SM Entertainment#Expanding the market

File:Smentertainment_logo.jpg

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.{{cite web |date=14 July 2014 |title=The History of K-pop, Chapter 4: How Lee Soo Man's First Big Fail Resulted in Korea's Modern Pop Star System {{!}} MoonROK |url=http://www.moonrok.com/history-k-pop-chapter-4-how-lee-soo-mans-first-big-fail-resulted-koreas-modern-pop-star |access-date=18 April 2016 |website=moonrok.com |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060620/http://www.moonrok.com/history-k-pop-chapter-4-how-lee-soo-mans-first-big-fail-resulted-koreas-modern-pop-star/ |url-status=live }} Lee's approach was targeted at teenage audiences, and took a holistic view of the qualities needed to become a successful entertainer.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." In February 1995, the company changed its name to SM Entertainment and set up its capital fund.{{Cite book|title=Handbook of Social Media Management: Value Chain and Business Models in Changing Media Markets|last1=Friedrichsen|last2=Mühl-Benninghaus|first1=Mike|first2=Wolfgang|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|year=2013|isbn=978-3-642-28896-8|location=Berlin|page=553}} 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,{{cite web|url=http://media.daum.net/entertain/newsview?newsid=20130620093605651|script-title=ko:소년공화국 "이름 때문에 북한 아이돌 아니냐더라"|website=Daum 연예|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804105125/http://media.daum.net/entertain/newsview?newsid=20130620093605651|url-status=live}} and was succeeded by Kim Kyung-wook in 1998.{{Cite news|url=https://www.news1.kr/entertain/celebrity-topic/5000554|script-title=ko:김경욱 SM 前대표 "이수만 라이크기획 수익 1600억, 부당하면 회수해야" [주총]|date=March 31, 2023|access-date=February 3, 2025|work=News1|last=Ahn|first=Tae-hyun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203110124/https://www.news1.kr/entertain/celebrity-topic/5000554|archive-date=February 3, 2025|language=ko|trans-title=Kim Kyung-wook, Former CEO of SM, "Lee so-man's Like Planning's profit of 160 billion, if it is unfair, it should be recovered" [Ju Chong]|url-status=live|location=Seoul}}

File:KCON 2015 Super Junior 2.jpg at KCON in 2015.]]

The early 2000s saw the disbandment of both H.O.T (in 2001) and S.E.S (in 2002).{{Cite news|url=http://news.donga.com/3/all/20151111/74708087/1|title=SM Black History|date=November 11, 2015|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511214748/http://news.donga.com/3/all/20151111/74708087/1|url-status=live}} 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. In December 2000, SM established an affiliate company called Fandango Korea.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/157345|title=SM Entertainment merged with Fandango Korea|work=No-Cut News|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511145958/http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/157345|url-status=live}} In January 2001, the company founded an overseas division, SM Entertainment Japan.{{Cite news|url=http://www.etoday.co.kr/news/section/newsview.php?idxno=717254|title=Searching for entertainment industry power ②. SM entertainment|date=April 12, 2013|work=이투데이|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511150335/http://www.etoday.co.kr/news/section/newsview.php?idxno=717254|url-status=live}} Around the same time, the company was approved for listing on KOSDAQ, and SM established an affiliation with the Japanese major label Avex Trax.{{Cite news|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/001/0001085929|title=SM, 日 유센ㆍ에이백스로부터 100억원 투자 유치|date=August 29, 2005|access-date=February 3, 2025|work=Yonhap News Agency|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203110855/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/001/0001085929|archive-date=February 3, 2025|language=ko|trans-title=SM Attracts KRW 10 Billion Investment from Yusen Avacs|url-status=live|via=Naver|location=Seoul}} 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|date=November 2022}}

In late 2002, SM was awarded the Grand Prix of Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the Culture Contents for Export Award in music.{{cite web|url=http://people.incruit.com/column/columnview.asp?bdno=100&colno=386929|title=Lee Soo-man SM Group Leader – Leader of popular culture industry moving entertainment industry|website=people.incruit.com|access-date=May 11, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005112105/http://people.incruit.com/column/columnview.asp?bdno=100&colno=386929|url-status=live}}

In 2003, SM became affiliated with Starlight Corporation Ltd. and C-Cube Entertainment Corporation.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} 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).

File:Girls' Generation at DMC Festival 2015 MBC Radio DJ Concert in September 2015.jpg at the DMC Festival in September 2015]]

File:Shinee during the 2016 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards 03.jpg in October 2016]]

File:151025 f(x) 01.jpg in October 2015]]

In 2005, Kim Young-min became the company's third CEO,{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/03/386_192565.html|title=After 20 years, SM Entertainment to expand overseas base|date=December 7, 2015|website=The Korea Times|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806101824/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/03/386_192565.html|url-status=live}} 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.Koh Young-aah [http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20080530000048 "Super Junior members set to make move into musicals"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081151/https://interface.interworksmedia.co.kr/audience/interworks?random=1620979909553&v=1&fv=0&fmt=1&label=AGC2011A_PEANUT.KOREAHERALD.NEWS_BA_250X250_RMTF03_3&item=agency.peanut_www.koreaherald.com_NEWS_BA_250X250_RMTF03%2Fagency;x25;&w=1600&h=1000&cd=24&his=50&tz=0&cs=utf-8&java=0&lang=en-US&cookie=1&plug=3&mime=4&frm=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.koreaherald.com%2Fview.php%3Fud%3D20080530000048&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.koreaherald.com%2F |date=May 14, 2021 }} Korea Herald. May 30, 2008. Retrieved April 3, 2012.

{{see also|SM Culture & Contents}}

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."{{cite news|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010022514424957673|title=Lee Soo-man steps down from SM board of directors|last=Park|first=Kun-ouc|date=February 25, 2010|newspaper=10 Asia|access-date=April 27, 2012|archive-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619185517/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010022514424957673|url-status=live}} 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.[http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000019&cm=%EC%A6%9D%EA%B6%8C%20%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94%EA%B8%B0%EC%82%AC&year=2010&no=138710&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=502 "Korean Music Power: KMP Holdings Co. Ltd. Launched!"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022174816/http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000019&cm=%EC%A6%9D%EA%B6%8C%20%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94%EA%B8%B0%EC%82%AC&year=2010&no=138710&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=502 |date=October 22, 2013 }} Maeil Kyungje. March 18, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2012 {{in lang|ko}} 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{{SK won|10.4 billion}}, up 471% from the same period the previous year. Gross revenue was reported at KR{{SK won|22.7 billion}}, a 58% increase on the previous year.{{cite news|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010051314034381443|title=SM Entertainment records biggest Q1 profit|last=Kim|first=Lynn|date=May 13, 2010|newspaper=10 Asia|access-date=May 4, 2012|archive-date=August 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825203012/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010051314034381443|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite news|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=106&oid=109&aid=0002241539|title=SM 엔터, 태국서 첫 해외 합작법인 'SM True' 설립|date=August 17, 2011|newspaper=Naver News|language=ko|trans-title=SM Entertainment establishes joint venture company with Thailand's True Visions Group, 'SM True'|access-date=October 6, 2012}}

