Tag: SM Entertainment

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SM Entertainment Employee Exposes Chaos at the Company

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment, one of the pillars of the K-pop industry, is currently facing a whirlwind of internal chaos, as revealed by its own employees on BLIND, an online community for company workers in South Korea. (To join this community, individuals must sign up using their corporate emails.) These employees have raised concerns about the company’s mismanagement, which has reportedly led to a significant wave of resignations.

An employee’s post titled “So (SM) is throwing away their employees and their artists” uncovered a series of issues, accusing the new executives of failing to effectively manage the label. One of the first topics the post tackles is the company’s KWANGYA 119 initiative. KWANGYA 119 allows fans to report issues affecting SM’s artists, such as copyright infringement, defamation, and ticket scalping. This initiative aims to address and fix issues while protecting artists from harmful or false information circulating in public domains. But the post claims it has been largely ineffective, leaving employees and artists feeling unprotected and neglected.

The post on BLIND continued to paint a grim picture of the current atmosphere at SM Entertainment. It alleged that after the departure of the company’s founder, Lee Soo Man, the new management implemented harsh policies, including threats of incentive cuts for late sales reporting. Moreover, the issue of obsessive fans harassing artists has been overlooked by the company. The employee wrote, “All of this has happened over the past few days, and now even ordinary employees are being doxxed on social media and are getting sworn at. Yet, how does this company not deal with any of this?”

HOW TO GO TO SM ENTERTAINMENT NEW BUILDING – LET’S GO TO KWANGYA!!!

SM Entertainment is staying silent

Another employee wondered whether SM’s management is oblivious or simply ignoring the chaos. Rumors suggest that between 70 to 80 employees resigned just this month, underlining the severity of the situation. Other BLIND users’ comments on this issue ranged from shock at the number of resignations to criticism of the company’s inability to handle the situation.

This turmoil isn’t just an internal matter. It also affects the public perception and operational capability of SM Entertainment. To outsiders, it may appear that the company is running smoothly. But insiders claim that it’s only a matter of time before these internal issues have a more visible impact on its operations.

As of this writing, SM Entertainment hasn’t commented on its employees’ posts on BLIND. No one knows how management reacted to the points that were raised in the posts. What we do know is that the need for strong, transparent leadership is more critical than ever as SM Entertainment navigates through these turbulent times. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It seems like the once-mighty SM Entertainment is now in dire straits. Source: Billboard.

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NCT Ten Accidentally Reveals Impending SM Entertainment Departure

The recent speculation surrounding Ten’s potential SM Entertainment departure has stirred up curiosity and concern among fans. So is it true that the NCT member is finally leaving the company?

Ten Hints at Possible SM Entertainment Departure

The revelation came during Ten’s appearance on Episode 2 of Super Junior-D&E‘s YouTube channel “DNE comment ‘Hey, Come here,'” where he engaged in a candid conversation with former labelmates Eunhyuk and Donghae.

As former labelmates under SM Entertainment, the trio shared nostalgic memories, reflecting on their time together within the agency. However, the conversation took an unexpected turn when Donghae and Eunhyuk revealed that their fingerprints would be removed from SM Entertainment’s system, making it difficult for them to access the building. This disclosure raised questions about Ten’s future with the company, prompting Donghae to inquire if Ten, too, would be leaving.

The question posed by Donghae sparked various interpretations, leading to uncertainty about Ten’s intentions.

Is Ten Leaving SMEnt?

While it could be perceived as a query about Ten’s departure from SM Entertainment, it could also be interpreted as a concern about Ten’s continued involvement in their show due to their diverging career paths. Sensing the ambiguity, Ten responded diplomatically, expressing his commitment to maintaining his relationship with his former seniors while navigating potential changes in his career trajectory.

Eunhyuk further pressed the issue, seeking clarification on whether Ten was indeed planning to depart from SM Entertainment. In response, Ten explained that his understanding of the question was hindered by language barriers, emphasizing that Korean isn’t his first language. This clarification shed light on the potential misinterpretation of the conversation and underscored the importance of effective communication in such discussions.

The uncertainty surrounding Ten’s future with SM Entertainment has left fans eagerly awaiting further updates and clarification from the artist and the agency. As speculation mounts, fans remain supportive of Ten’s decisions, trusting that he will make choices that align with his career aspirations and personal goals. Amidst the speculation, Ten’s talent and contributions to the K-pop industry continue to be celebrated, with fans eagerly anticipating his future endeavors regardless of the path he chooses to take.

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SHINee Key and Minho Renew Contracts With SM Entertainment

The announcement of Key and Minho renewing their contracts with SM Entertainment on April 9th brought joy and excitement to fans around the world. As integral members of the iconic K-pop group SHINee, their decision to continue their careers with the agency reflects a deep-rooted trust and mutual respect between the artists and their management.

