Tag: SM Entertainment

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SM Entertainment Promises Legal Action Against Malicious Posts About aespa

SM Entertainment is taking action to defend aespa from malicious posts about the girl group.

SM Entertainment Vows Legal Action Against Defamatory aespa Posts

On February 11, SM Entertainment announced that they had taken strong legal action against individuals who defamed aespa by spreading malicious content online. The agency emphasized its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its artists, stating that it would continue to monitor and respond to any defamatory activities.

“Through reports from fans and our own monitoring efforts, we have been collecting evidence of malicious posts and comments targeting aespa,” the statement read. “Based on this evidence, we filed complaints for charges such as insults, defamation, and the editing and distribution of false video materials, and we are currently proceeding with legal action.”

According to the official statement, certain individuals who distributed false videos related to aespa have already faced legal consequences. These perpetrators were charged with violating the ‘Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes’ and received summary orders, including fines. This law is specifically designed to address crimes involving digital sex crimes and the spread of harmful content.

SM Entertainment reaffirmed that it is actively working with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those responsible for defaming its artists. The agency stressed that there will be no leniency for offenders and that it will continue to take strict measures against any form of defamation, slander, or the spread of false information.

“We will continue to take strong measures and actions against those who post malicious content, videos, and images targeting aespa, regardless of whether they are based domestically or internationally,” the statement added.

The company urged fans to report any harmful content targeting aespa and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding cybercrimes. This legal action reflects SM Entertainment’s broader commitment to safeguarding its artists from online harassment and malicious attacks.

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SM Entertainment New Girl Group Launches Instagram Account

SM Entertainment‘s highly anticipated new girl group is gearing up for their debut! Hearts2Hearts has launched an official Instagram account along with a trailer for their debut single!

New Girl Group Hearts2Hearts Launches Instagram Account

On January 31, SM Entertainment officially introduced their upcoming girl group, Hearts2Hearts, by launching their official Instagram account. The account features a series of captivating images offering the first sneak peek at the members, sparking excitement among K-pop fans worldwide.

Hearts2Hearts has also released a trailer for their debut single “Chase Your Choice”. The trailer offers a better look at the members before their debut later this month.

In November 2024, SM Entertainment announced plans to debut a new girl group, marking their first girl group debut in five years since aespa. This move reflects SM’s ongoing strategy to expand their artist roster and continue shaping the future of K-pop.

Co-CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk shared, “Alongside our beloved artist teams, SM has been steadily debuting new talents since last year, broadening our range of artist IP across generations of K-pop. The debut of this new girl group will further strengthen our dynamic lineup.”

A teaser for Hearts2Hearts was unveiled during SMTOWN LIVE 2025, igniting further anticipation. Shortly after, SM Entertainment confirmed that Hearts2Hearts will officially debut on February 24. The group’s name, Hearts2Hearts, symbolizes their mission to create a deep, heartfelt connection with fans around the world through their enchanting musical universe. Their concept promises to deliver a blend of mystery, beauty, and emotional resonance, reflecting various heartfelt messages.

As SM Entertainment’s first girl group debut in half a decade, Hearts2Hearts is poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene. Fans eagerly await to see how the group will showcase their unique charm and talent in the competitive world of K-pop.

Hearts2Hearts will release their debut single “Chase your Choice” on February 24, 2025.

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RED VELVET Joy Renews SM Entertainment Contract

Red Velvet’s Joy has renewed her contract with SM Entertainment! 

SM Entertainment Announces Contract Renewal with Red Velvet Member Joy

On January 14, SM Entertainment officially announced that Joy has renewed her exclusive contract, solidifying their continued partnership. SM stated, “Joy has completed her contract renewal with SM, built on the trust we have established over many years. She will continue her activities with full support from SM.”

They further added, “Following Seulgi and Irene, we are delighted to continue this beautiful journey with Joy as well. We will do our best to help her fully showcase her limitless potential—not only as a member of Red Velvet but also as the solo artist Joy and the actress Park Soo Young (Joy’s real name).”

Expressing her gratitude, Joy shared, “Through deep conversations with the people I’ve worked with for the past 10 years, based on trust and belief, I felt that I wanted to continue moving forward together in a positive direction. I will do my best to show fans various sides of myself through the positive synergy I have with SM.”

