an injunction.[138][139] In early May 2010, it was announced that Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu would return to the stage as JYJ under a new management agency, C-JeS Entertainment.[140] The injunction was dismissed by the Seoul Central District Court on February 17, 2011, and the final decision on the case was postponed indefinitely for mediation under the justice department.[141][142]

On November 28, 2012, during a voluntary arbitration at the Seoul Central District Court, SM and JYJ reached a mutual agreement to terminate all contracts between the two parties and not to interfere with each other's activities in the future, concluding the lawsuit.[143] SM reportedly stated that they had decided to end the litigation "to avoid bringing additional harm to U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin, who are active as TVXQ, and to avoid making any more unneeded issues."[144][145]

Han Geng

[edit]

On December 21, 2009, five months after the three former TVXQ members filed their lawsuit and while the dispute was still active, Han Geng, the only Chinese member of Super Junior, also filed a lawsuit against SM. Han Geng filed for similar reasons: unfair profit distribution, and an unfair thirteen-year contract that contained provisions in SM's favor that he was not allowed to revise or end.[146] The artist's friend and later manager Sun Le also submitted a statement to the Korean courts citing SM's violation of Han Geng's rights, which was later leaked via the internet.[147] The statement argued that SM had discriminated against Han Geng financially as well as in terms of management.

On September 27, 2011, Han Geng's departure from Super Junior was made official when legal representatives of both Han Geng and SM released a joint statement saying that "Han Geng and SM Entertainment have amicably settled on a mutual agreement, and the lawsuit was able to come to a close after Han Geng submitted his 'Notice of Withdrawal of Appeal.'"[148][149]

Kris Wu

[edit]

On May 15, 2014, Kris Wu, a Chinese-Canadian member of Exo, filed a lawsuit to terminate his contract with SM, as first reported by Chinese news portal Sina.[150][151] He was represented by Cho Bum-suk, the same lawyer that handled Han Geng's case. Kris, whose real name is Wu Yifan, was quoted as saying, "The company has treated me like a machine part or as an object of control rather than presenting a vision as an entertainer."[152] He left the group in the same month that the lawsuit was made public, while the rest of the group continued to promote their single "Overdose." On July 21, 2016, Kris officially parted ways with EXO, although his contract with SM remained valid until 2022.[153]

Jessica Jung

[edit]

On September 29, 2014, Girls' Generation member Jessica Jung claimed in a Weibo post that she had been forced out of the group, writing:

I was excited about our upcoming fan events only to shockingly be informed by my company and 8 others that as of today, I'm no longer a member. I'm devastated – my priority and love is to serve as a member of GG, but for no justifiable reason, I am being forced out.[154]

The following day, Jung released a statement claiming that in August 2014 her fellow group members and SM had been positive about the launch of her fashion business, Blanc and Eclare. As of early September, she claimed, they had all changed their stance, and she was directed to either close the business or cease promotions as a member of Girls' Generation. She claimed to have received the day before a "one-sided notice" asking her to leave the group.[155]

However, according to SM, Jung had unilaterally informed them in early spring that she would leave the group after one more album. But before agreements could be made, she had set up her independent business, which caused problems for the group's professional schedules. This prompted management to begin promoting Girls' Generation as eight members rather than nine, with the intention of announcing the news; however, Jung had already "posted her own perspective". The company then stated that the group would henceforth continue as eight, while they would still manage Jung's individual schedule.[156] In the days immediately after this news came to light, company stocks dropped by KR₩3,350 per share, from KR₩40,750 to KR₩37,400, losing SM a total of KR₩69 billion (approximately US$65 million).[citation needed]

On August 6, 2015, Jung and SM reached an agreement to terminate her contract, with Jung stating, "This release is to confirm that SM Entertainment ('SM') and I have officially parted ways. I will cherish the many years we spent and I wish SM the best of luck in all of its endeavors."[157][158]

Lu Han

[edit]

On October 10, 2014, Lu Han became the second Chinese member of Exo to file to nullify his contract with SM and leave the group, just over four months after Kris had done the same.[159][160][161] His lawsuit included the claim that SM had favored the Korean sub-unit Exo-K over the Chinese sub-unit Exo-M. Within 15 minutes of the announcement, company stocks had dropped by 9.41%, from KR₩37,000 to KR₩33,250 per share.[citation needed] The stock's worth contracted by 15%, hitting the maximum decrease in price KOSDAQ allows for a day, and falling to a more-than-one-year low.[162] On July 21, 2016, Lu Han officially parted ways with Exo, although his contract with SM remained valid until 2022.[163]