File:Exo at Ex'Act press conference June 2016.png 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.{{cite web|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20120127n03950?mid=e0101|title=SM 새 그룹 EXO, 30일 프롤로그 싱글 공개|website=Nate News|language=ko|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305144331/https://news.nate.com/view/20120127n03950?mid=e0101|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stviewEng.php?type=3&no=2012022714534028406|title=SM Entertainment takes over travel agency|last=Mun|first=Wan-Sik|date=February 27, 2012|newspaper=Star News|access-date=May 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824075531/http://star.mt.co.kr/stviewEng.php?type=3&no=2012022714534028406|archive-date=August 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.smtowntravel.com/|title=SM Global Package On Sale!|website=www.smtowntravel.com|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122174225/http://www.smtowntravel.com/|url-status=live}} Later that year, SMTown Travel offered package deals for overseas fans attending Super Junior's Super Show 4 Tour encore concerts in Seoul.{{cite web|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=5801|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709194903/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=5801|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2012|title=Super Junior to Hold Encore Concert in Seoul in May|last=Ho|first=Stewart|date=April 23, 2012|publisher=CJ E&M|work=enewsWorld|access-date=April 26, 2012}} 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).Kim, JiYeon [https://archive.today/20120710074706/http://global.mnet.com/news/newsdetail.m?searchNewsVO.news_id=201203271706_4801&nowPage=4 "SM Artists Take on SM Stock"] Mnet News. March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012. In August, SM held an art exhibition at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center,{{cite news|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2957706|title=Fantasies come true at the high-tech SM ART exhibit|last=Kim|first=Hyung-eun|date=August 10, 2012|newspaper=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=October 6, 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126203405/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2957706|archive-date=January 26, 2013}} and collaborated with Visa and KB Kookmin Card to begin printing SM artist cards.{{cite news|url=http://media.daum.net/culture/others/newsview?newsid=20120726091412600|title=SM 체크카드 나온다, VISA-KB국민카드와 MOU체결|date=July 26, 2012|newspaper=Daum|language=ko|trans-title=SM Entertainment to make MOU contract with VISA and KB Card|access-date=October 6, 2012|archive-date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517122605/http://media.daum.net/culture/others/newsview?newsid=20120726091412600|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=12644|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129031549/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=12644|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2013|title=Kang Ho Dong Announces Return by Signing with SM C&C|last=Lee|first=JinHo|date=August 17, 2012|newspaper=enewsWorld|agency=CJ E&M|access-date=August 18, 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=12700|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130506021043/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=12700|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 6, 2013|title=Three Reasons Why Kang Ho Dong Signed with SM|last=Choi|first=Eunhwa|date=August 18, 2012|newspaper=enewsWorld|agency=CJ E&M|access-date=August 18, 2012}} 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),{{cite news|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15384|title=SM C&C Takes Over AM Entertainment – Home to Jang Dong Gun, Kim Ha Neul and Others|last=Ho|first=Stewart|date=September 19, 2012|newspaper=enewsWorld|agency=CJ E&M|access-date=October 6, 2012|archive-date=September 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923200820/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15384|url-status=live}} and two other TV personalities, Lee Su-geun and Kim Byung-man, announced that they had also signed with SM.{{cite news|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15399|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103194049/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15399|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2013|title=Lee Su Geun, Kim Byung Man Join Kang Ho Dong at SM C&C?|last=Ho|first=Stewart|date=September 19, 2012|newspaper=enewsWorld|agency=CJ E&M|access-date=October 6, 2012}} In November, KMP Holdings was acquired by KT Music, and in June 2013, KT Music absorbed KMP's distribution network.{{cite web|url=http://www.kt.com/eng/pr/news_01_view.jsp|title=(kt PR room) KT to acquire KMP Holdings to strengthen its music businesses|date=November 23, 2012|publisher=KT Corporation|access-date=August 2, 2013|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619120210/https://www.kt.com/eng/pr/news_01_view.jsp|url-status=live}}

{{see also|SM Rookies|Label SJ|SM Station}}

File:Red Velvet going to a Music Bank recording on June 28, 2019.png 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.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Min-ji |date=March 21, 2016 |title=SM C&C-;울림엔터, 3년만 사업 분할 결정 |trans-title=SM C&C-;Woolim Entertainment decides to separate businesses after 3 years |url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201603211901592410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119071150/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201603211901592410 |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Newsen |language=ko}}{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2016 |title=SM C&C;, 음악콘텐츠 사업 물적분할 결정 |trans-title=SM C&C; decides to divide music content business |url=http://www.newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html?ar_id=NISX20160321_0013971858&cID=10401&pID=10400 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406040346/http://www.newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html/?ar_id=NISX20160321_0013971858&cID=10401&pID=10400 |archive-date=April 6, 2018 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Newsis |place=Seoul |language=ko}}{{Cite web |last=Ahn |first=Hye-jin |date=March 21, 2016 |title=SM C&C;, 회사 쪼갠다…음악콘텐츠사업 울림엔터 분할 |trans-title=SM C&C; Splits Up...Music Content Division Woolim Entertainment |url=http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=JB31&newsid=03230806612585616&DCD=A10103&OutLnkChk=Y |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327005459/http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=JB31&newsid=03230806612585616&DCD=A10103&OutLnkChk=Y |archive-date=March 27, 2016 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Edaily |language=ko}}

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%.{{cite news|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/news/news_view.php?f_seq=103&sgenre=issue |title=SM, YG, JYP lead 7 companies as KT Music's new stakeholders |last=Cho |first=Seung-hoon |date=January 24, 2014 |work=Gaon Music Chart |publisher=Korea Music Content Industry Association. |access-date=September 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006080320/http://gaonchart.co.kr/news/news_view.php?f_seq=103&sgenre=issue |archive-date= October 6, 2014 }} In February, SM acquired a share in Baljunso, an indie record label founded in 1991 by Kang Byung-yong.{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/59613/sm-invests-in-indie-label|title=KPop News – SM Entertainment Invests in Indie Label Baljunso to Spotlight Nonmainstream Music {{!}} Mwave|website=mwave.interest.me|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224235/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/59613/sm-invests-in-indie-label|url-status=live}} 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.The Korea Times: [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/08/201_185635.html SM, IB Worldwide ink deal to create 'sportainment'] On November 6, the 10th anniversary of Super Junior's debut, SM announced the creation of the group's own sub-label, Label SJ.{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/99582/exclusive-super-junior-label-lable-sj-established-for-10-year-anniversary|title=KPOP NEWS – Exclusive Super Junior Label ′Lable SJ′ [sic] Established for 10th Anniversary|website=Mwave|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604143559/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/99582/exclusive-super-junior-label-lable-sj-established-for-10-year-anniversary|url-status=dead}} In late 2015, SM partnered with modeling company ESteem to promote self-owned content and network.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/korea-firm-unveils-k-pop-band-limitless-members-104640224--finance.html?ref=gs|title=S. Korea firm unveils K-pop band with limitless members|website=www.yahoo.com|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730111501/https://www.yahoo.com/news/korea-firm-unveils-k-pop-band-limitless-members-104640224--finance.html?ref=gs|url-status=live}} {{verify source |date=September 2023 |reason=This ref was deleted Special:Diff/1009560792 by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite located at Special:Permalink/1009560695 cite #38 - verify the cite is accurate and delete this template. User:GreenC bot/Job 18}} 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).{{cite web|url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=041510.KQ&annual|title=041510.KQ Income Statement {{!}} S.M. Stock – Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance|website=uk.finance.yahoo.com|access-date=April 20, 2016|archive-date=October 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024095649/https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/quote/041510.KQ/financials?ltr=1|url-status=live}}