Since her debut in 2014 with Red Velvet’s single “Happiness,” Joy has been an integral part of the group’s success. Red Velvet has delivered numerous iconic hits, including “Ice Cream Cake,” “Red Flavor,” “Feel My Rhythm,” and “Cosmic,” cementing their reputation as a leading K-pop group.

Joy’s solo career has also flourished, with the release of her debut album “Hello” in 2021, which received immense love for its nostalgic charm. Beyond music, Joy has proven her versatility as a talented actress in dramas like “The Liar and His Lover” and “Only One Person,” as well as a beloved television host, OST contributor, and fashion icon.

With this contract renewal, fans can look forward to even more from Joy as she continues to evolve and shine in her multifaceted career.

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Girls Generation Taeyeon Will NOT Join SMTOWN Live 2025

It looks like Taeyeon will not be part of a highly anticipated event next year. The Girls Generation member has chosen not to join SMTOWN Live 2025 early next year.

Taeyeon Withdraws from SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul

On December 11, SM Entertainment announced that Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon would no longer be participating in the highly anticipated SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul, despite being previously listed in the artist lineup.

The official announcement was shared via the ticketing platform Melon Ticket, stating, “Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon will not be appearing at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this lineup change. Ticket cancellations and refunds due to this change can be processed without cancellation fees through our customer service center.”

Scheduled for January 11 and 12, 2025, the event will be held at the Gocheok Sky Dome and promises a star-studded lineup. Fans can still anticipate performances from legendary SM artists such as H.O.T.’s Kangta, BoA, and TVXQ, as well as long-time favorites like Super Junior, Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, SHINee’s Key and Minho, Red Velvet, and EXO’s Suho and Chanyeol.

The concert will also highlight SM Entertainment’s next-generation artists, including NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, RIIZE, NCT WISH, nævis, and Raiden, who are set to dazzle audiences with their distinctive styles and dynamic performances.

While Taeyeon’s absence has disappointed fans who were eagerly awaiting her stage presence, the excitement for SMTOWN LIVE 2025 remains strong. The concert not only serves as a grand showcase of SM Entertainment’s iconic legacy but also provides a platform for their emerging stars to shine.

SM Entertainment’s global fanbase is now counting down the days to this major musical event, confident it will deliver unforgettable performances despite the unexpected change in the lineup. Fans of Taeyeon continue to express their support and hope to see her back on stage soon in future events.

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aespa Winter Addresses ENHYPEN Jungwon Dating Rumors

Winter is speaking out about the Jungwon dating rumors. The aespa member has addressed reports that she is seeing the ENHYPEN member.

aespa’s Winter Quickly Addresses Jungwon Dating Rumors

On December 11, dating rumors involving aespa’s Winter and ENHYPEN’s Jungwon emerged after an online user claimed they had allegedly seen the two idols together at a whisky bar in the Cheongdam neighborhood of Seoul.

The post quickly gained attention, with an accompanying photo being widely shared. However, both artists’ agencies swiftly responded to deny the claims.

SM Entertainment, representing aespa, issued a strong statement, dismissing the rumors as baseless. “The rumors are groundless. The individual who circulated the photo contacted a media outlet seeking monetary gain and attempted to communicate with us directly,” the agency’s statement read. “When the outlet refused, stating they do not facilitate such reports, the individual maliciously circulated the photo.” They then added, “We will pursue legal action to address this matter.”

BELIFT LAB Breaks Silence on Dating Report

Meanwhile, BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency, also denied the rumors, emphasizing their commitment to protecting their artist’s privacy. “The dating rumors are not true,” the agency declared. “BELIFT LAB will take strong action against any acts that infringe on the privacy of our artists or create or spread malicious rumors.”

Although some netizens were initially thrilled to know that the idols are finding love while juggling their busy careers, it is also important to note that the rumors were not true. The swift and firm responses from both agencies also reflect a growing trend in the K-pop industry to combat misinformation and protect idols from invasive speculation.

As the rumors have been firmly debunked, fans are also urging others to focus on supporting Winter and Jungwon in their ongoing activities with aespa and ENHYPEN, respectively, rather than fueling baseless gossip.

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Seunghan Confirmed for Solo Debut After RIIZE Departure

Seunghan is officially gearing up to debut as a solo artist! The announcement comes almost a month since the shocking RIIZE departure.