No Min-woo

[edit]

In April 2015, No Min-woo, a former member of TRAX, filed a lawsuit against SM for subjecting him to an unlawful seventeen-year contract.[164] No alleged that SM had also interfered with his career after he had left the company, and sought KR₩100 million in damages.[165] No lost his lawsuit against SM on July 21, 2016.[166]

Huang Zitao

[edit]

On August 24, 2015, Tao became the third Chinese member of Exo to file against SM and leave the group, being represented by the same legal team that represented former members Kris and Lu Han. On January 5, 2016, SM won one of its counter-lawsuits against Tao per the ruling of the Intermediate People's Court in Qingdao, China. The agency sued Tao over his failure to repay the company after his departure. They released an official statement saying, "SM has ongoing lawsuits against Exo members Wu Yifan (Kris), Luhan, and Tao for violating their exclusive contracts and partaking in illegal promotions in China. Among these lawsuits, SM filed a lawsuit against Tao for failing to repay SM on October 13, 2015. An intermediate court in Qingdao, China made the verdict that Tao is to repay SM as well as interest for the delayed payment."[167][168]

Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin

[edit]

On June 1, 2023, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin from Exo simultaneously ended their exclusive contacts with SM and took legal action against the company on the grounds of overdue payment and unreasonable deals. All three stated that they had requested clear and calculated records of their earnings; however, SM allegedly failed to disclose this information to them. Additionally, their legal representative, law firm LIN, stated that the company forced their artists to sign exclusive contracts lasting between 12–13 years, then demanded that artists renew their contracts to last for a total of 17–18 years. The three believed that SM was exerting their power to force their artists into unfair "slave contracts" which violated existing laws regarding the entertainment industry. They therefore chose to pursue legal action against SM to act as a voice for other artists in the industry.[169]

On June 19, SM Entertainment and Exo members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin jointly announced that both parties had resolved their differences over the contract dispute with the members deciding to stay with the agency.[170]

2009 MAMA Awards boycott

[edit]

On November 21, 2009, SM boycotted the Mnet Asian Music Awards event, claiming reservations regarding the standard of fairness and the criteria used in Mnet's selections for award recipients.[171] The company specifically mentioned Girls' Generation, who had topped Korean music charts for nine consecutive weeks and had won numerous awards for their single "Gee", but had never won on Mnet's weekly M Countdown show, and had only appeared on their charts a month after the album release. SM also cited the fact that voters had to pay a fee, saying that they "did not want to see fans suffer any damage from the poll, which has commercial intentions."[172]

Fair Trade Commission scrutiny

[edit]

Artist contracts

[edit]

In 2010, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) undertook an investigation into SM's policies, especially regarding artists' contract terms, and concluded that they were unfair. Artist contracts were subsequently reduced by a length of three years, and there was a reduction in the penalties for breach-of-contract violations. All the artists signed under SM at the time re-contracted with the agency under the new terms.[173]

Price rig

[edit]

SM was also one of fifteen companies sued and fined by the KFTC for price rigging in 2011. [citation needed]

In 2012, SM was accused of colluding with music distributors, but was cleared of the charge. On August 16, the Seoul High Court revealed their verdict on the issue: "The KFTC has canceled all corrective orders against SM, and the lawsuit costs will be paid by the defendant."[174]

Unfair sales practices

[edit]

In July 2023, the Korea Fair Trade Commission launched an investigation into several entertainment agencies, including SM Entertainment, over suspicions of engaging in unfair photocard sale practices.[175] The case involved entertainment agencies creating multiple different merchandise items and inserting photocards of their idols to influence buyers' purchasing decisions. Additionally, these agencies manipulated production supplies, encouraging fans to purchase large quantities of merchandise.[176]

Philanthropy

[edit]