File:181012 NCT127 KBS '뮤직뱅크' 리허설 출근길 직캠 영상 01.png 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".{{cite web|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201601271758282555044_2|title=SM Entertainment's next boy band to have 'unlimited' members|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518065739/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201601271758282555044_2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/korea-firm-unveils-k-pop-band-limitless-members-104640224--finance.html?ref=gs|title=S. Korea firm unveils K-pop band with limitless members|website=www.yahoo.com|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730111501/https://www.yahoo.com/news/korea-firm-unveils-k-pop-band-limitless-members-104640224--finance.html?ref=gs|url-status=live}} Its first sub-unit, NCT U, released two debut singles in April 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/386_201890.html|title=SM's new K-pop band NCT U to debut this week|date=April 4, 2016|website=The Korea Times|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=May 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510094836/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/386_201890.html|url-status=live}} NCT has since expanded to three more units - NCT 127 in July 2016,{{cite web|url=https://hype.my/2016/113666/nct127-sm-entertainment-unveils-members-of-new-nct-sub-unit/|title=(UPDATE) #NCT127: SM Entertainment Unveils Members Of New NCT Sub-Unit|website=Hype|date=July 4, 2016 |access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=February 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212142102/https://hype.my/2016/113666/nct127-sm-entertainment-unveils-members-of-new-nct-sub-unit/|url-status=live}} NCT Dream in August 2016,{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/music/now/read?oid=108&aid=0002548916|title=NCT DREAM, 데뷔곡 '츄잉검' 25일 '엠카'서 첫선|date=August 19, 2016|website=Naver|publisher=Star Money|language=ko|access-date=November 5, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415123451/https://entertain.naver.com/music/now/read?oid=108&aid=0002548916|url-status=live}} and the China-based unit WayV in January 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarherman/2019/01/16/wayv-represents-sm-entertainments-goals-for-global-dominance-through-cultural-technology/|title=WayV Represents SM Entertainment's Goals For Global Dominance Through Cultural Technology|last=Herman|first=Tamar|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112042042/https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarherman/2019/01/16/wayv-represents-sm-entertainments-goals-for-global-dominance-through-cultural-technology/|url-status=live}} The sub-label Label V manages WayV. With members debuting yearly from 2016 to 2020, NCT as a whole currently has 20 members.{{cite web|date=September 20, 2020|title=NCT 2020, 10월 12일 출격 확정...新멤버 쇼타로·성찬까지 23명 참여[공식입장]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001203322|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001234205/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001203322|archive-date=October 1, 2020|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=Naver TV|language=ko}}

At the beginning of 2016, the company opened a restaurant, SMT Seoul,{{cite web|url=http://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?sc=30800022&year=2016&no=59733|title=SM Entertainment opens up-scale restaurant SMT Seoul – Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea|website=pulsenews.co.kr|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=July 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730153914/http://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?sc=30800022&year=2016&no=59733|url-status=live}} and also established a series of stores selling branded foods under the name SUM Market.{{cite web|url=http://news.joins.com/article/19582509|script-title=ko:[단독] SM엔터, 본사에 '엑소 편의점' 연다...지난해 말 이수만-정용진 만나 밑그림|date=February 17, 2016|website=news.joins.com|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602103533/http://news.joins.com/article/19582509|url-status=live}} On February 11, 2016, the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group acquired a 4% minority stake in SM Entertainment for US$30 million.{{cite news|last1=Kang|first1=John|title=Why Alibaba Bought $30M Stake In K-Pop Giant SM Entertainment, Home To EXO And Girls' Generation|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkang/2016/02/11/why-alibaba-bought-30m-stake-in-k-pop-giant-sm-entertainment-home-to-exo-and-girls-generation/#7e130efda556|work=Forbes|access-date=April 23, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424013933/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkang/2016/02/11/why-alibaba-bought-30m-stake-in-k-pop-giant-sm-entertainment-home-to-exo-and-girls-generation/#7e130efda556|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160426000798|title=SM's EDM label to drop first track|website=The Korea Herald|date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505132321/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160426000798|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://m.entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0003305800|title=SM, EDM레이블 'ScreaM Records' 설립..5월6일 첫곡 발표|website=Naver|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=December 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213124934/https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0003305800|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreadailyus.com/introducing-nct-how-sm-entertainment-is-taking-advantage-of-digital-platforms-to-take-over-the-global-entertainment-market/|title=Introducing NCT: How SM Entertainment is taking advantage of digital platforms to take over the global entertainment market|last=Yi|first=Lily|website=www.koreadailyus.com|date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=February 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213064249/http://www.koreadailyus.com/introducing-nct-how-sm-entertainment-is-taking-advantage-of-digital-platforms-to-take-over-the-global-entertainment-market/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/20975637|title='LOL' 처음해보는 윤아에게 자상하게 게임 가르쳐주는 백현|website=JoongAng Ilbo|date=December 7, 2016|access-date=January 10, 2025}}

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 {{ill|Jongro Sky Academy|ko|종로학원}}. 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.insight.co.kr/newsRead.php?ArtNo=94073|title=SM, 올해 9월 강남 한복판에 'K팝 국제학교' 개교한다|website=insight.co.kr|date=February 16, 2017|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-date=February 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218143123/http://www.insight.co.kr/newsRead.php?ArtNo=94073|url-status=live}} In March 2017, SM acquired the independent record label Mystic Entertainment, becoming the label's largest shareholder.[http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002602163] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508205344/http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002602163|date=May 8, 2017}} star.mt 2017/03

In March 2018, SM acquired entertainment agency KeyEast and drama production company FNC Add Culture, a subsidiary of FNC Entertainment.{{Cite web |last=권 |first=수현 |date=2018-03-14 |script-title=ko:에스엠, 키이스트·에프엔씨애드컬쳐 인수(종합) |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20180314045851008 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=Yonhap News Agency |language=ko |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115165820/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20180314045851008 |url-status=live }} Two months later, FNC Add Culture changed their name to SM Life Design Group.{{Cite web |last=POP |first=헤럴드 |date=2018-05-18 |title=FNC, SM과 전략적 제휴...'SM라이프디자인그룹'으로 사명 변경(공식) |url=http://m.heraldpop.com/view.php?ud=201805181237157549111_1 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=헤럴드팝 |language=ko |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115165820/http://m.heraldpop.com/view.php?ud=201805181237157549111_1 |url-status=live }} On October 2, 2018 it was revealed SM had acquired Million Market, home to singer-song writers, rappers and R&B singers.{{Cite web |last=최 |first=나영 |script-title=ko:'수란·페노메코 소속' 밀리언마켓, SM 레이블 합류[공식입장] |url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0003888952 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=Naver News |language=ko |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115165819/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0003888952 |url-status=live }} In October 2018, SM partnered up with Trans Media of Indonesia, which was owned by CT Corp.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/10/10/trans-media-partners-up-with-s-m-entertainment.html|title=Trans Media partners up with S.M. Entertainment|date=October 10, 2018|website=TheJakartaPost.com|access-date=July 28, 2020|language=id|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728141916/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/10/10/trans-media-partners-up-with-s-m-entertainment.html|url-status=live}} In February 2019, Trans Media and SM signed their Heads of Joint Venture Agreement together.{{cite news|url=https://www.transtv.co.id/corporate/press-release/97/sm-entertainment-group-dan-pt-trans-media-corpora-mengumumkan-dimulainya-kerjasama-stategis-dan-kolaborasi-artis-perdana|title=SM Entertainment Group Dan PT Trans Media Corpora Mengumumkan Dimulainya Kerjasama Strategis Dan Kolaborasi Artis Perdana|date=February 25, 2019|website=Trans TV|access-date=July 28, 2020|language=id|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728135635/https://www.transtv.co.id/corporate/press-release/97/sm-entertainment-group-dan-pt-trans-media-corpora-mengumumkan-dimulainya-kerjasama-stategis-dan-kolaborasi-artis-perdana|url-status=live}} Later, on the same month, SM opened its Indonesian office in Jakarta.{{cite news|url=https://www.viva.co.id/showbiz/gosip/1118974-5-spot-foto-lucu-di-kantor-sm-entertainment-jakarta|title=5 Spot Foto Lucu di Kantor SM Entertainment Jakarta|date=February 8, 2019|website=VIVA.co.id|access-date=September 8, 2019|language=id|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426160056/https://www.viva.co.id/showbiz/gosip/1118974-5-spot-foto-lucu-di-kantor-sm-entertainment-jakarta|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.jawapos.com/entertainment/music-movie/08/02/2019/ada-kantor-cabang-sm-entertainment-di-indonesia-bakal-gelar-audisi/|title=Ada Kantor Cabang, SM Entertainment di Indonesia Bakal Gelar Audisi|date=February 8, 2019|website=JawaPos.com|access-date=September 8, 2019|language=id|editor1-last=Purnamasari|editor1-first=Deti Mega|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426220247/https://www.jawapos.com/entertainment/music-movie/08/02/2019/ada-kantor-cabang-sm-entertainment-di-indonesia-bakal-gelar-audisi/|url-status=live}}

