SM Entertainment
About SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment (에스엠 엔터테인먼트) was founded in 1995 by former singer and producer Lee Soo-man. It is considered the originator of the modern K-pop idol model. SM was the first Korean agency to aggressively pursue pan-Asian expansion, beginning in China and Japan in the early 2000s. The company's roster of acts has included some of K-pop's most iconic names: H.O.T., S.E.S., TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, and many more. SM was acquired by KAKAO Entertainment in 2023, marking a major industry shift. SM's training system and visual aesthetics have set industry standards that all other K-pop agencies follow.
Known For
SM Entertainment is the oldest of the Big 4 and is credited with establishing the modern K-pop idol system. SM pioneered the "SM Syndrome" training model — intensive talent recruitment, vocal and dance training, and carefully crafted debuts — which became the template for the entire K-pop industry.
Signature Sound
Polished, sophisticated pop production with meticulous attention to vocal harmonies and choreographic precision. SM acts often feature complex multi-layer production, and are known for memorable hooks and high-budget visual concepts. SM has pioneered electronic pop subgenres in K-pop including their signature "SM sound."