Key and Minho of SHINee Renew SM Entertainment Contracts

In their statements, the SHINee members expressed gratitude towards SM Entertainment for their unwavering support and guidance throughout their careers. They credited the agency and its dedicated staff for playing a significant role in shaping them into the artists they are today. From their debut in 2008 to the present day, SHINee and SM Entertainment have shared a journey filled with countless memorable moments and achievements, cementing a bond that goes beyond just business.

Key and Minho’s decision to renew their contracts not only signifies their commitment to SHINee but also signals their desire to explore new opportunities and pursue solo endeavors within the agency. With SM Entertainment’s continued support, they hope to embark on fresh and diverse creative ventures that will showcase their individual talents and contributions to the K-pop industry.

SM Entertainment, in turn, expressed their delight in continuing their partnership with Key and Minho. Recognizing the invaluable trust that underpins this renewal, the agency pledged to provide comprehensive support to ensure the success and growth of both artists. Their commitment to fostering Key and Minho’s development as solo artists underscores SM Entertainment’s dedication to nurturing talent and facilitating artistic innovation.

SHINee in the Future

Since their debut, Key and Minho have captivated audiences with their exceptional talent, charisma, and versatility. As members of SHINee, they have contributed to the group’s phenomenal success and solidified their status as K-pop icons. With this contract renewal, fans can look forward to witnessing their continued evolution as artists and the exciting new chapters that lie ahead for both Key and Minho.

Overall, the decision of Key and Minho to renew their contracts with SM Entertainment represents a reaffirmation of their shared vision and commitment to excellence. As they embark on this next chapter of their careers, fans can rest assured that Key and Minho will continue to shine brightly, both as members of SHINee and as solo artists, leaving an indelible mark on the K-pop landscape for years to come.

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BoA Clarifies Retirement Post After Contract Expiration

BoA’s recent Instagram post has sent shockwaves through the K-Pop community, sparking speculation about the possibility of her retirement. The retirement post, which hinted at the end of her contract with SM Entertainment, left fans wondering if the iconic solo artist was contemplating stepping away from the limelight after decades of success.

BoA Drops Retirement Post

The initial speculation arose on April 6 when BoA shared a message on her Instagram story, suggesting that she might be considering retirement. The post, which contained a typo where “finish a work out” was meant to be “retirement,” immediately caught the attention of fans and media outlets alike. This seemingly inadvertent slip led to widespread speculation about BoA’s future in the music industry.

The response from Korean netizens was a mix of concern and support for BoA. Many acknowledged the immense pressure and expectations she has faced throughout her career, expressing admiration for her enduring dedication. Some fans voiced their belief that BoA deserves a well-deserved break, while others couldn’t help but speculate about the underlying reasons behind her potential retirement announcement.

The Truth About That Post

However, BoA quickly addressed the rumors and speculations, clarifying her contract situation in a follow-up post on April 7. She reassured her fans that her contract with SM Entertainment doesn’t end until December 31, 2025, effectively dispelling any notions of an imminent retirement. In her message, BoA reaffirmed her commitment to her career as a singer, promising to give her all to her fans as “singer BoA” until the end of her contract.

The clarification brought a sigh of relief to BoA’s dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as “Jumping BoAs,” who had been anxiously awaiting news about her future plans. BoA’s assurance that she will continue her music career for at least another year and eight months was met with excitement and gratitude from fans, who eagerly anticipate her upcoming projects and performances.

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Lucas Postpones Hong Kong Fan-Con

The postponement of Lucas’ upcoming Hong Kong fan-con comes as a disappointment to fans eagerly anticipating the event.

Lucas Postpones Hong Kong Fan-Con Ahead of Solo Debut

APlanet Entertainment’s announcement of the rescheduling without specifying a new date has left many fans wondering about the reasons behind the decision and when they can expect the event to take place.

“We know that you were all excited for this event but after a careful internal discussion, we have decided to move to a later date the scheduled fan-con so as to deliver an enjoyable and satisfying experience for all the fans,” the statement read. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and we assure you that this decision was made in the best interest of delivering a high-quality performance.”

Originally slated to kick off his fan-con tour of Asia in Hong Kong on April 13, Lucas had plans to engage with fans in Jakarta, Taipei, and Manila in the following months. However, the unforeseen change in schedule has disrupted these plans, leaving fans in other cities uncertain about the status of their respective events.

Despite the setback with the fan-con, Lucas is gearing up for his solo debut with “Renegade” on April 1 at 6 p.m. KST. This highly anticipated release marks an important milestone in his career as he ventures into the realm of solo music following his departure from NCT.