File:SuperM at a Launching Press Conference on October 2, 2019.png at a press conference in October 2019]]

In January 2019, SM debuted NCT's China unit, boy group band WayV.{{Cite magazine |last=Herman |first=Tamar |date=2019-01-02 |title=New NCT-Associated Boy Band WayV Set to Debut in China |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/wayv-nct-associated-boy-band-china-8492077/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115165817/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/wayv-nct-associated-boy-band-china-8492077/ |url-status=live }} On August 8, 2019, SM and Capitol Music Group – which earlier signed NCT 127 in April 2019{{cite magazine|last1=Cirisano|first1=Tatiana|title=Capitol Music Group & Caroline Sign K-Pop Stars NCT 127 to Distribution Deal|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8505641/nct-127-capitol-music-group-caroline-distribution-deal|magazine=billboard|access-date=April 5, 2019|date=April 4, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404193930/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8505641/nct-127-capitol-music-group-caroline-distribution-deal|url-status=live}} – 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbenjamin/2019/08/07/super-m-the-avengers-of-k-pop-unveiled-by-sm-entertainment-and-capitol-music-group/ |title=Super M, 'The Avengers Of K-Pop,' Unveiled By SM Entertainment And Capitol Music Group |last=Benjamin |first=Jeff |date=August 7, 2019 |website=Forbes |access-date=August 10, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809181715/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbenjamin/2019/08/07/super-m-the-avengers-of-k-pop-unveiled-by-sm-entertainment-and-capitol-music-group/ |url-status=live }} The group debuted in October 2019. 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.{{cite magazine|access-date=April 28, 2020|title=Meet SuperM, the K-Pop Supergroup That Skyrocketed to the Top of the Billboard Charts|url=https://time.com/5766631/superm-kpop/|magazine=Time|archive-date=May 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502115104/https://time.com/5766631/superm-kpop/|url-status=live}} In November 2019, SM signed with Creative Artists Agency for representation in all areas.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/k-pop-powerhouse-sm-entertainment-home-to-nct-127-superm-and-exo-inks-with-caa-1203392415/ |title=K-Pop Powerhouse SM Entertainment, Home to NCT 127, SuperM and EXO, Inks With CAA |last=Kim |first=Jae-Ha |date=November 4, 2019 |website=Variety |access-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105020529/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/k-pop-powerhouse-sm-entertainment-home-to-nct-127-superm-and-exo-inks-with-caa-1203392415/ |url-status=live }} 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).{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=018&aid=0004594456 |title=SM엔터테인먼트, 이성수·탁영준 공동 대표 이사 선임 [공식입장] |language=ko |trans-title=SM Entertainment appoints Lee Sung Soo and Tak Young Joon as co-CEOs |date=March 10, 2020 |website=Naver |access-date=May 11, 2020 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206044747/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=018&aid=0004594456 |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web|access-date=April 30, 2020|title=K-pop stars look to online platforms to fill gap left by canceled performances|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/942233.html|website=The Hankyoreh (english.hani.co.kr)|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912003619/http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/942233.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{citation|title=Beyond LIVE : A new era of live concert begins| date=April 20, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbovJYiK6xY|via=YouTube|access-date=April 30, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204080236/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbovJYiK6xY|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=108&aid=0002884138 |title=SM, 네이버 손잡고 1000억원 투자 유치 "시너지 기대"[공식] |language=ko |trans-title=SM and Naver join hands with 100 billion won investment |last=Yoon |first=Sanggeun |date=August 3, 2020 |website=MoneyToday |publisher=Naver |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106213859/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=108&aid=0002884138 |url-status=live }} A day later, SM announced its partnership with JYP Entertainment to establish Beyond Live Corporation, a joint company for producing Beyond Live concerts.{{cite web|date=August 4, 2020|title=SM and JYP join hands to lead global online concert brand growth!|url=http://www.smentertainment.com/PressCenter/Details/4782|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=SM Entertainment|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206044747/https://www.smentertainment.com/PressCenter/Details/4782|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Yoon|first=So-Yeon|date=August 4, 2020|title=SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment join forces for Beyond LIVE Corporation|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/08/04/entertainment/kpop/Beyond-LIVE-Beyond-LIVE-Corporation-SM-Entertainment/20200804183607550.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804235405/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/08/04/entertainment/kpop/Beyond-LIVE-Beyond-LIVE-Corporation-SM-Entertainment/20200804183607550.html|url-status=live}} SM Coex Artium closed in June 2020.{{cite tweet |user=smtownmuseum |number=1262223647663505413 |date=May 18, 2020 |title=SMTOWN@coexartium business closure notice}} A venue located in Changwon, which has been planned since 2016, will replace it.{{cite web |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160621001017 |title=SM Entertainment to build culture playground in Changwon |date=June 21, 2020 |website=The Korea Herald |access-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031035945/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160621001017 |url-status=live }} In addition to the new complex, SM partnered with {{ill|Jongro Haneul Education|ko|종로학원}} to launch SM Institute, an educational facility to train local and international aspiring artists; the institute is expected to open in March 2021.{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001198315 |title=SM 엔터, 'K팝 스타 양성' 교육기관 설립...2021년 3월 개강 [공식입장] |language=ko |trans-title=SM Entertainment establishes 'K-pop star training' educational institution...beginning in March 2021 |last=Choi |first=Hee-jae |date=September 9, 2020 |website=XSports News |publisher=Naver |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206044748/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001198315 |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=015&aid=0004359186 |script-title=ko:오케스트라 선율로 옮긴 K팝...서울시향, SM과 협업 |language=ko |trans-title=K-Pop goes orchestra...SM and Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra team up |last=Oh |first=Hyunwoo |date=June 12, 2020 |website=Hankyung |publisher=Naver |access-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106154423/https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=015&aid=0004359186 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/08/26/entertainment/kpop/BoA-Tree-20th-anniversary/20200826161800362.html |title='Our Beloved BoA' to wrap Friday with final remake of singer's most popular songs |last=Yoon |first=So-Yeon |date=August 26, 2020 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106212631/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/08/26/entertainment/kpop/BoA-Tree-20th-anniversary/20200826161800362.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web|title=SM 신인 걸그룹 에스파, 17일 데뷔 확정 독특 세계관|trans-title=SM's new girl group Aespa, debut on the 17th, Unique worldview|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0004964060|via=Naver|publisher=News1|language=ko|author=Hwang Mi-hyun|date=November 2, 2020|access-date=November 5, 2020|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830160654/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0004964060|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=382&aid=0000865025 |title=SM 신인 걸그룹 '에스파(aespa)' 11월 데뷔 |language=ko |trans-title=SM's new girl group Aespa to debut in November|date=October 26, 2020 |website=The Dong-A Ilbo|publisher=Naver |access-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029230013/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=382&aid=0000865025 |url-status=live }}

File:20211116 이터널 리턴 X aespa (2).jpg 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.{{cite web |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/112/0003514010 |title=GOT, SM 新 프로젝트 포문..보아→카리나X윈터 역대급 시너지 기대 |language=ko |trans-title=GOT, SM's new project kick off... Boa → Karina X Winter Expecting the greatest synergy ever |date=December 27, 2021 |website=Herald POP |publisher=Naver |access-date=December 27, 2021 |archive-date=December 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227063005/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/112/0003514010 |url-status=live }}

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.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-21 |script-title=ko:에버랜드, SM과 NCT·에스파 체험 공간 조성 |url=https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2022092107332545705 |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=아시아경제 |language=ko}}