Seunghan Preps for Solo Debut After RIIZE Departure

On November 15, SM Entertainment shared exciting news about Seunghan’s future endeavors, confirming that he will make his solo debut in the second half of 2025. This announcement marks a new chapter in his career following his departure from RIIZE earlier this year.

“Seunghan is currently preparing to debut as a solo artist in the second half of 2025, and is receiving full support and guidance across several aspects considered essential for a solo debut including systemized training, producing, management, and more. Moving forth, updates on Seunghan will be shared via his official social media accounts which launched today (November 15th, KST),” the statement read.

“Seunghan is determined to showcase a new side of himself as he embarks on his journey as a solo artist and carries out his talents and dreams. We kindly ask for your warm support and attention as he begins this new chapter,” it concluded.

Seunghan’s Rocky Journey

The unexpected news of Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE on October 13, 2024, shocked fans. The announcement came just two days after SM Entertainment initially confirmed his return to the group, leaving many with mixed emotions.

Seunghan later addressed the decision through a heartfelt letter, expressing the difficulty of parting ways with RIIZE. In his message, he conveyed gratitude to his fans and fellow members for their unwavering support during a challenging period. Despite leaving the group, Seunghan reassured fans that he would continue cheering for RIIZE as they pursue their own path.

Now, Seunghan is ready to embark on a fresh journey as a solo artist under SM Entertainment’s subsidiary, Wizard Production. While details about his debut concept and music style remain under wraps, fans are eagerly awaiting updates, excited to see how Seunghan will showcase his individuality and talent in his new chapter.

Stay tuned for more news on Seunghan’s solo debut in 2025!

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SM Entertainment to Debut New Girl Group in 2025

SM Entertainment is generating major excitement with the announcement that they are debuting a new girl group in 2025. The new team is already set to debut in the first quarter of next year!

SM Confirms Plans to Debut New Girl Group in 2025

This new group will be the label’s first girl group debut in five years, following aespa’s explosive debut in 2020. As one of the leading K-pop agencies, SM Entertainment has a storied legacy of shaping the industry through powerhouse girl groups like Girls’ Generation, f(x), Red Velvet, and aespa, each known for their unique concepts and distinct sounds.

Co-CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk expressed enthusiasm about the company’s expanding artist roster, explaining, “In addition to our long-beloved existing artist teams, SM has been continuously debuting new artists since last year, establishing a wide range of artist IP across all generations of K-pop. With the debut of a new girl group next year, we will further solidify our artist lineup.” This vision reflects SM’s approach of integrating seasoned artists with emerging talent to sustain their influence in the ever-evolving K-pop landscape.

Fans are buzzing with curiosity and excitement, speculating about the potential concept and members of the upcoming girl group. Given SM’s reputation for producing top-tier performers and trendsetters, expectations are high for this new addition. Many are eager to see how the group will differentiate itself in an industry that has rapidly evolved, especially with newer concepts that blend immersive storytelling, virtual worlds, and advanced tech integration, which SM has already explored with aespa.

The new girl group’s debut aligns with SM’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the industry. As SM gears up to debut a fresh face in the competitive K-pop scene, fans are keen to see what innovative styles and music they will bring to the table. SM’s upcoming girl group is set to contribute to the company’s legacy and is likely to attract attention from fans around the world.

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Riku Sits Out Upcoming NCT WISH Tour for Health Reasons

Riku is taking a break to focus on his health. The young idol will be sitting out the upcoming NCT WISH tour that’s already set to kick off in the first week of November!

Riku Halts All Activities Including Upcoming NCT WISH Tour

On October 22, SM Entertainment released a statement informing fans that NCT WISH member Riku will be taking a temporary hiatus from all group activities due to health issues. According to the announcement, Riku recently experienced a “worsening of his health,” leading to his doctor’s recommendation for an immediate break to focus on recovery. As a result, Riku will not participate in NCT WISH’s upcoming “2024 NCT WISH ASIA TOUR LOG in JAPAN,” scheduled to begin on November 3.

“Riku recently visited the hospital due to a worsening of his health, and after being examined, he was advised by a doctor that he needed plenty of rest and stability,” the statement read. “We deemed our artist’s health our top priority, so after serious discussions with Riku, it was decided that he would focus on his treatment and recovery.”

