Legendary artist Kangta has officially renewed his contract with SM Entertainment, solidifying his long-standing partnership with the agency.
Kangta Renews Contract with SM Entertainment, Continuing 30-Year Partnership
On April 2, SM Entertainment released an official statement.
“Kangta is a valuable artist who is part of SM’s 30-year history,” it read. “We will actively support Kangta’s activities in various fields and continue to create a wonderful future together.”
Kangta also expressed his thoughts on the renewal. “I’m delighted to be continuing my relationship with SM, who has supported and watched over me since my pre-debut trainee days. I will keep striving to present great work both as an artist and as a producer,” he said.
A Long-Standing Legacy with SM Entertainment
Kangta made his debut in 1996 as a member of the legendary first-generation K-pop group H.O.T., which played a pivotal role in shaping the modern K-pop industry. Even after the group disbanded in 2001, Kangta remained with SM, establishing a successful solo career and contributing significantly to the company’s growth.
Beyond his career as a singer-songwriter, Kangta has been actively involved in SM Entertainment’s creative and business ventures. In 2014, he was appointed as a non-executive director, allowing him to mentor younger artists and contribute to the company’s strategic direction.
Expanding His Role as a Producer
In recent years, Kangta has further expanded his role within the company. He has taken on responsibilities as an in-house creative director, guiding SM’s next generation of artists. More recently, he became the executive producer for SM Entertainment’s K-pop production label, SMASHHIT, where he collaborates with various songwriters and producers to promote the growth of K-pop globally.
As Kangta embarks on a new chapter with SM, fans can look forward to more exciting projects from him, both as an artist and a producer shaping the future of K-pop!