In 2022, SM terminated its production license contract with founder Lee Soo-man's company Like Planning.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0011475519|script-title=ko:SM, 이수만 라이크기획과 계약 조기종료...프로듀싱 공백 우려도|trans-title=SM, contract with Lee Soo-man Like Planning is terminated early... Concerns about a production vacuum|last=Lee|first=Jae-hoon|date=October 14, 2022|website=Newsis|language=ko|access-date=November 4, 2022|archive-date=November 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104141420/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0011475519|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Chin |first1=Carmen |title=K-pop label SM Entertainment to set up Southeast Asian headquarters in Singapore |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/k-pop-sm-entertainment-southeast-asian-headquarters-singapore-3358801 |website=NME |access-date=1 December 2022 |language=en |date=1 December 2022 |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201115259/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/k-pop-sm-entertainment-southeast-asian-headquarters-singapore-3358801 |url-status=live }} The company plans to launch retail businesses such as cafes, merchandise stores and pop-up exhibitions in the country.{{cite web |last1=Kao |first1=Kimberley |title=South Korea's SM Entertainment plans to set up its Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/01/south-korea-sm-entertainment-to-set-up-southeast-asia-hq-in-singapore.html |website=CNBC |date=December 2022 |access-date=1 December 2022 |language=en |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201115259/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/01/south-korea-sm-entertainment-to-set-up-southeast-asia-hq-in-singapore.html |url-status=live }}

{{See also|SM 3.0}}

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.{{cite web |url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/018/0005417923?sid=101 |title=3.0 시대 연 SM엔터...멀티 제작·레이블 체계 도입 |language=ko |trans-title=SM Entertainment opened in the era of 3.0... Introduction of multi production label system |date=February 3, 2023 |website=E-Daily |publisher=Naver |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207034359/https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/018/0005417923?sid=101 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=416&aid=0000292059 |title=SM엔터, 'SM 3.0' 시대 연다..."올해 신인 걸그룹·보이그룹 데뷔" |language=ko |trans-title=SM Entertainment opens the era of 'SM 3.0'... "New girl group/boy group debut this year" |date=February 3, 2023 |website=SBS Entertainment News |publisher=Naver |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207034358/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=416&aid=0000292059 |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/skoreas-kakao-corp-buy-905-stake-sm-entertainment-touts-k-pop-projects-2023-02-07/|title=S.Korea's Kakao Corp to buy 9.05% stake in SM Entertainment, touts K-pop projects|website=Reuters|author=Hyunsu Kim|date=February 6, 2023|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210011632/https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/skoreas-kakao-corp-buy-905-stake-sm-entertainment-touts-k-pop-projects-2023-02-07/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/02/07/business/tech/Korea-Kpop-SM-Entertainment/20230207140807750.html|title=Kakao buys 9% of SM Entertainment, now 2nd largest shareholder|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=February 7, 2023|author=Yoon So-yeon|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210012156/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/02/07/business/tech/Korea-Kpop-SM-Entertainment/20230207140807750.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tvdaily.co.kr/read.php3?aid=16757502011666940010|script-title=ko:이수만 "카카오 SM 지분매입은 위법" 법적대응 예고 [공식]|date=February 7, 2023|website=tvdaily.co.kr}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldpop.com/view.php?ud=202302071528025486018_1|script-title=ko:이수만, SM에 법적대응 예고 "카카오 SM 지분매입은 위법"(공식입장)|date=February 7, 2023|website=헤럴드팝}} 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,{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=396&aid=0000635797|script-title=ko:하이브, SM 최대주주로...이수만 지분 14.8% 매입|date=February 9, 2023|language=Korean|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210010149/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=396&aid=0000635797|url-status=live}} with the company subsequently acquiring Galaxia SM's 1% stake on March 3, increasing their share to 15.8%.{{cite news|url=https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?sc=30800028&year=2023&no=172196|title=Galaxia SM sells its entire SM Entertainment stake to Hybe|last1=Oh|first1=Dae-seok|last2=Kim|first2=Minu|date=March 3, 2023|work=Pulse News|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230309171754/https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?sc=30800028&year=2023&no=172196|archive-date=March 9, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=March 9, 2023}}

On March 3, 2023, a South Korean court issued an injunction against SM Entertainment's deal with Kakao.{{Cite web|title=Court blocks Kakao purchase of SM Entertainment shares|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/640/0000035701?sid=101|via=Naver|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Park|first=Eun-jee|date=March 3, 2023|access-date=March 3, 2023}} 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.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jae-lim |date=March 7, 2023 |title=Kakao seeks 35% of SM Entertainment to counter HYBE threat |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/03/07/business/industry/Kakao-SM-HYBE/20230307165635212.html |work=Korea JoongAng Daily |location= |access-date=March 28, 2023}}{{Cite web|title=Kakao announces tender offer to gain stable management control over SM Entertainment|url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230307003252320|via=Yonhap News Agency|date=March 7, 2023|access-date=March 7, 2023}} 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".{{cite web|last=Frater|first=Patrick|title=K-Pop: HYBE and Kakao End Hostilities in Takeover Battle for SM Entertainment|url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/k-pop-sm-entertainment-hybe-kakao-takeover-battle-1235550675/|website=Variety|date=March 11, 2023|access-date=March 12, 2023}} On March 24, 2023, Hybe announced that it would sell its entire stake in SM Entertainment to Kakao by participating in its tender offer.{{cite news |last=Yim |first=Hyunsu |date=March 24, 2023 |title=K-pop takeover battle loser HYBE to sell $437 mln stake in SM |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/south-koreas-hybe-sell-its-stake-sm-entertainment-2023-03-24/ |work=Reuters |location= |access-date=March 24, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Frater|first=Patrick|title=Hybe to Sell SM Entertainment Stake After Losing to Kakao in K-Pop Bid Battle|url=https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/hybe-sm-entertainment-k-pop-1235563480/|website=Variety|date=March 24, 2023|access-date=April 30, 2023}} 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%.{{cite news |last=Yim |first=Hyunsu |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Kakao's stake in K-pop agency SM climbs to 40%, HYBE retains 8.8% |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/kakao-reaches-40-stake-k-pop-agency-sm-hybe-keeps-88-2023-03-28/ |work=Reuters |location= |access-date=March 28, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jae-lim |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Kakao has big plans for SM, promises 'amicable' acquisition |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/03/28/business/industry/Kakao/20230328162847530.html |work=Korea JoongAng Daily |location= |access-date=March 28, 2023}}{{cite news |author= |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Kakao secures 40 pct stake in SM Entertainment through tender offer |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230328005100320?section=culture/entertainment |work=Yonhap News Agency |location= |access-date=March 28, 2023}} On March 31, 2023, during the shareholders' meeting, SM Entertainment appointed chief financial officer (CFO) Jang Cheol-hyuk as its new CEO. Former co-CEO Lee Sung-soo returned to his role in A&R as chief A&R officer (CAO).{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/366/0000893605|script-title=ko:[단독] 백의종군 한다던 SM 이성수 전 대표, C레벨 복귀|trans-title=[Exclusive] Former CEO Lee Sung-soo of SM, who was said to be Baek Ui-jong, returns to C level|work=The Chosun Ilbo|last=Lee|first=Eun-young|date=April 14, 2023|access-date=August 15, 2023|language=ko}} Lee Soo-man declared the meeting "the end of an era" for the company he founded, stating he was "moving toward the future".