“Therefore, starting today, Riku will not be participating in scheduled activities, and when the time comes that he is able to return to activities in the future, we will let you know,” it continued.

“Accordingly, the ‘2024 NCT WISH ASIA TOUR LOG in JAPAN’ that begins on November 3 will proceed with [the remaining] five members: Sion, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya. We ask for your generous understanding in regards to this fact,” the statement concluded.

Riku’s Health Issues

This decision comes after Riku’s prior absences at several events, including the 2024 Dream Concert, where he was notably missing from group performances due to similar health concerns. Fans have expressed worry, especially given his ongoing health issues, but SM Entertainment emphasized their commitment to supporting Riku’s recovery, prioritizing his well-being over all activities.

The sudden announcement has brought a wave of support from fans who are now sending well-wishes and messages of encouragement to Riku through social media. While fans will miss his presence during NCT WISH’s tour and other engagements, SM Entertainment has assured them that Riku will return when he is fully recovered and ready to rejoin the group’s schedule.

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NCT DREAM Announces First Comeback with 7 Members

Mark your calendars—NCT DREAM is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback! This time, the boy group is ready to promote with 7 members!

NCT DREAM Announces November Comeback with 7 Members

On October 21 at midnight KST, NCT DREAM officially announced the details of their return, with their new album ‘DREAMSCAPE’ set to drop on November 11 at 6 p.m. KST. This upcoming release is especially exciting as it will mark the group’s first comeback since member Renjun took a health-related hiatus, reuniting all seven members.

What Happened to Renjun?

Earlier this year, Renjun temporarily stepped away from group activities due to health concerns. In April, SM Entertainment shared that Renjun’s physical condition had worsened, and after careful consideration, they prioritized his recovery.

As a result, Renjun was unable to participate in key events, including the Japanese music show “Venue101” and a fan signing event in Shanghai. His absence emphasized the agency’s focus on ensuring its artists’ well-being, even in the face of their demanding schedules. Luckily, the company finally confirmed that Renjun has recovered and will be joining the group’s activities for the rest of the year.

Fans are certainly thrilled about Renjun’s return, not only for the comeback but also for the remainder of NCT DREAM’s “The Dream Show 3: Dream( )scape” world tour. With upcoming stops in Europe and Asia, Renjun’s presence will surely add to the excitement as he rejoins his fellow members on stage. With that in mind, it’s going to be the exciting end of the year for the group.

NCT DREAM’s return with “DREAMSCAPE” promises to be a thrilling chapter for the group, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting what the talented group has in store! Additionally, Renjun’s return marks a positive moment for both him and his fans, and they are undoubtedly looking forward to seeing him perform again..

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SM Entertainment Confirms Taeil Contract Termination

Taeil poses for NCT 127's 'Fact Check' concet photos. Credit: Facebook/NCT 127

SM Entertainment is cutting ties with Taeil. The company has confirmed the former NCT member‘s contract termination as the police continue to investigate the idol.

Taeil Contract Termination Announced

On October 16, SM Entertainment officially announced the termination of their contract with NCT’s Taeil. The agency released a statement confirming that the contract had been dissolved, marking Taeil’s formal departure from the company.

“We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024,” the statement read.

“Taeil is currently under investigation by the prosecution for a criminal case. This not only constitutes grounds for termination under our contract but also makes it impossible to maintain trust in him as an artist. As a result, both parties have mutually agreed to terminate the contract,” it continued.

“We sincerely apologize once again for any concern caused by Taeil, who was previously one of our artists,” the statement concluded.

This incident comes after Taeil’s earlier departure from NCT in August. The initial allegations of sexual misconduct quickly followed this. The news of his exit from the group, along with the current investigation, has left many fans and the general public concerned and waiting for more information regarding the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Earlier in the month, SM Entertainment addressed the controversy surrounding Taeil after reports surfaced about his involvement in a serious legal investigation. Taeil is currently under investigation for suspicion of sexual assault, with additional allegations of aggravated quasi-rape involving an intoxicated woman. The case reportedly involves Taeil and two acquaintances and has been closely followed by the public.

The investigation began at the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul, and in September, the case was transferred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings. This development has prompted significant public concern, leading to SM Entertainment’s decision to terminate their contract with the former NCT member as the legal case continues.

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