KWAVESCOPE · AGENCY PROFILE
SM Entertainment
An evolving home for different generations of K-pop artists.
Updated October 20, 2026 · Back to all K-POP agencies
SM at a glance
- Founded: 1995 by producer Lee Soo-man.
- Address: 83-21 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul.
- FY 2025 consolidated revenue: about KRW 1.175 trillion.
- Notable acts: TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, RIIZE and Hearts2Hearts.
- For visitors: the KWANGYA @SEOUL merchandise store is publicly accessible under its posted rules; the company offices are not a tourist venue.
Company overview
A visitor stepping off the train at Seoul Forest Station might know SM Entertainment as the company behind aespa or NCT. Someone who grew up with K-pop in the 2000s may think of TVXQ!, Girls’ Generation or Super Junior instead. Both would be right. Since 1995, SM has helped shape several generations of Korean pop, each with its own music, stage language and fan culture. What makes the company interesting today is how those different generations sit alongside one another.
Company, labels and artist relationships
That variety makes SM more complicated than a single name on an album sleeve. NCT, for example, is an umbrella for NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH and WayV—teams with their own releases, tours and audiences. The distinction matters for older acts too: SHINee and EXO are part of the SM story, but some members work with different companies on their solo careers.
KWaveScope A–Z groups
The links below lead to the SM groups and units already covered in KWaveScope’s A–Z index. They are a starting point, not the full company roster. You’ll find the wider lineup, including solo artists and earlier acts, further down.
Where to find news about SM artists
For an upcoming album or concert, SM’s official news page is the place to start. Artist channels often provide the more useful details—a tracklist, the complete music video or a tour itinerary. Corporate reports explain the wider business, but they are not a substitute for a fresh event notice.
From early idol groups to the Seoul Forest headquarters
The SM story goes well beyond its newest album. Three decades of debuts, the company’s changing business structure and a headquarters beside Seoul Forest all give fans something different to explore. Here is how those pieces fit together.
Company history and milestones
1995–2000: the beginning
H.O.T.’s 1996 debut put SM’s early idol model in the spotlight. S.E.S. arrived in 1997 and Shinhwa in 1998. When BoA debuted in 2000, SM began building the kind of cross-border pop career that would later become familiar across the industry.
2000s: wider Asian reach
The next generation travelled further: TVXQ! debuted in 2003, Super Junior in 2005 and Girls’ Generation in 2007. Together, they helped establish a new pattern of international touring, collectible albums and highly organized fan communities.
2010s: new group identities
SHINee closed out the 2000s with a distinctive musical identity. EXO, Red Velvet and then NCT brought more variations in sound, performance and group structure. NCT’s unit system was especially unusual: several teams could follow separate paths while sharing a larger name.
2020s: a changing roster
aespa, RIIZE, NCT WISH and Hearts2Hearts are the more recent chapters. Their releases reach fans through video clips, livestreams, community platforms and live shows as readily as through an album—a very different environment from SM’s early years.
Artists who helped shape SM
H.O.T., S.E.S., Shinhwa, Fly to the Sky, BoA, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, f(x), EXO, Red Velvet and NCT all have places in SM’s history. But careers move on: a historical association is not the same thing as a current exclusive contract.
How big is SM Entertainment?
KRW 1,174.9 billion (approximately KRW 1.175 trillion)
KRW 183.0 billion
SM’s business is much bigger than the offices near Seoul Forest. Its consolidated accounts include subsidiaries involved in recordings, live performances, artist management, advertising and licensing. The revenue number below describes that wider group, not an individual artist’s earnings.
The amounts shown are in Korean won and cover the financial year ended December 31, 2025. They use consolidated, rather than standalone, accounts.
Headquarters address and Google Maps
English: 83-21 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Korean for taxis and map apps: 서울특별시 성동구 왕십리로 83-21
Open on Google Maps ↗Get directions ↗
How do I get there by subway?
Take the Suin–Bundang Line to Seoul Forest Station. Seoul’s visitor guide points to Exit 5 for the building, while SMTOWN &STORE’s directions specify Exit 4 for the basement-level KWANGYA store entrance. The store and the office use different access routes even though they are in the same area.
Keep the Korean street address handy for a taxi or mapping app. Checking the live walking route is worthwhile, particularly if you need a step-free entrance.
Can fans go inside or meet artists?