On August 1, 2023, SM Entertainment announced that they would form a joint venture division with Kakao Entertainment in North America.{{cite web |last1=Yang |first1=Haley |title=SM, Kakao to launch joint venture in North America |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/08/01/entertainment/kpop/kakao-sm-aespa/20230801135903642.html |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |access-date=15 August 2023 |language=en |date=1 August 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Schneider |first1=Marc |title=SM Entertainment and Kakao Launch Joint Division in North America |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sm-entertainment-kakao-north-america-launch-partnership/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=15 August 2023 |date=1 August 2023}} The following day, SM announced the establishment of its music publishing subsidiary, Kreation Music Rights.{{cite web |last1=Dalugdug |first1=Mandy |title=SM Entertainment to launch music publishing subsidiary, Kreation Music Rights |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sm-entertainment-to-launch-music-publishing-subsidiary-kreation-music-rights/ |website=Music Business Worldwide |access-date=15 August 2023 |date=10 August 2023}} SM debuted its new boy group Riize in early September,{{Cite web |title=SM 새 보이그룹은 '라이즈'..."실력과 비주얼 겸비한 최정예 멤버 7인" |url=https://v.daum.net/v/20230731090950070 |access-date=2023-08-01 |date=31 Jul 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=31 Jul 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731053730/https://v.daum.net/v/20230731090950070 |website=v.daum.net |language=ko}} featuring former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro.{{Cite news |last=Ziwei |first=Puah |date=May 24, 2023 |title=Sungchan and Shotaro leave NCT, to re-debut in "new boy group" |work=NME |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sungchan-shotaro-leave-nct-redebut-new-boy-group-3447293 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524130030/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sungchan-shotaro-leave-nct-redebut-new-boy-group-3447293 |archive-date=May 24, 2023}} The final NCT sub-unit, NCT Wish, made their debut in February 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/001/0014496681|script-title=ko:작곡가 84명 영입한 SM…올해 신인 4팀 데뷔시킨다|website=Naver News}} 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.{{cite web | url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/001/0014569789 | script-title=ko:뉴스 : 네이버 Tv연예 }}{{cite web | url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/144/0000949868 | script-title=ko:뉴스 : 네이버 Tv연예 }} Hearts2Hearts, an eight-member girl group and SM's first since Aespa in 2020, debuted in February 2025.{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Soo-young |date=2025-01-12 |script-title=ko:무대 위 살아 움직인 '30년 역사'…SM, 'K팝 근본' 맞다 [리뷰] |trans-title='30 Years of History' Alive and Moving on Stage... SM is the 'Fundamental of K-Pop' |url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/202501120861H |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=The Korea Economic Daily |language=ko}}

• SM Studios{{cite web|title=SM엔터, 계열사 구조개편...에스엠스튜디오스 설립|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0010431215|website=Newsis|language=ko|author=Lee Jae-hoon|date=April 5, 2021|access-date=April 7, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081112/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0010431215|url-status=live}}
• SM C&C (since 2012)
• SM Life Design Group (2018)
• Dear U (2017)
• Mystic Story (since 2017)
• KeyEast (since 2018)
• Dream Maker Entertainment (2006)
• Beyond Live (2020)
• SM Brand Marketing (2008)
• SM Town Planner (2017)
• SM Culture Partners (2022)
• Studio Realive (2022){{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000026422|title=SM Entertainment to establish metaverse company Studio Kwangya|last=Lee|first=Jian|date=July 12, 2022|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=August 8, 2022|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808170903/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000026422|url-status=live}}
• Kreation Music Rights (2023)
• Kustomade (2024)
• Studio White (2023){{Cite web|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-12-22/entertainment/television/SM-Entertainment-launches-audition-program-production-studio-Studio-White/1942784|title=SM Entertainment launches audition program production studio, Studio White|date=December 22, 2023|website=Korea JoongAng Daily}}

Investment

• ESteem (since 2015)
• Galaxia SM (since 2015)
• Dreamus (since 2017)

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{{cite web|title=SM Entertainment signaled its advancement in Indonesia, establishing a joint venture with 'CT Group,' a leading local company in media, finance, and retails|url=https://www.smentertainment.com/PressCenter/Details/2686|website=SM Entertainment|language=en|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305110040/https://www.smentertainment.com/PressCenter/Details/2686|url-status=live}}
• SM Entertainment Vietnam (2020){{cite web|title=SM Entertainment Signs MOU for Strategic Alliance and Collaboration with IPP Group, Vietnam's Largest Retail & Lifestyle Company|url=https://www.smentertainment.com/PressCenter/Details/1480#|website=SM Entertainment|language=en|date=May 14, 2018|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502053750/https://www.smentertainment.com/PressCenter/Details/1480|url-status=live}}
• SM & Kakao Entertainment America (2023){{cite web | url=https://n.news.naver.com/article/640/0000041501?sid=101 | title=SM, Kakao to launch joint venture in North America }}

Labels

LIC stands for Labels In Company and is SM Entertainment's in-house label were introduced following SM 3.0.{{cite web | url=https://www.smentertainment.com/company/lic/ | title=LIC — SM Entertainment }}

• ScreaM Records: An exclusive label established in 2016 to focus on the electronic dance music genre.{{Cite web|url=https://m.mydaily.co.kr/page/view/2016012716072901137|script-title=ko:상상 이상의 이수만...SM, NCT로 초거대 공룡이 되다(종합)|last=전 |first=원|date=January 27, 2016|website=MyDaily}}
• SM Classics: A classical music label established in 2020 in partnership with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Krucialize: A new label established in 2024 for an undisclosed SM project.{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2024 |title=coming up SM entertainment new music label |url=https://x.com/krucialize_sm/status/1785504557445063008?s=46 |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=SMTOWN on X}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/article/005/0000630516|title=SM, 밴드음악에 힙합까지? 다양한 장르 망라하는 레이블 '발전소' 협력|website=Naver News}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0002593129|script-title=ko:인피니트, 소녀시대와 한솥밥...SM, 울림엔터테인먼트 합병|website=Naver News}} In March 2016, SM C&C decided to spin off their music content business with Woollim.{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/396/0000380885|title=SM C&C, 2년 8개월 만에 음악콘텐츠 사업 울림엔터 분리|website=Naver News}}
• 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.{{cite web |author=최나영 |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/109/0003888952 |script-title=ko:'수란·페노메코 소속' 밀리언마켓, SM 레이블 합류[공식입장] |publisher=Naver News |date=2018-10-24 |accessdate=2022-07-20 |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720130552/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/109/0003888952 |url-status=live }} As November 2023, the remained shares of SM had acquired by Chairman Cha Won, a major shareholder of BPM Entertainment.{{cite web | url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/469/0000771537 | script-title=ko:뉴스 : 네이버 Tv연예 }}

{{main|SM Town|List of SM Entertainment artists|SM 3.0}}

{{Main|SM Entertainment discography}}

{{Main|SM Culture & Contents#Filmography}}

In late July 2009, three of the five original members of SM boy group TVXQ – Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu – applied to the Seoul Central District Court to investigate the validity of their contract with SM,{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/08/178_49459.html|title=TVXQ Feuds With SM Entertainment|date=August 2, 2009|work=The Korea Times|access-date=August 3, 2009|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306150429/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/08/178_49459.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=10167 |title=Is TVXQ Headed for Breakup? |date=August 3, 2009 |work=KBS World |access-date=August 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105210213/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=10167 |archive-date=January 5, 2010 }} as they felt the thirteen-year contract was excessively long and that earnings were not fairly distributed to the members,{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/08/178_49540.html|title=TVXQ to Stick Together Despite Legal Dispute|date=August 3, 2009|work=The Korea Times|access-date=August 3, 2009|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306151954/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/08/178_49540.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite news|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/04/2009080401107.html|title=TVXQ is a 'slave contract' ... SM, 'quasi-fraud'|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511150210/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/04/2009080401107.html|url-status=live}} The news of this dispute caused SM's KOSPI stock price to drop by 10.06%.Thomson Reuters. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090806092540/http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/08/03/afx6730465.html Korea Hot Stocks – Hankook Tire, SM Ent, Ssangyong Motor]. Forbes.com. August 3, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009. 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.{{cite web|url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=10351 |title=TVXQ Fan Club Files for Compensation for Cancelled Concert |date=September 3, 2009 |work=KBS World |access-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030203834/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=10351 |archive-date=October 30, 2010 }}