On February 13, 2023, SM donated 200 million won to help in 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake through Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association.[177]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Kwaak, Jeyup S. (March 31, 2023). "SM Entertainment Appoints New CEO & Board as K-Pop Giant Looks to the Future". Billboard. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "SM Entertainment founder Lee looks to the future as company appoints new management". The Korea Herald. March 31, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Lee, Eun-young (April 14, 2023). [단독] 백의종군 한다던 SM 이성수 전 대표, C레벨 복귀 [[Exclusive] Former CEO Lee Sung-soo of SM, who was said to be Baek Ui-jong, returns to C level]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  4. ^ "SHAREHOLDERS - SM Entertainment". SM Entertainment. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  5. ^ Jang, Yoon-jung (July 26, 2011). "The Big 3 of Korean Pop Music and Entertainment". The Dong-A Ilbo. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  6. ^ Forbes Staff (July 31, 2013). "Korea's S.M. Entertainment: The Company That Created K-Pop". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 21, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2017.
  7. ^ [단독] SM 스타 및 직원 350여명,하와이로 대규모 단합 대회 떠난다...각종 화제, 진풍경 잇따라 (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 19, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
  8. ^ a b "After 20 years, SM Entertainment to expand overseas base". The Korea Times. December 7, 2015. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  9. ^ "SMTOWN J-POP ZONE". S.M. Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  10. ^ "The History of K-pop, Chapter 4: How Lee Soo Man's First Big Fail Resulted in Korea's Modern Pop Star System | MoonROK". moonrok.com. July 14, 2014. Archived from the original on April 25, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  11. ^ Keith Howard Korean pop music: riding the wave 2006– Page 95 "together in 1996 by Lee Soo Man, a graduate of Seoul National University and a product of the campus-led song movement. Lee surveyed teenage girls, then advertised for dancers who most closely fitted what the girls said they wanted."
  12. ^ Friedrichsen, Mike; Mühl-Benninghaus, Wolfgang (2013). Handbook of Social Media Management: Value Chain and Business Models in Changing Media Markets. Berlin: Springer Science & Business Media. p. 553. ISBN 978-3-642-28896-8.
  13. ^ 소년공화국 "이름 때문에 북한 아이돌 아니냐더라". Daum 연예. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  14. ^ a b "SM Black History". The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). November 11, 2015. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  15. ^ "SM Entertainment merged with Fandango Korea". No-Cut News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  16. ^ "Searching for entertainment industry power ②. SM entertainment". 이투데이 (in Korean). April 12, 2013. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  17. ^ "Lee Soo-man SM Group Leader – Leader of popular culture industry moving entertainment industry". people.incruit.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  18. ^ Koh Young-aah "Super Junior members set to make move into musicals" Archived May 14, 2021, at the Wayback Machine Korea Herald. May 30, 2008. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  19. ^ Kun-ouc, Park (February 25, 2010). "Lee Soo-man steps down from SM board of directors". 10 Asia. Archived from the original on June 19, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  20. ^ "Korean Music Power: KMP Holdings Co. Ltd. Launched!" Archived October 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Maeil Kyungje. March 18, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2012 (in Korean)
  21. ^ Kim, Lynn (May 13, 2010). "SM Entertainment records biggest Q1 profit". 10 Asia. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  22. ^ "SM 엔터, 태국서 첫 해외 합작법인 'SM True' 설립" [SM Entertainment establishes joint venture company with Thailand's True Visions Group, 'SM True']. Naver News (in Korean). August 17, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  23. ^ "SM 새 그룹 EXO, 30일 프롤로그 싱글 공개". Nate News (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 5, 2019. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  24. ^ Mun, Wan-Sik (February 27, 2012). "SM Entertainment takes over travel agency". Star News. Archived from the original on August 24, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  25. ^ "SM Global Package On Sale!". www.smtowntravel.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  26. ^ Ho, Stewart (April 23, 2012). "Super Junior to Hold Encore Concert in Seoul in May". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  27. ^ Kim, JiYeon "SM Artists Take on SM Stock" Mnet News. March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  28. ^ Kim, Hyung-eun (August 10, 2012). "Fantasies come true at the high-tech SM ART exhibit". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  29. ^ "SM 체크카드 나온다, VISA-KB국민카드와 MOU체결" [SM Entertainment to make MOU contract with VISA and KB Card]. Daum (in Korean). July 26, 2012. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  30. ^ Lee, JinHo (August 17, 2012). "Kang Ho Dong Announces Return by Signing with SM C&C". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2012.