The building is worth seeing from the outside, but its studios and office floors are working spaces, not part of a daily tourist tour. For a fan visit, KWANGYA @SEOUL is the more reliable destination. You can explore official merchandise there without expecting access to the rooms where artists rehearse or staff work.
What is special inside the agency?
SM’s recruitment materials offer a glimpse of what it is like to work inside. The facilities described below are mostly employee amenities, not visitor attractions.
Staff cafe and snack areas
Staff benefits include an in-house dining option, cafe support and snacks on office floors. The company describes these for employees; they should not be confused with a public restaurant.
Flexible workspaces and artist-themed photo booth
Flexible work areas, employee clubs and an internal artist-themed photo booth also appear in SM’s workplace descriptions. They are small details, but they paint a livelier picture than the building’s exterior alone.
A genuine public fan destination
KWANGYA @SEOUL is the public-facing stop. It sells official merchandise near Seoul Forest Station and offers themed experiences for fans. Seoul’s visitor guide lists free admission and usual hours of 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Check for holiday closures or special-event rules before travelling.
What else can a fan do nearby?
A visit need not end at the store. Seoul Forest is close by, and the surrounding Seongsu neighbourhood has plenty of cafés, galleries and shops for a relaxed afternoon.
Frequently asked questions before visiting
Can tourists enter the SM office?
Do not assume access to office floors or rehearsal rooms. The official public destination identified here is the KWANGYA store, not a tour of SM’s workplace.
Is KWANGYA @SEOUL free to enter?
Seoul’s tourism guide lists free entry. Merchandise purchases are separate; check current hours and event rules.
Where should I photograph the building?
Use public sidewalks and authorized public retail spaces. Respect people passing through and obey store staff.
Will I meet aespa, NCT or RIIZE?
No appearance is promised. Agency addresses do not reveal artist schedules and should not be used to track anyone.
Can I mail a fan letter or audition on-site?
Use the artist’s current official fan communication rules or SM audition channels rather than visiting an office unannounced.
Helpful official links
This is a working neighbourhood, so ordinary courtesy matters: keep entrances clear, follow staff instructions and respect people entering or leaving the building. An official public event may have extra rules, which are worth reading before you arrive.
The wider artist roster: beyond our A–Z index
SM’s full artist story extends well beyond the acts currently linked in our A–Z directory. There are veteran performers, newer teams, solo careers, project units and regional label relationships. The table draws from the company’s public artist listings and notices available up to October 20, 2026; it does not imply that every member has the same personal contract.
A group can remain associated with SM even after one of its members changes solo agencies. That is why this guide separates group lineups, individual careers and former artists instead of blending them into a single roster.
| Group, solo act or project | Known members / identity | What the relationship means |
|---|---|---|
| KANGTA (solo) | KANGTA; a first-generation idol member and long-running SM solo artist. | Current SM solo artist, not currently a group entry. |
| TVXQ! | U-KNOW Yunho, MAX Changmin. | Current two-member group. |
| SUPER JUNIOR | LEETEUK, HEECHUL, YESUNG, SHINDONG, EUNHYUK, DONGHAE, SIWON, RYEOWOOK, KYUHYUN. | Nine-member group identity. EUNHYUK, DONGHAE and KYUHYUN have separate solo-management arrangements. |
| Girls’ Generation | TAEYEON, SUNNY, TIFFANY, HYOYEON, YURI, SOOYOUNG, YOONA, SEOHYUN. | Eight-member group identity. As of October 2026, TAEYEON, HYOYEON and YOONA are publicly identified with SM individual management; YURI’s contract ended August 2026, but group activity continues. |
| SHINee | ONEW, KEY, MINHO, TAEMIN. | Group activities remain part of SM history and planning; KEY and MINHO are SM solo artists, while ONEW and TAEMIN have separate individual agencies. |
| EXO | SUHO, XIUMIN, BAEKHYUN, CHEN, CHANYEOL, D.O., KAI, SEHUN. | Group and solo arrangements differ. BAEKHYUN, CHEN, XIUMIN and D.O. have individually distinct management; LAY’s involvement belongs to EXO’s wider historical story. |
