SM Entertainment

Korean talent agency

SM Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company, one of the "Big Three" agencies that dominate K-pop.

Founded in 1995, it launched globally successful acts including H.O.T., BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, and aespa.

The company pioneered the Korean idol training system and aggressive expansion into Asian markets.

K-popKorean popular music genre
idolObject of worship
traineeOne being instructed
survival showContest of lasting longest
debutFirst public appearance

comeback · album sales · music video · Seoul · Gangnam · agency · fandom · fan meeting · lightstick · choreography · MV · variety show · contract · visual · fan chant

Categories

HallyuK-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, Hallyu, idol groups
K-popBTS, ARMY, girl group, boy band, idol group
Korean BusinessSamsung, Hyundai, LG Electronics, SK, Daewoo
Gangnamhigh-rise apartments, luxury boutiques, plastic surgery clinics

Opposites

corporate structure/independence

SM Entertainmentindie label

Small autonomous music publisher

bedroom producer · underground scene · garage band

artistic philosophy

SM Entertainmentlo-fi aesthetic

Intentionally degraded visual style

manufactured vs. organic artistry

SM Entertainmentsinger-songwriter

Self-composing musical performer

street performer · folk musician · busker

Family

entertainment, entertain, entertainer, entertaining, entertained, entertainments, entertainers

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Concrete · Rated G