  31. ^ Choi, Eunhwa (August 18, 2012). "Three Reasons Why Kang Ho Dong Signed with SM". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on May 6, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2012.
  32. ^ Ho, Stewart (September 19, 2012). "SM C&C Takes Over AM Entertainment – Home to Jang Dong Gun, Kim Ha Neul and Others". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on September 23, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  33. ^ Ho, Stewart (September 19, 2012). "Lee Su Geun, Kim Byung Man Join Kang Ho Dong at SM C&C?". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  34. ^ "(kt PR room) KT to acquire KMP Holdings to strengthen its music businesses". KT Corporation. November 23, 2012. Archived from the original on June 19, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2013.
  35. ^ Lee, Min-ji (March 21, 2016). "SM C&C-;울림엔터, 3년만 사업 분할 결정" [SM C&C-;Woolim Entertainment decides to separate businesses after 3 years]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 19, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  36. ^ "SM C&C;, 음악콘텐츠 사업 물적분할 결정" [SM C&C; decides to divide music content business]. Newsis (in Korean). Seoul. March 21, 2016. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  37. ^ Ahn, Hye-jin (March 21, 2016). "SM C&C;, 회사 쪼갠다…음악콘텐츠사업 울림엔터 분할" [SM C&C; Splits Up...Music Content Division Woolim Entertainment]. Edaily [ko] (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  38. ^ Seung-hoon, Cho (January 24, 2014). "SM, YG, JYP lead 7 companies as KT Music's new stakeholders". Gaon Music Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  39. ^ "KPop News – SM Entertainment Invests in Indie Label Baljunso to Spotlight Nonmainstream Music | Mwave". mwave.interest.me. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  40. ^ a b The Korea Times: SM, IB Worldwide ink deal to create 'sportainment'
  41. ^ "KPOP NEWS – Exclusive Super Junior Label ′Lable SJ′ [sic] Established for 10th Anniversary". Mwave. Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  42. ^ "S. Korea firm unveils K-pop band with limitless members". www.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2017. Retrieved May 17, 2016. [verification needed]
  43. ^ "041510.KQ Income Statement | S.M. Stock – Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance". uk.finance.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  44. ^ "SM Entertainment's next boy band to have 'unlimited' members". Kpop Herald. Archived from the original on May 18, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  45. ^ "S. Korea firm unveils K-pop band with limitless members". www.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2017. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  46. ^ "SM's new K-pop band NCT U to debut this week". The Korea Times. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  47. ^ "(UPDATE) #NCT127: SM Entertainment Unveils Members Of New NCT Sub-Unit". Hype. July 4, 2016. Archived from the original on February 12, 2018. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  48. ^ "NCT DREAM, 데뷔곡 '츄잉검' 25일 '엠카'서 첫선". Naver (in Korean). Star Money. August 19, 2016. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
  49. ^ a b Herman, Tamar. "WayV Represents SM Entertainment's Goals For Global Dominance Through Cultural Technology". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  50. ^ "NCT 2020, 10월 12일 출격 확정...新멤버 쇼타로·성찬까지 23명 참여[공식입장]". Naver TV (in Korean). September 20, 2020. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  51. ^ "SM Entertainment opens up-scale restaurant SMT Seoul – Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea". pulsenews.co.kr. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  52. ^ [단독] SM엔터, 본사에 '엑소 편의점' 연다...지난해 말 이수만-정용진 만나 밑그림. news.joins.com. February 17, 2016. Archived from the original on June 2, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  53. ^ Kang, John. "Why Alibaba Bought $30M Stake In K-Pop Giant SM Entertainment, Home To EXO And Girls' Generation". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  54. ^ "SM's EDM label to drop first track". The Korea Herald. April 26, 2016. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  55. ^ "SM, EDM레이블 'ScreaM Records' 설립..5월6일 첫곡 발표". Naver. Archived from the original on December 13, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  56. ^ Yi, Lily (March 4, 2016). "Introducing NCT: How SM Entertainment is taking advantage of digital platforms to take over the global entertainment market". www.koreadailyus.com. Archived from the original on February 13, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  57. ^ '김희철-백현' 참여! 팬과 함께 하는 중국 LoL 이벤트전. inven.co.kr. November 3, 2016. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  58. ^ "SM, 올해 9월 강남 한복판에 'K팝 국제학교' 개교한다". insight.co.kr. February 16, 2017. Archived from the original on February 18, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  59. ^ [1] Archived May 8, 2017, at the Wayback Machine star.mt 2017/03