| Red Velvet | IRENE, SEULGI, WENDY, JOY, YERI. | Five-member group. WENDY and YERI ended individual SM contracts in April 2025, while their group participation continues. |
| NCT (umbrella) | NCT U (variable lineups), NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, NCT WISH; solo artists and special subunit projects. | NCT is a multi-unit identity; avoid counting one member several times when estimating a roster. |
| NCT 127 | JOHNNY, TAEYONG, YUTA, DOYOUNG, JAEHYUN, JUNGWOO, HAECHAN. | Seven members since MARK departed in April 2026. |
| NCT DREAM | RENJUN, JENO, HAECHAN, JAEMIN, CHENLE, JISUNG. | Six members since MARK departed in April 2026. |
| WayV | KUN, TEN, XIAOJUN, HENDERY, YANGYANG. | Current line-up following WINWIN’s July 2026 exit; past group imagery may still show him. |
| NCT WISH | SION, RIKU, YUSHI, JAEHEE, RYO, SAKUYA. | Six-member unit. |
| aespa | KARINA, GISELLE, WINTER, NINGNING. | Four-member group. |
| RIIZE | SHOTARO, EUNSEOK, SUNGCHAN, WONBIN, SOHEE, ANTON. | Six-member group. Former member SEUNGHAN works under the XngHan identity. |
| Hearts2Hearts | JIWOO, CARMEN, YUHA, STELLA, JUUN, A-NA, IAN, YE-ON. | Eight-member group. |
| XngHan & Xoul | XngHan (HONG SEUNGHAN) and the associated performance project. | Managed/promoted as an artist-led project, not the same as RIIZE. |
| nævis | Virtual solo music/IP artist. | A virtual performer, not a human idol member. |
| SM special projects | SUPER JUNIOR-83z, Girls’ Generation-HRS (HYOYEON, YURI, SOOYOUNG), IRENE & SEULGI, NCT JNJM (JENO and JAEMIN), and rotating NCT U releases. | Project/unit schedules are distinct from full-group or individual contracts; check an official announcement before marking a unit as actively promoting. |
Solo performers and individual management
Some names appear in two places for a good reason. A member might promote a full-group release while also making music independently. Look at the notes alongside each name for those distinctions.
| Artist category | Names and 2026 context |
|---|---|
| First-generation and veteran artists | KANGTA; U-KNOW Yunho and MAX Changmin (TVXQ!). |
| SUPER JUNIOR members | LEETEUK, HEECHUL, YESUNG, SHINDONG, SIWON and RYEOWOOK have individual work associated with SM; EUNHYUK, DONGHAE and KYUHYUN participate in group activities while pursuing separate individual management. |
| Girls’ Generation artists | TAEYEON, HYOYEON and YOONA are identified as SM-managed individual artists in 2026. SUNNY, TIFFANY, YURI, SOOYOUNG and SEOHYUN remain part of the group’s history and identity but are not all SM solo signees. |
| SHINee artists | KEY and MINHO remain directly associated with SM individual projects; ONEW and TAEMIN have separate solo agencies while retaining the SHINee group connection. |
| EXO artists | SUHO, CHANYEOL, KAI and SEHUN are part of the SM-managed solo/group landscape; XIUMIN, CHEN, BAEKHYUN and D.O. require separate solo-agency attribution. LAY is an earlier group member with independent management. |
| Red Velvet artists | IRENE, SEULGI and JOY continue under SM for their individual work; WENDY and YERI’s personal SM contracts ended in 2025, but they continue to be linked to Red Velvet group activities. |
| NCT solo and member-led projects | TAEYONG, YUTA, DOYOUNG, JAEHYUN, JUNGWOO, HAECHAN, KUN, TEN, XIAOJUN, and other current NCT members have varying solo and subunit activities. A member’s first single does not automatically make them a different legal management entity. |
| Other artists and production-linked names | XngHan; MIN JIWOON (KRUCIALIZE); members and projects listed under the company’s electronic-music label ScreaM Records, where applicable. |
SM subsidiaries, genre labels and international projects
- KRUCIALIZE: the SM-affiliated R&B label publicly features MIN JIWOON. Its official website is KRUCIALIZE.
- ScreaM Records: SM’s electronic/dance music label lists MAR VISTA, HOWL, IMLAY, 2SPADE and Arkins in its artist section; remixes and DJs should not be confused with the main idol-group roster. ScreaM Records.
- SM ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN: its own business list features GPP, virtual artists nævis and Kiepi, as well as Japan-related management of tripleS and Shohei. Japan-market management is not proof that tripleS belongs to SM as its primary Korean agency; KWaveScope currently maps tripleS to MODHAUS.