Fans have expressed both understanding and disappointment regarding the postponement, with many expressing their hope for a swift resolution and the announcement of a new date for the fan-con. In the meantime, anticipation continues to build for Lucas’ solo debut, with fans eagerly awaiting the release of “Renegade” and supporting him in this new chapter of his musical journey.

As the situation develops, fans remain hopeful for updates regarding the rescheduled date of Lucas’ fan-con in Hong Kong and look forward to the opportunity to celebrate with him in person.

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RIIZE Seunghan Spotted Reading Fan Letters on Subway

It has been a long time but Seunghan has resurfaced in the most fitting location. The RIIZE member has just been spotted reading fan letters that were posted on the subway.

Seunghan Makes Unexpected Appearance On The Subway Reading Fan Letters

The recent sighting of Seunghan reading supportive letters from fans highlights the depth of emotion surrounding his hiatus. The display of letters left by fans in a subway station signifies the outpouring of support and encouragement for Seunghan, indicating that there is a significant portion of the fandom that is eagerly awaiting his return to RIIZE.

@kira.nites

the casual phonecalls i get at 7 am: 😱 #riize #seunghan #kpop #fyp

♬ Magnetic – ILLIT

Despite his face being partially obscured, fans were quick to identify Seunghan based on distinctive features such as his earring and Adam’s apple, further reinforcing the authenticity of the sighting.

As fans eagerly await updates on Seunghan’s status, they hope for more concrete information regarding his future with RIIZE. The display of support from fans serves as a testament to the strong bond between idols and their fanbase, highlighting the impact that Seunghan’s return would have on both the group and their dedicated supporters.

What Happened to Seunghan?

Seunghan’s hiatus from RIIZE has undoubtedly left fans anxious and uncertain about his future with the group. With over four months having passed since his absence began, the lack of clarity surrounding his status has only fueled speculation and concern among the fandom.

The uncertainty surrounding Seunghan’s hiatus is compounded by the divisive nature of his situation within the fandom. While some fans are eager for his return and have been vocal in their support, others remain skeptical due to the “scandals” that came to light prior to his hiatus. This division has led to mixed feelings among fans regarding Seunghan’s potential comeback, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the group.

Ultimately, fans remain hopeful that Seunghan will make a comeback to RIIZE and continue pursuing his passion for music alongside his fellow members. Until then, they continue to show unwavering support and eagerly await any updates regarding his return to the group.

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Key Says Iconic SHINee Dance Practice Video Was Leaked by SM Entertainment

Key’s visit to BOYNEXTDOOR’s dorm and his observations about their clothing choices provide a fascinating insight into the evolution of K-pop culture, particularly regarding the presentation of an iconic dance practice video.

Key Reveals The Truth Behind Iconic SHINee Dance Practice Video

As Key reminisced about SHINee’s early days and the casual attire they wore during dance practice sessions, he highlighted a significant shift in the industry’s approach to these videos. In the past, K-pop groups like SHINee didn’t prioritize their appearance during practice sessions, assuming these videos would remain internal and not be released to the public. The focus was solely on perfecting their choreography rather than on their overall look.

Key’s mention of SHINee’s iconic “Lucifer” dance practice video illustrates this point perfectly. The video, now celebrated as a classic among K-pop fans, showcases the group’s exceptional dancing skills but lacks the polished appearance commonly seen in today’s practice videos. Key humorously admits that if they had known the video would be made public, they would have dressed differently and paid more attention to their appearance, including wearing makeup.

However, despite their initial casual approach, SHINee inadvertently set a new standard for the industry. The success and popularity of their practice videos also prompted their company to recognize the value of these informal glimpses into the group’s rehearsal process. Consequently, there was a shift towards producing higher-quality practice videos with better production values, including improved camera work, lighting, and overall presentation.

Key’s visit to BOYNEXTDOOR’s dorm serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of K-pop practice videos and the unintended influence that groups like SHINee had on shaping industry norms. Today, releasing polished and professionally-produced practice videos is also a standard practice for K-pop groups, thanks in part to the inadvertent influence of early videos like SHINee’s “Lucifer.”

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RED VELVET Wendy Has Surprising Reaction to Fan Wanting to Join SM Entertainment

Wendy’s surprising reaction to the fan’s admiration for SM Entertainment sparked a conversation within the K-Pop community about the realities of working in the industry and the perception of different entertainment companies.

Red Velvet Fan Gets Surprising Reaction from Wendy

As a member of Red Velvet and someone who has firsthand experience working under SM Entertainment, Wendy’s surprising reaction carried weight and authenticity. During a fan call, a fan told Wendy that they want to become a trainee with the company. Wendy’s immediate and straightforward “No” conveyed a sense of sincerity and honesty, indicating that she was not willing to sugarcoat her response.