  60. ^ 권, 수현 (March 14, 2018). 에스엠, 키이스트·에프엔씨애드컬쳐 인수(종합). Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  61. ^ POP, 헤럴드 (May 18, 2018). "FNC, SM과 전략적 제휴...'SM라이프디자인그룹'으로 사명 변경(공식)". 헤럴드팝 (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  62. ^ 최, 나영. '수란·페노메코 소속' 밀리언마켓, SM 레이블 합류[공식입장]. entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  63. ^ "Trans Media partners up with S.M. Entertainment". TheJakartaPost.com (in Indonesian). October 10, 2018. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  64. ^ "SM Entertainment Group Dan PT Trans Media Corpora Mengumumkan Dimulainya Kerjasama Strategis Dan Kolaborasi Artis Perdana". Trans TV (in Indonesian). February 25, 2019. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  65. ^ "5 Spot Foto Lucu di Kantor SM Entertainment Jakarta". VIVA.co.id (in Indonesian). February 8, 2019. Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  66. ^ Purnamasari, Deti Mega, ed. (February 8, 2019). "Ada Kantor Cabang, SM Entertainment di Indonesia Bakal Gelar Audisi". JawaPos.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  67. ^ Herman, Tamar (January 2, 2019). "New NCT-Associated Boy Band WayV Set to Debut in China". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  68. ^ Cirisano, Tatiana (April 4, 2019). "Capitol Music Group & Caroline Sign K-Pop Stars NCT 127 to Distribution Deal". billboard. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  69. ^ a b Benjamin, Jeff (August 7, 2019). "Super M, 'The Avengers Of K-Pop,' Unveiled By SM Entertainment And Capitol Music Group". Forbes. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  70. ^ "Meet SuperM, the K-Pop Supergroup That Skyrocketed to the Top of the Billboard Charts". Time. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  71. ^ Kim, Jae-Ha (November 4, 2019). "K-Pop Powerhouse SM Entertainment, Home to NCT 127, SuperM and EXO, Inks With CAA". Variety. Archived from the original on November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
  72. ^ "SM엔터테인먼트, 이성수·탁영준 공동 대표 이사 선임 [공식입장]" [SM Entertainment appoints Lee Sung Soo and Tak Young Joon as co-CEOs]. Naver (in Korean). March 10, 2020. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  73. ^ "K-pop stars look to online platforms to fill gap left by canceled performances". The Hankyoreh (english.hani.co.kr). Archived from the original on September 12, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  74. ^ Beyond LIVE : A new era of live concert begins, April 20, 2020, archived from the original on December 4, 2020, retrieved April 30, 2020 – via YouTube
  75. ^ Yoon, Sanggeun (August 3, 2020). "SM, 네이버 손잡고 1000억원 투자 유치 "시너지 기대"[공식]" [SM and Naver join hands with 100 billion won investment]. MoneyToday (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  76. ^ "SM and JYP join hands to lead global online concert brand growth!". SM Entertainment. August 4, 2020. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  77. ^ Yoon, So-Yeon (August 4, 2020). "SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment join forces for Beyond LIVE Corporation". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  78. ^ @smtownmuseum (May 18, 2020). "SMTOWN@coexartium business closure notice" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  79. ^ "SM Entertainment to build culture playground in Changwon". The Korea Herald. June 21, 2020. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  80. ^ Choi, Hee-jae (September 9, 2020). "SM 엔터, 'K팝 스타 양성' 교육기관 설립...2021년 3월 개강 [공식입장]" [SM Entertainment establishes 'K-pop star training' educational institution...beginning in March 2021]. XSports News (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  81. ^ Oh, Hyunwoo (June 12, 2020). 오케스트라 선율로 옮긴 K팝...서울시향, SM과 협업 [K-Pop goes orchestra...SM and Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra team up]. Hankyung (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  82. ^ Yoon, So-Yeon (August 26, 2020). "'Our Beloved BoA' to wrap Friday with final remake of singer's most popular songs". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  83. ^ Hwang Mi-hyun (November 2, 2020). "SM 신인 걸그룹 에스파, 17일 데뷔 확정 독특 세계관" [SM's new girl group Aespa, debut on the 17th, Unique worldview] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on August 30, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2020 – via Naver.