- dearALICE: a UK-oriented act developed through an SM/Kakao-related overseas partnership and a separate label arrangement. It belongs in the international partnership history rather than being automatically added as a domestic SM exclusive-contract group.
- Historic or special units: SUPER JUNIOR-M, Girls’ Generation-TTS, SuperM and GOT the beat are relevant parts of SM’s catalog. Their names appearing in an archive does not establish a current regular comeback schedule.
Important contract updates: what changed in 2025–2026?
- BoA: her SM exclusive contract ended on December 31, 2025. She belongs in the company’s history, not its verified current solo roster.
- MARK: SM announced that his exclusive contract ended April 8, 2026. He also ended all NCT activities; NCT 127 now has seven members and NCT DREAM six.
- WINWIN: SM said his exclusive contract and NCT activities ended July 9, 2026. Older WayV material may still show him; do not count him in the current lineup.
- YURI: her individual exclusive contract ended August 31, 2026, while participation in Girls’ Generation group activities may continue.
- WENDY and YERI: their SM individual contracts ended in April 2025; Red Velvet group activity remains a separate relationship.
- SHINee and EXO: members’ management may differ between group activities and solo releases. In any breaking news, verify the individual agency before assigning a story to SM.
For the latest changes, use SM’s own artist notices and the relevant regional management listing. That matters especially for NCT units, artists with new solo agencies and projects promoted in Japan.
Three separate ways to explore the artists
- Current & group-associated: the main directory above covers the principal publicly listed active groups, solo identities and unit projects.
- KWaveScope A–Z profiles: click the blue group names in the table or browse KWaveScope’s A–Z artist index. The absence of a link here means an artist may not yet have a matching A–Z page.
- Legacy and past artists: the history-and-music table below includes former acts and landmark releases, and should never be read as a current contract list.
Former & legacy acts: a historical listening guide
| Artist and debut era | Songs to start with | How to read the history |
|---|---|---|
| H.O.T. (1996) | Candy; We Are the Future | SM’s early idol-group breakthrough. |
| S.E.S. (1997) | I’m Your Girl; Dreams Come True | An influential first-generation girl group. |
| Shinhwa (1998) | T.O.P.; Perfect Man | Part of SM’s first-generation boy-group history; later promoted outside SM. |
| Fly to the Sky (1999) | Day by Day; Missing You | R&B duo launched during the agency’s earlier years. |
| BoA (2000) | No.1; Atlantis Princess | A key solo artist in SM’s Japanese-market growth; the SM contract ended December 31, 2025. |
| TVXQ! (2003) | Rising Sun; Mirotic | A major second-generation act, active in later years as a duo. |
| SUPER JUNIOR (2005) | Sorry, Sorry; Mr. Simple | Known for large group identity, global touring and multiple subunits. |
| Girls’ Generation (2007) | Into the New World; Gee | A flagship girl group whose members have varied current agency arrangements. |
| SHINee (2008) | Replay; View | A long-running act noted for distinctive performance styles. |
| f(x) (2009) | Electric Shock; 4 Walls | Historically influential girl group; not an active SM-roster claim. |
| EXO (2012) | Growl; Love Shot | A group with a distinct record and several separately managed solo careers. |
| Red Velvet (2014) | Red Flavor; Psycho | Group activities span both members still with SM individually and members working elsewhere. |
| NCT / NCT 127 / NCT DREAM (2016) | Cherry Bomb; Kick It; Hot Sauce | A multi-unit project; songs listed across different units. |
| WayV (2019) | Love Talk; On My Youth | Part of SM’s multilingual international strategy. |
| aespa (2020) | Next Level; Supernova | Concept-led group with international reach. |
| RIIZE (2023) | Get A Guitar; Love 119 | Part of SM’s newer generation. |
| NCT WISH (2024) | WISH; Steady | NCT team with its own releases and audience. |
| Hearts2Hearts (2025) | The Chase; STYLE | The next girl-group chapter in the corporate catalog. |
SM’s older catalog also includes TRAX, M.I.L.K., The Grace (CSJH) and Zhang Liyin. Their recordings show the company’s range beyond its best-known idol groups, even though those projects had different teams and agreements.