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."{{cite web|last1=Han|first1=Sang-hee|title=TVXQ to Stick Together Despite Legal Dispute|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/08/178_49540.html|website=The Korea Times|date=August 3, 2009 |publisher=The Korea Times Co.|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306151954/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/08/178_49540.html|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=10760|title=SM Entertainment Calls the TVXQ Suit a Big Fraud|date=November 2, 2009|work=KBS World|access-date=November 2, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=February 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/02/18/2011021801086.html|title=JYJ Win Legal Battle with Former Management|date=February 18, 2011|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=February 21, 2012|archive-date=October 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018181703/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/02/18/2011021801086.html|url-status=live}} 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.[http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?articleid=2010052010224117308&linkid=4&newssetid=1352 "시아준수 등 동방신기 3인, 새 그룹 이름은 J.Y.J?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614102628/http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?articleid=2010052010224117308&linkid=4&newssetid=1352 |date=June 14, 2011 }} Yahoo News. May 20, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2012 {{in lang|ko}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/02/18/2011021801086.html|title=JYJ Win Legal Battle with Former Management|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=February 18, 2011|access-date=February 21, 2012|archive-date=October 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018181703/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/02/18/2011021801086.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15363|title=Decision on JYJ vs. SM Entertainment Case Postponed Indefinitely for Mediation|last=Park|first=HyunMin|date=September 19, 2012|newspaper=enewsWorld|agency=CJ E&M|access-date=November 27, 2012|archive-date=January 11, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111051849/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15363|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite news|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2963083|title=JYJ and SM finally reach agreement|last=Sunwoo|first=Carla|date=November 29, 2012|newspaper=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=December 5, 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111053417/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2963083|archive-date=January 11, 2013}} 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."{{cite news|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=22343|title=SM and JYJ Put an End to Their Long, Winding Legal Suit|date=November 28, 2012|newspaper=enewsWorld|agency=CJ E&M|access-date=December 5, 2012|author=Park, HyunMin|first2=Erika|last2=Kim|archive-date=January 11, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111082501/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=22343|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012112813495846832|title=JYJ, SM Come to Agreement Regarding Exclusive Contract Issue|last=Lee|first=Tae Ho|date=November 28, 2012|newspaper=10 Asia|access-date=December 5, 2012|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220417/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012112813495846832|url-status=live}}

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.[http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2009122215270135930&type=1&outlink=1 "한경 "SM, 非정상적 활동강요"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722135509/http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2009122215270135930&type=1&outlink=1 |date=July 22, 2011 }} Star News. December 22, 2009. Retrieved May 1, 2012 {{in lang|ko}} 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.[http://community.livejournal.com/geng_bao/76937.html#cutid1 "Exclusive Interview with Han Geng's Team"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206044901/https://geng-bao.livejournal.com/76937.html#cutid1 |date=February 6, 2021 }} (In Chinese with English Translation) Beijing Youth Weekly Magazine August 25, 2010. Retrieved May 1, 2012. 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.'"{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=106&oid=382&aid=0000011661|title=SM Entertainment's official position: Han Geng has "come to a mutual agreement, and will terminate proceedings"|date=September 2011|publisher=Naver News|access-date=November 10, 2011|archive-date=September 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906111721/http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=106&oid=382&aid=0000011661|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?a_id=2011092711070333667 |title=Han Geng's official position: "SM Entertainment has amicably agreed" |date=September 2011 |publisher=10asia.co.kr |access-date=November 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017220337/http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?a_id=2011092711070333667 |archive-date=October 17, 2011 }}

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.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/k/2014-05-15/09314141917.shtml|title=EXO-M队长吴亦凡提出解约 SM再陷解约门|work=sina.com.cn|access-date=February 6, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103150655/http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/k/2014-05-15/09314141917.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web |author= |date=May 15, 2014 |title=EXO-M's Kris sues SM to end exclusive contract |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140515000936 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127020932/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140515000936 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |work=The Korea Herald}} 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."{{Cite web |last=Ock |first=Hyun-ju |date=May 16, 2014 |title=Why did EXO-M's Kris sue SM? |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140516000898 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528000133/https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140516000898 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=The Korea Herald}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Jeong |first=Yu-jin |date=July 21, 2016 |script-title=ko:크리스·루한 대 SM 소송 종결 "원계약 유지..매출 분배" [전문] |trans-title=Chris-Luhan v. SM Settles "Original Agreement Remains...Revenue Sharing" [Full Text] |url=https://entertain.naver.com/ranking/read?oid=109&aid=0003361225 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104012442/https://entertain.naver.com/ranking/read?oid=109&aid=0003361225 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=OSEN |language=ko |via=Naver}}

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.[http://www.weibo.com/3547642417/Bpknsn8y8 Jung's Weibo update on September 30, 2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112194905/http://www.weibo.com/3547642417/Bpknsn8y8 |date=January 12, 2016 }} weibo.com (September 30, 2014). Retrieved September 30, 2014.

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.[http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/77155/sm-makes-official-statement-on-jessica SM States that SNSD will Promote as Eight Without Jessica] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321151602/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/77155/sm-makes-official-statement-on-jessica |date=March 21, 2016 }} CJ E&M enewsWorld (September 30, 2014). Retrieved February 23, 2016. 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|date=May 2016}}

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."{{Cite web |last=Jeong |first=Hee-soo |date=August 6, 2015 |script-title=ko:제시카, 결국 SM 떠난다 "각자의 길 가기로" (공식입장) |trans-title=Jessica Leaves SM, All "Going Their Separate Ways" (Official Statement) |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0000504104 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227183946/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0000504104 |archive-date=December 27, 2021 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Xsports News |language=ko |via=Naver}}{{Cite web |last=Jeong |first=Hee-soo |date=August 6, 2015 |script-title=ko:제시카 "SM 앞날에 행운이 있길…새 출발 지켜봐달라" (입장전문) |trans-title=Jessica "Best of luck to SM in the future... look forward to my new start" (full story) |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0000504110 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227183955/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0000504110 |archive-date=December 27, 2021 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Xsports News |language=ko |via=Naver}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvreport.co.kr/?c=news&m=newsview&idx=581895|script-title=ko:엑소 루한, SM엔터테인먼트에 소송...크리스 뒤 잇나|website=TV리포트|date=October 10, 2014 |language=ko|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=June 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610064751/http://www.tvreport.co.kr/?c=news&m=newsview&idx=581895|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mydaily.co.kr/new_yk/html/read.php?newsid=201410101029561131&ext=na|script-title=ko:엑소 루한, SM에 전속계약 해지소송...크리스와 같은 행보|website=MyDaily|date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604132507/http://www.mydaily.co.kr/new_yk/html/read.php?newsid=201410101029561131&ext=na|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201410101325541210|title=SM "루한 갑작스런 소송 당혹, 배후세력 의심된다" 공식입장|website=www.newsen.com|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=June 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610090837/http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201410101325541210|url-status=live}} 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|date=May 2016}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2014/10/10/exo-member-luhan-files-lawsuit-to-leave-k-pop-group/|title=EXO Member Luhan Files Lawsuit To Leave K-Pop Group|last=Lee|first=Min-Jeong|date=October 10, 2014|website=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=October 11, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010112333/http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2014/10/10/exo-member-luhan-files-lawsuit-to-leave-k-pop-group/|url-status=live}} On July 21, 2016, Lu Han officially parted ways with Exo, although his contract with SM remained valid until 2022.{{cite web |last1=Alexander |first1=Kevin |date=July 22, 2016 |title=Kris And Luhan's Contract Lawsuit Against SM Entertainment Ends |url=http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/273224/20160722/sm-entertainment-lawsuit-kris-luhan-sue-end-conclusion-negotiation-contract.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724160000/http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/273224/20160722/sm-entertainment-lawsuit-kris-luhan-sue-end-conclusion-negotiation-contract.htm |archive-date=July 24, 2016 |access-date=July 23, 2016 |website=KPOPStarz}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on WP:KO/RS|date=January 2025}}