  84. ^ "SM 신인 걸그룹 '에스파(aespa)' 11월 데뷔" [SM's new girl group Aespa to debut in November]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Naver. October 26, 2020. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  85. ^ "GOT, SM 新 프로젝트 포문..보아→카리나X윈터 역대급 시너지 기대" [GOT, SM's new project kick off... Boa → Karina X Winter Expecting the greatest synergy ever]. Herald POP (in Korean). Naver. December 27, 2021. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  86. ^ 에버랜드, SM과 NCT·에스파 체험 공간 조성. 아시아경제 (in Korean). September 21, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  87. ^ Lee, Jae-hoon (October 14, 2022). SM, 이수만 라이크기획과 계약 조기종료...프로듀싱 공백 우려도 [SM, contract with Lee Soo-man Like Planning is terminated early... Concerns about a production vacuum]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  88. ^ Chin, Carmen (December 1, 2022). "K-pop label SM Entertainment to set up Southeast Asian headquarters in Singapore". NME. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  89. ^ Kao, Kimberley (December 2022). "South Korea's SM Entertainment plans to set up its Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore". CNBC. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  90. ^ "3.0 시대 연 SM엔터...멀티 제작·레이블 체계 도입" [SM Entertainment opened in the era of 3.0... Introduction of multi production label system]. E-Daily (in Korean). Naver. February 3, 2023. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  91. ^ "SM엔터, 'SM 3.0' 시대 연다..."올해 신인 걸그룹·보이그룹 데뷔"" [SM Entertainment opens the era of 'SM 3.0'... "New girl group/boy group debut this year"]. SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Naver. February 3, 2023. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  92. ^ Hyunsu Kim (February 6, 2023). "S.Korea's Kakao Corp to buy 9.05% stake in SM Entertainment, touts K-pop projects". Reuters. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  93. ^ Yoon So-yeon (February 7, 2023). "Kakao buys 9% of SM Entertainment, now 2nd largest shareholder". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  94. ^ 이수만 "카카오 SM 지분매입은 위법" 법적대응 예고 [공식]. tvdaily.co.kr. February 7, 2023.
  95. ^ 이수만, SM에 법적대응 예고 "카카오 SM 지분매입은 위법"(공식입장). 헤럴드팝. February 7, 2023.
  96. ^ 하이브, SM 최대주주로...이수만 지분 14.8% 매입 (in Korean). February 9, 2023. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  97. ^ Oh, Dae-seok; Kim, Minu (March 3, 2023). "Galaxia SM sells its entire SM Entertainment stake to Hybe". Pulse News. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  98. ^ Park, Eun-jee (March 3, 2023). "Court blocks Kakao purchase of SM Entertainment shares". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved March 3, 2023 – via Naver.
  99. ^ Lee, Jae-lim (March 7, 2023). "Kakao seeks 35% of SM Entertainment to counter HYBE threat". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  100. ^ "Kakao announces tender offer to gain stable management control over SM Entertainment". March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023 – via Yonhap News Agency.
  101. ^ Frater, Patrick (March 11, 2023). "K-Pop: HYBE and Kakao End Hostilities in Takeover Battle for SM Entertainment". Variety. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  102. ^ Yim, Hyunsu (March 24, 2023). "K-pop takeover battle loser HYBE to sell $437 mln stake in SM". Reuters. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  103. ^ Frater, Patrick (March 24, 2023). "Hybe to Sell SM Entertainment Stake After Losing to Kakao in K-Pop Bid Battle". Variety. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  104. ^ Yim, Hyunsu (March 28, 2023). "Kakao's stake in K-pop agency SM climbs to 40%, HYBE retains 8.8%". Reuters. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  105. ^ Lee, Jae-lim (March 28, 2023). "Kakao has big plans for SM, promises 'amicable' acquisition". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  106. ^ "Kakao secures 40 pct stake in SM Entertainment through tender offer". Yonhap News Agency. March 28, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  107. ^ Yang, Haley (August 1, 2023). "SM, Kakao to launch joint venture in North America". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  108. ^ Schneider, Marc (August 1, 2023). "SM Entertainment and Kakao Launch Joint Division in North America". Billboard. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  109. ^ a b Dalugdug, Mandy (August 10, 2023). "SM Entertainment to launch music publishing subsidiary, Kreation Music Rights". Music Business Worldwide. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  110. ^ "SM 새 보이그룹은 '라이즈'..."실력과 비주얼 겸비한 최정예 멤버 7인"". v.daum.net (in Korean). July 31, 2023. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  111. ^ Ziwei, Puah (May 24, 2023). "Sungchan and Shotaro leave NCT, to re-debut in "new boy group"". NME. Archived from the original on May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  112. ^ "SM, 영국 엔터기업과 M&B 협업…보이그룹 제작". 글로벌에픽. November 16, 2023.