Eight things worth knowing about SM
Maybe you’re planning a Seoul trip, considering an audition or trying to place an old SM song. These are the details worth checking before you book a train, buy an album or send an application.
1. Who founded SM Entertainment, and who runs it now?
Producer Lee Soo-man founded SM Entertainment in 1995. His influence on idol training and coordinated pop production is unmistakable, but the company has changed substantially since then. He is part of its history rather than its current co-CEO team.
SM’s 2026 corporate filings identify Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun as co-CEOs. Kakao became a major shareholder in 2023. Those ownership and management developments are part of the business story, separate from the contracts and day-to-day schedules of individual artists.
It’s useful to separate the founder, executives, shareholders and artist-management teams. News about one part of the organization does not always affect the others.
2. Which songs define each era of SM Entertainment?
One way to hear SM’s history is to build a playlist. Start with H.O.T.’s “Candy,” then jump to Girls’ Generation’s “Gee,” EXO’s “Growl,” SHINee’s “View” and aespa’s “Next Level.” The table below suggests more stops along the way. It isn’t a ranking; it’s a way of hearing how the sound changed.
| Era | Suggested listening path | What it demonstrates |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | H.O.T. — Candy; S.E.S. — Dreams Come True | Early idol and girl-group identities, at a time when organized fandoms were taking shape. |
| 2000s | BoA — No.1; TVXQ! — Mirotic; Girls’ Generation — Gee; SUPER JUNIOR — Sorry, Sorry | Cross-border promotion, dance-driven pop and signature idol-era hooks. |
| 2010s | SHINee — View; EXO — Growl; Red Velvet — Red Flavor; NCT 127 — Cherry Bomb | A wider variety of vocal colors, concepts and team configurations. |
| 2020s | aespa — Next Level; aespa — Supernova; RIIZE — Get A Guitar; NCT WISH — WISH; Hearts2Hearts — The Chase | Digital-first communities and fresh groups with increasingly distinct musical brands. |
Look for the official audio or music videos to appreciate how the arrangements, performances and visual language evolved. The historical artists table above offers a longer listening route.
3. How can international applicants audition for SM Entertainment?
If you’re thinking of auditioning, begin at the official SM AUDITION website. SM has offered online, global and other audition routes, but age requirements, eligible categories and submission formats can change with each announcement. Read the current notice rather than trusting an old fan repost or a paid ‘guaranteed audition’ offer.
- Step 1: Open SM AUDITION ↗ and read the notices under the currently open auditions.
- Step 2: Choose the applicable route, region and performance category. Read the notice for age, document and language requirements before preparing a submission.
- Step 3: Use a clear personal introduction and a performance clip that matches the stated format. Follow the official maximum video length, file format and submission rules if specified.
- Step 4: Keep your submission confirmation and use the official website to check any next step. Do not accept private messages that claim to guarantee a contract for money.
- For parents of minors: Check guardian consent and personal-data collection policies. Never publish a minor’s private contact details or identity documents on social media to obtain an audition.
Auditioning and sightseeing are two separate plans. Visit an audition venue only when an official notice or invitation gives you the date and address. The company’s main Seoul office is not a walk-in audition desk.
4. Where can fans buy official SM merchandise?
For a fan visiting Seoul Forest, KWANGYA @SEOUL is much more practical than the office lobby. The official store FAQ places it on the basement level near Exit 4 of Seoul Forest Station. Regular hours are listed as 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; check for changes on holidays or event days.
Albums, light sticks and limited collections are big draws, but particular products can sell out. A comeback pop-up, preorder pickup or fan event may also have different rules from ordinary shopping. Check the store’s newest announcement if you’re coming for one item.
- Official SMTOWN &STORE website ↗ — useful for online catalog and official notices.
- Official KWANGYA offline-store FAQ ↗ — lists the Seoul Forest location and published hours.
- Before leaving your hotel, check the store’s newest social posts or opening notice. For international shoppers, confirm accepted payment methods, sales limits, exchange rules and tax-refund eligibility at the store.
- Keep your receipt. Preorder pickup and fan-event purchases may have different identity-verification rules.
5. How has SM Entertainment grown beyond idol management?
Record sales tell only part of the story. SM also works in concerts, artist appearances, merchandise, licensing and music-related intellectual property. Those different businesses help explain why company revenue does not rise and fall with just one group’s release schedule.
