Tag: SM Entertainment

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EXO Fans Call Out SM Entertainment For Excluding Chen in Latest Promos

It looks like SM Entertainment has once again found itself in hot water. EXO fans are calling out the company for excluding Chen from promotional content for the group’s latest videos.

SM Entertainment Under Fire for Excluding Chen From EXO Promos

The recent controversy surrounding the exclusion of Chen from new content shared by SM Entertainment has sparked discussions among EXO fans regarding the treatment of the idol since his marriage announcement in 2020.

EXO’s “Travel The World On A Ladder”, a popular series among fans, has recently come under scrutiny for not featuring Chen in the thumbnails of unseen clips shared online. While Chen appears in each video, his absence from the thumbnails has raised questions and concerns among fans about his treatment by the agency.

Fans have pointed out that this is not the first time Chen has been excluded from promotional materials or thumbnails for EXO-related content. Upon closer examination of past clips shared on YouTube, it becomes apparent that Chen is featured less frequently in thumbnails compared to other members. This discrepancy has left fans feeling disappointed and frustrated, as they believe Chen deserves equal representation and recognition as a member of EXO.

Why is SM Excluding Chen From Promotions?

The controversy surrounding Chen’s exclusion from promotional materials is compounded by the tumultuous events that have unfolded since his marriage announcement in 2020. Despite expressing his desire to continue his career as a member of EXO, Chen faced backlash and criticism from some fans, who demanded his departure from the group. This backlash was evident during an EXO event where Chen reportedly received the silent treatment from fans.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Chen has remained dedicated to EXO and his musical endeavors. His commitment to the group has been unwavering, even as he navigates the complexities of married life and fatherhood. However, the recent controversy surrounding his exclusion from promotional materials has reignited discussions about the treatment of Chen by SM Entertainment and EXO fandom.

As fans continue to express their support for Chen and demand equal treatment for all members of EXO, it remains to be seen how SM Entertainment will address the concerns raised by fans regarding Chen’s representation in future content.

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NCT Renjun Goes on Temporary Hiatus Due to Health Concerns

The announcement of Renjun’s temporary hiatus from NCT DREAM’s scheduled activities due to health concerns has sparked concern and support from fans worldwide.

SM Entertainment Issues Statement Regarding NCT DREAM Member Renjun’s Temporary Hiatus

SM Entertainment’s statement on April 13 regarding Renjun’s health highlighted the seriousness of the situation, citing a worsening of his physical condition as the reason for his temporary hiatus from group activities.

Renjun’s absence from the Japanese music show “Venue101” and the subsequent fan signing event in Shanghai on April 14 underscores the agency’s prioritization of the artist’s well-being. The decision to prioritize Renjun’s health and temporarily withdraw him from scheduled engagements reflects SM Entertainment’s commitment to the health and safety of its artists.

Fans of NCT DREAM have expressed understanding and support for Renjun during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of his health above all else. The outpouring of well wishes and encouragement from fans also serves as a testament to Renjun’s impact as a beloved member of the group and highlights the strong bond between artists and their supporters.

Renjun’s absence serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that intensive schedules and demanding performance commitments can have on K-pop idols. The rigorous nature of the industry often places significant strain on artists, also underscoring the importance of prioritizing self-care and seeking appropriate medical attention when necessary.

As Renjun takes time to focus on his health and recovery, fans eagerly await updates on his condition and look forward to his return to the stage when he is ready. In the meantime, the NCT DREAM member’s absence also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of health and well-being in the fast-paced world of K-pop, prompting reflection on the industry’s responsibility to support and protect its artists amidst the pressures of fame and performance.

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SM Entertainment Employee Exposes Chaos at the Company

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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