  113. ^ 안, 동환. "SM, 'K팝 제작 노하우' 전수한 한·영 합작 보이그룹 만든다". Naver News.
  114. ^ 작곡가 84명 영입한 SM…올해 신인 4팀 데뷔시킨다. Naver News.
  115. ^ 뉴스 : 네이버 Tv연예.
  116. ^ 뉴스 : 네이버 Tv연예.
  117. ^ Lee Jae-hoon (April 5, 2021). "SM엔터, 계열사 구조개편...에스엠스튜디오스 설립". Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  118. ^ Lee, Jian (July 12, 2022). "SM Entertainment to establish metaverse company Studio Kwangya". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  119. ^ "SM Entertainment launches audition program production studio, Studio White". Korea JoongAng Daily. December 22, 2023.
  120. ^ "SM Entertainment signaled its advancement in Indonesia, establishing a joint venture with 'CT Group,' a leading local company in media, finance, and retails". SM Entertainment. February 21, 2019. Archived from the original on March 5, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  121. ^ "SM Entertainment Signs MOU for Strategic Alliance and Collaboration with IPP Group, Vietnam's Largest Retail & Lifestyle Company". SM Entertainment. May 14, 2018. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  122. ^ "SM, Kakao to launch joint venture in North America".
  123. ^ "LIC — SM Entertainment".
  124. ^ 전, 원 (January 27, 2016). 상상 이상의 이수만...SM, NCT로 초거대 공룡이 되다(종합). 마이데일리.
  125. ^ "coming up SM entertainment new music label". SMTOWN on X. April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  126. ^ "SM, 밴드음악에 힙합까지? 다양한 장르 망라하는 레이블 '발전소' 협력". Naver News.
  127. ^ 인피니트, 소녀시대와 한솥밥...SM, 울림엔터테인먼트 합병. Naver News.
  128. ^ "SM C&C, 2년 8개월 만에 음악콘텐츠 사업 울림엔터 분리". Naver News.
  129. ^ 최나영 (October 24, 2018). '수란·페노메코 소속' 밀리언마켓, SM 레이블 합류[공식입장]. Naver News. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  130. ^ 뉴스 : 네이버 Tv연예.
  131. ^ "TVXQ Feuds With SM Entertainment". The Korea Times. August 2, 2009. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  132. ^ "Is TVXQ Headed for Breakup?". KBS World. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  133. ^ "TVXQ to Stick Together Despite Legal Dispute". The Korea Times. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  134. ^ "TVXQ is a 'slave contract' ... SM, 'quasi-fraud'" (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  135. ^ Thomson Reuters. Korea Hot Stocks – Hankook Tire, SM Ent, Ssangyong Motor. Forbes.com. August 3, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  136. ^ "TVXQ Fan Club Files for Compensation for Cancelled Concert". KBS World. September 3, 2009. Archived from the original on October 30, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2009.
  137. ^ Sang-hee, Han (August 3, 2009). "TVXQ to Stick Together Despite Legal Dispute". The Korea Times. The Korea Times Co. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  138. ^ "SM Entertainment Calls the TVXQ Suit a Big Fraud". KBS World. November 2, 2009. Retrieved November 2, 2009.[permanent dead link]
  139. ^ "JYJ Win Legal Battle with Former Management". The Chosun Ilbo. February 18, 2011. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  140. ^ "시아준수 등 동방신기 3인, 새 그룹 이름은 J.Y.J?" Archived June 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Yahoo News. May 20, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2012 (in Korean)
  141. ^ "JYJ Win Legal Battle with Former Management". The Chosun Ilbo. February 18, 2011. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  142. ^ Park, HyunMin (September 19, 2012). "Decision on JYJ vs. SM Entertainment Case Postponed Indefinitely for Mediation". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  143. ^ Sunwoo, Carla (November 29, 2012). "JYJ and SM finally reach agreement". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  144. ^ Park, HyunMin; Kim, Erika (November 28, 2012). "SM and JYJ Put an End to Their Long, Winding Legal Suit". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  145. ^ Lee, Tae Ho (November 28, 2012). "JYJ, SM Come to Agreement Regarding Exclusive Contract Issue". 10 Asia. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  146. ^ "한경 "SM, 非정상적 활동강요" Archived July 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Star News. December 22, 2009. Retrieved May 1, 2012 (in Korean)