Announced in 2023, SM 3.0 placed more production decisions with dedicated teams and labels. Rather than having every project depend on a single producer, several artist schedules could move forward in parallel. You can hear some of that variety in the current catalog.
SM has since outlined SM NEXT 3.0, extending the strategy toward global partnerships, artist-IP development and production technology. These are corporate plans, not promises of a particular artist’s next album.
The wider business includes specialist labels: KRUCIALIZE works with R&B, ScreaM Records focuses on electronic music and remixes, and the Japan operation handles activities in that market. Regional management is not necessarily the same as a performer’s primary Korean agency.
6. What should fans know before visiting SM’s headquarters?
The headquarters is at 83-21 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. You can view the exterior from public space and visit the nearby store, but there is no regular public tour of the offices advertised in the sources reviewed here.
- Use the right station: Seoul Forest Station is convenient for the office area and KWANGYA store. For the store, the official FAQ specifies Exit 4 and the basement-level entrance.
- Choose public areas: the building exterior, legitimate retail areas, Seoul Forest and public streets. Private entrances, practice rooms, loading bays and staff parking are not visitor destinations.
- Photo etiquette: take architecture photos only where permitted, avoid photographing people without consent and do not obstruct access points.
- Do not build your plans around celebrity sightings: being outside an entertainment office does not create a reasonable expectation of meeting an artist.
- Allow flexibility: a store may close for an event; check opening hours separately from subway routes. If you want a concert or fansign, follow official ticketing or lottery channels rather than the office address.
For a first visit, make the KWANGYA store and Seoul Forest the centre of the outing, then explore Seongsu at your own pace. Check for store queues or route accessibility if your schedule is tight.
7. Where should fans send letters or gifts?
Fan mail rules differ by artist, and they can change. An official fan community may accept letters but not gifts, or require a particular address and format. A package addressed simply to the corporate office may never reach the artist.
- Start with the artist’s latest official notice. Check the artist’s verified website, fan platform or official fanclub for any dedicated fan-letter procedure.
- Look for limits. A policy may allow paper letters but prohibit physical gifts, food, flowers, electronics, expensive items or packages sent without pre-approval.
- Use only the published route. Never send items to an artist’s home, accommodation, rehearsal room or private workplace.
- Protect your details. Write only the information required by the official process and be careful with third-party ‘fan letter forwarding’ services.
- No guarantee of a response. Even where fan mail is accepted, delivery and individual replies may not be promised.
Before sending anything, look for that artist’s current fanclub notice. Never assume a staff entrance or a private address is an acceptable drop-off point.
8. How large is SM compared with other K-pop agencies?
To compare the major companies fairly, use the same year and accounting basis. These are FY 2025 consolidated revenues—money reported by company groups, not royalties paid to an artist or record sales from one act.
| Company (FY 2025) | Consolidated revenue | Scope caveat |
|---|---|---|
| HYBE | Approximately KRW 2.65 trillion | A multi-label parent group; not BIGHIT MUSIC alone. |
| SM Entertainment | Approximately KRW 1.175 trillion | SM’s reported consolidated group, including subsidiaries. |
| JYP Entertainment | Approximately KRW 821.9 billion | JYP’s consolidated operations. |
| YG Entertainment | Approximately KRW 545.4 billion | YG’s consolidated operations. |
As of March 31, 2026, SM reported 751 employees at the parent company and 38 consolidated subsidiaries. Those figures tell us something about the organization, but not how many artists, trainees or staff members are inside its Seoul office on any particular day.
Revenue isn’t a measure of musical influence. A company with a smaller turnover can still have one of the world’s best-known groups; a larger group may own several labels and non-music businesses. Read the numbers as business context, not a popularity ranking.
Useful official destinations at a glance
- SM Entertainment official website ↗ — company and artist news.
- SM AUDITION ↗ — current audition routes and applications.
- SMTOWN &STORE ↗ — official merchandise.
- KWANGYA store information ↗ — public store location.
- SM Entertainment Japan artist management ↗ — Japan-specific relationships and activities.
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Figures refer to the reporting periods shown. Artist contracts, audition rules and shop hours can change; check the latest official notice before making plans.
Looking ahead
SM’s story is still unfolding. Some of the artists who defined its early years now work elsewhere, while new groups are building careers in a very different music industry. Looking at both ends of that timeline is more revealing than a roster alone.