Wendy’s reluctance to endorse SM Entertainment as a dream company to work for likely stems from her own experiences within the company. While SM Entertainment is one of the largest and most influential entertainment agencies in South Korea, it is not without its flaws and challenges. Like any other company, SM Entertainment has its own set of policies, practices, and corporate culture that may not align with everyone’s expectations or preferences.

Moreover, the intense competition and rigorous training process associated with becoming a K-Pop idol under SM Entertainment can be demanding and overwhelming. Wendy’s advice to the fan to “just stay there” may reflect her belief that aspiring artists should carefully consider their options and be realistic about the challenges they may face in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

Red Velvet poses for their concept photo for ‘Chill Kill.’ Credit: Twitter/Red Velvet

Wendy’s response also shed light on the complexities of the idol-fan dynamic. While fans may idolize their favorite artists and aspire to work in the same industry, Wendy’s blunt rejection served as a reminder that the realities of being a K-Pop idol or entertainer are often far from glamorous. Behind the glitz and glamour of the stage lie countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and uncertainty.

Overall, Wendy’s “brutally honest” reaction to the fan’s confession sparked a candid conversation about the realities of working in the K-Pop industry and the importance of being aware of the challenges and limitations that come with it. While SM Entertainment may be a dream company for some, Wendy’s response served as a sobering reminder that it may not be the right fit for everyone.

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NCT Jaemin Reveals Hilarious Reason He Almost Left SM Entertainment

NCT Jaemin’s recent revelation about almost leaving SM Entertainment due to a hilarious reason may have been funny. However, the incident involving a burger has also sparked a range of reactions among fans.

NCT’s Jaemin Shares Hilarious Reason Why He Considered Leaving SM Entertainment

During a chat on Yoo Jae Suk’s YouTube channel, Jaemin shared the amusing story of how he got in trouble for sneaking in a burger and almost left the company as a result.

While some fans found Jaemin’s anecdote lighthearted and entertaining, others were more critical, reflecting on the implications of his experience. Jaemin’s admission also shed light on the strict regulations and monitoring that trainees, even at a young age, may face regarding their diets and lifestyle while under the company’s training program.

The revelation prompted some fans to express concern and outrage over the possibility that trainees, like Jaemin, could have been subjected to overly strict dietary restrictions or even inadequate nourishment. The idea that trainees might be “starved” or deprived of essential nutrients during their formative years also raised questions about the well-being and welfare of aspiring idols within the K-pop industry.

Additionally, Jaemin’s story highlighted the unique challenges and pressures faced by trainees within the highly competitive and demanding environment of SM Entertainment and the wider K-pop industry. It also underscored the sacrifices and discipline required of trainees as they strive to achieve their dreams of debuting as idols.

Overall, Jaemin’s anecdote also sparked a meaningful conversation among fans about the realities of the K-pop industry, including the rigorous training process and the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of aspiring idols. While the story may have started as a humorous anecdote, it ultimately shed light on broader issues within the industry and prompted reflection on the experiences of trainees like Jaemin.

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Fans Boycott SHINee Minho’s Upcoming Japanese Variety Show Appearance

SHINee fans are clearly unhappy about Minho’s upcoming appearance in what is believed to be a dangerous Japanese variety show. Since then, SM Entertainment has issued a statement addressing their concerns.

SHINee Fans Boycott Minho’s Upcoming Appearance in ‘Dangerous’ Japanese Variety Show

The decision by a group of SHINee fans to voice their concerns regarding Minho’s scheduled appearance on the Japanese variety show, “The Ultimate Sports Men’s Competition 2024,” demonstrates the passionate dedication of K-Pop fandoms and their commitment to the well-being of their favorite artists. By dispatching trucks adorned with critical messages to SM Entertainment‘s headquarters, fans also sought to express their unease and draw attention to potential risks associated with Minho’s participation in the show, which is set to premiere on May 3 on TBS.

In response to the fans’ concerns, SM Entertainment promptly addressed the issue through SHINee’s official social media channels, issuing a statement via PRISM Production. The statement also conveyed the agency’s acknowledgment of the fans’ love and support for SHINee while providing clarity regarding Minho’s involvement in the program. According to the announcement, Minho is slated to participate in only one episode of the recording, scheduled for April 16.

To alleviate fans’ anxieties and ensure Minho’s safety, SM Entertainment emphasized its unwavering commitment to implementing comprehensive safety measures. The agency also assured fans that extensive pre-checks and preparations would be undertaken to safeguard Minho’s well-being throughout the recording process.

This incident underscores the symbiotic relationship between K-Pop artists and their fans, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual respect. By voicing their concerns constructively, fans also demonstrate their role as stakeholders in the industry and advocate for the welfare of their beloved idols. As SHINee’s dedicated fanbase continues to support the group’s endeavors, SM Entertainment also remains steadfast in its efforts to prioritize the safety and security of its artists, ensuring a harmonious partnership between fans and the agency.

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