  147. ^ "Exclusive Interview with Han Geng's Team" Archived February 6, 2021, at the Wayback Machine (In Chinese with English Translation) Beijing Youth Weekly Magazine August 25, 2010. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  148. ^ "SM Entertainment's official position: Han Geng has "come to a mutual agreement, and will terminate proceedings"". Naver News. September 2011. Archived from the original on September 6, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  149. ^ "Han Geng's official position: "SM Entertainment has amicably agreed"". 10asia.co.kr. September 2011. Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  150. ^ "EXO-M队长吴亦凡提出解约 SM再陷解约门". sina.com.cn. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  151. ^ The Korea Herald (May 15, 2014). "EXO-M's Kris sues SM to end exclusive contract". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  152. ^ Ock, Hyun-ju (May 16, 2014). "Why did EXO-M's Kris sue SM?". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  153. ^ Jeong, Yu-jin (July 21, 2016). 크리스·루한 대 SM 소송 종결 "원계약 유지..매출 분배" [전문] [Chris-Luhan v. SM Settles "Original Agreement Remains...Revenue Sharing" [Full Text]]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024 – via Naver.
  154. ^ Jung's Weibo update on September 30, 2014 Archived January 12, 2016, at the Wayback Machine weibo.com (September 30, 2014). Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  155. ^ "Jessica's exits Girl's Generation". Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). September 30, 2014. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  156. ^ SM States that SNSD will Promote as Eight Without Jessica Archived March 21, 2016, at the Wayback Machine CJ E&M enewsWorld (September 30, 2014). Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  157. ^ Jeong, Hee-soo (August 6, 2015). 제시카, 결국 SM 떠난다 "각자의 길 가기로" (공식입장) [Jessica Leaves SM, All "Going Their Separate Ways" (Official Statement)]. Xsports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2024 – via Naver.
  158. ^ Jeong, Hee-soo (August 6, 2015). 제시카 "SM 앞날에 행운이 있길…새 출발 지켜봐달라" (입장전문) [Jessica "Best of luck to SM in the future... look forward to my new start" (full story)]. Xsports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2024 – via Naver.
  159. ^ 엑소 루한, SM엔터테인먼트에 소송...크리스 뒤 잇나. TV리포트 (in Korean). October 10, 2014. Archived from the original on June 10, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  160. ^ 엑소 루한, SM에 전속계약 해지소송...크리스와 같은 행보. www.mydaily.co.kr. October 10, 2014. Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  161. ^ "SM "루한 갑작스런 소송 당혹, 배후세력 의심된다" 공식입장". www.newsen.com. Archived from the original on June 10, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  162. ^ Lee, Min-Jeong (October 10, 2014). "EXO Member Luhan Files Lawsuit To Leave K-Pop Group". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
  163. ^ Alexander, Kevin (July 22, 2016). "Kris And Luhan's Contract Lawsuit Against SM Entertainment Ends". KPOPStarz. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  164. ^ "No Min-woo files damage suit against SM". The Korea Times. May 12, 2015. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  165. ^ "No Min-woo claimed against SM". Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  166. ^ Han, Dong-woo (July 21, 2016). 노민우, SM 상대 1억원 손배소 패소…법원 " 매니지먼트 소홀 근거 없어" [Noh Min-woo loses 1 million won damages against SM...Court "No evidence of management neglect"]. The Asia Business Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024 – via Naver.
  167. ^ "SM Entertainment Wins Lawsuit Against Tao". International Business Times. Archived from the original on August 1, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  168. ^ "SM, 엑소 전 멤버 타오 상대 부당행위 소송 승소" (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  169. ^ Choi, Yoon-a (June 1, 2023). 엑소 백현·시우민·첸 "SM, 노예계약 강요" 법적대응 추진[전문] [EXO Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chen "SM, forced slave contract" legal response [full text]]. Donga. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  170. ^ Shim Sun-ah (June 19, 2023). "3 EXO members to stay with SM Entertainment, resolving contract dispute". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  171. ^ Han Sang, Hee (November 22, 2009). "Music Awards Has Fresh Yet Disappointing Start". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on November 25, 2009. Retrieved December 13, 2009.
  172. ^ Kim, Jessica (November 3, 2009). "SM singers boycott Mnet music award". Asiae. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  173. ^ "FTC, SM modified the contract of exclusive contract 'recognition'". Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  174. ^ "SM엔터'음원유통 담합' 오명 벗어" [SM Entertainment cleared of accusations of colluding with music distributors]. Sports Hankooki (in Korean). August 16, 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  175. ^ [단독] 엔터3사 이어 하이브까지... 공정위, 포토카드 끼워팔기 조사. ChosunBiz (in Korean). August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  176. ^ 공정위, 하이브 현장조사...사재기 부추기는 '포카' 상술 본다. THE DIGITAL TIMES (in Korean). August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  177. ^ Park, Jung-sun (February 13, 2023). "SM, 튀르키예·시리아 지진 구호를 위해 2억 원 기부" [SM donates 200 million won for earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria] (in Korean). JTBC. Retrieved February 13, 2023 – via Naver.
[edit]