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.{{cite web | title = No Min-woo files damage suit against SM | work = The Korea Times | date = May 12, 2015 | access-date = April 20, 2016 | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2016/04/135_178797.html | archive-date = May 7, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160507161926/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2016/04/135_178797.html | url-status = live }} No alleged that SM had also interfered with his career after he had left the company, and sought KR₩100 million in damages.{{Cite news|url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?year=2018&no=95142|title=No Min-woo claimed against SM.|work=Maeil Business Newspaper|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206044829/https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2018/02/95142/|url-status=live}} No lost his lawsuit against SM on July 21, 2016.{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Dong-woo |date=July 21, 2016 |script-title=ko:노민우, SM 상대 1억원 손배소 패소…법원 " 매니지먼트 소홀 근거 없어" |trans-title=Noh Min-woo loses 1 million won damages against SM...Court "No evidence of management neglect" |url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=277&aid=0003792141 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402150429/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=277&aid=0003792141 |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=The Asia Business Daily |language=ko |via=Naver}}

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."{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sm-entertainment-wins-lawsuit-against-tao-former-exo-member-responds-662117|title=SM Entertainment Wins Lawsuit Against Tao|work=International Business Times|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=August 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801203306/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sm-entertainment-wins-lawsuit-against-tao-former-exo-member-responds-662117|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=416&aid=0000174747|title=SM, 엑소 전 멤버 타오 상대 부당행위 소송 승소|publisher=Naver|access-date=June 19, 2016|language=ko|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402210836/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=416&aid=0000174747|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Choi |first=Yoon-a |date=June 1, 2023 |script-title=ko:엑소 백현·시우민·첸 "SM, 노예계약 강요" 법적대응 추진[전문] |trans-title=EXO Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chen "SM, forced slave contract" legal response [full text] |url=https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20230601/119574097/1 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |website=Donga}} 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, which was described as a "misunderstanding."{{cite web |author1=Shim Sun-ah |title=3 EXO members to stay with SM Entertainment, resolving contract dispute |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230619004200315 |website=Yonhap News Agency |access-date=10 July 2023 |language=en |date=19 June 2023}}

Baekhyun would go on to establish INB100 Entertainment, with Chen and Xiumin joining shortly after. Despite the move, INB100 clarified that the three members would continue their activities as part of Exo, alongside the other members of the group. Later, One Hundred, a global production company, officially announced the acquisition of INB100 as its newest subsidiary, following the previous acquisitions of Million Market and Big Planet Made Entertainment, on the 16th.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-16 |title=ONE HUNDRED has adopted INB100, founded by EXO Baekhyun, as its new family, following Million Market.. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/entertain/11016855 |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Maeil Business Newspaper |language=en}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=Non–Korean language versions of this website use automatic machine translation; see WP:KO/RS|date=March 2025}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-16 |script-title=ko:백현·시우민·첸, 결국 MC몽과 한솥밥…원헌드레스 자회사 합류 [공식입장] |url=https://www.xportsnews.com/article/1859560 |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=엑스포츠뉴스 |language=ko}}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=EXO to continue group activities under SM despite solo ventures |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2025/03/398_366510.html |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=The Korea Times |language=en}} Following the release of Xiumin's second solo EP, Interview X, under the new label on March 10, 2025, the artist was reportedly informed by national broadcaster KBS that he would not be allowed to appear on programs featuring SM's artists, including the highly popular music show Music Bank. On March 4, 2025, One Hundred, the parent company of INB100, released a statement condemning the decision. The label criticized KBS for blocking Xiumin's participation in music programs, stating that the decision was not based on musical reasons but rather on the broadcaster's relationship with SM Entertainment.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-09 |title=SM faces renewed allegations for blocking former artists' TV appearances |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2025/03/398_393751.html |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=The Korea Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-13 |title='KBS와 갈등' 시우민, 결국 '뮤직뱅크' 출연 불발 |url=https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2025031310312235773 |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Money Today |language=ko}}

{{blockquote|Though it was difficult for us to understand the reasoning, we continued, until today, to reach out to KBS, urging the broadcaster to think about the artist and the fans. However, [such requests] have been disregarded. We believe that KBS, a state-run broadcasting station, is obstructing the opportunity of our musician to connect with his fans, solely due to the broadcasting station's relationship with a "particular entertainment company," rather than for other reasonable issues related to his music. We believe that it is highly unfair for the public broadcaster KBS to have made such a decision, while only reflecting the position of a "specific company." We deeply regret having to share this disappointing news with the fans.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=EXO member Xiumin's agency accuses KBS of siding with SM after 'Music Bank' snub |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-03-05/national/socialAffairs/EXO-member-Xiumins-agency-accuses-KBS-of-siding-with-SM-after-Music-Bank-snub/2255179 |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en}}}}

KBS dismissed One Hundred's claims as "completely untrue", stating that there was no official decision to prevent Xiumin from appearing on Music Bank or other programs. In response, One Hundred retaliated by withdrawing its artists from KBS programs on Thursday. This included singer Lee Mu-jin, who was set to appear on the KBS YouTube music show LeeMujin Service, and comedian Lee Soo-geun, who was scheduled for KBS Joy's talk show Unpredictable Fortunetellers''.{{Cite web |last=CHOSUNBIZ |date=2025-03-07 |title=One Hundred's conflict with KBS escalates as Lee Mujin, Lee Soo-geun skip recordings |url=https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-entertainment/2025/03/07/3IQWVPPXMVDDBNV6VR3JPZXS4M/ |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=ChosunBiz |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=연예 |first=iMBC |date=2025-03-07 |script-title=ko:시우민 '뮤뱅' 출연 거부에 이무진도 KBS 보이콧…커지는 갈등 |url=https://imnews.imbc.com/news/2025/enter/article/6693409_36758.html |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation |language=ko}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |script-title=ko:시우민 측, '뮤직뱅크'의 출연 거부 폭로…KBS "사실 아냐" |url=https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1008007424 |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Seoul Broadcasting System |language=ko}}

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.{{cite news|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/11/201_55925.html |title=Music Awards Has Fresh Yet Disappointing Start |last=Han Sang |first=Hee |date=November 22, 2009 |newspaper=The Korea Times |access-date=December 13, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125163015/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/11/201_55925.html |archive-date=November 25, 2009 }} 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."{{cite news|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009110321401713544|title=SM singers boycott Mnet music award|last=Kim|first=Jessica|date=November 3, 2009|newspaper=Asiae|access-date=April 26, 2012|archive-date=August 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825203614/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009110321401713544|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite news|url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=713677&year=2010|title=FTC, SM modified the contract of exclusive contract 'recognition'|work=Maeil Business Newspaper|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206044750/https://www.mk.co.kr/news/culture/view/2010/12/713677/|url-status=live}}

SM was also one of fifteen companies sued and fined by the KFTC for price rigging in 2011. {{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

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."{{cite news|url=http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/music/201208/sp2012081614244995510.htm|title=SM엔터'음원유통 담합' 오명 벗어|date=August 16, 2012|newspaper=Sports Hankooki|language=ko|trans-title=SM Entertainment cleared of accusations of colluding with music distributors|access-date=October 6, 2012|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006123257/http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/music/201208/sp2012081614244995510.htm|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-03 |script-title=ko:[단독] 엔터3사 이어 하이브까지... 공정위, 포토카드 끼워팔기 조사 |url=https://biz.chosun.com/industry/company/2023/08/03/XCTBD5VWMZGSFGRAPFHCTXZ7WM/ |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=ChosunBiz |language=ko}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-03 |script-title=ko:공정위, 하이브 현장조사...사재기 부추기는 '포카' 상술 본다 |url=http://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2023080302109958054012 |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=THE DIGITAL TIMES |language=ko}}

On February 13, 2023, SM donated 200 million won to help in 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake through Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000332102 |last=Park|first=Jung-sun|title=SM, 튀르키예·시리아 지진 구호를 위해 2억 원 기부|trans-title=SM donates 200 million won for earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria|publisher=JTBC |via=Naver|date=February 13, 2023|access-date=February 13, 2023|language=ko}}

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