K-Media Examines The Reason Why SM Is The Root Of K-Pop
While HYBE is currently caught up in internal conflict, SM Entertainment has garnered attention for its “quiet yet strong” actions. The agency seems to be carrying out the SM 3.0 method and taking up new challenges after breaking away from the one-man production system from former producer Lee Soo Man.
The most notable difference of SM 3.0 is the creation of a multi-production system for each artist. This strategy allows them to maximize activities and shorten the gap of comeback cycles. The production system is currently divided into ONE (BoA, Girls’ Generation, aespa), PRISM (SHINee, WayV, Lucas, RED (TVXQ, Red Velvet), NEO (all NCT groups), and Wizard (Kangta, Super Junior, EXO, RIZE).
With the production and decision-making being done per production, the process is much more fluid than the previous one-person system. Another advantage is that they can create a promotion plan that best suits the artist through this production.
An official revealed that they can have “healthy competition” through this system. This means that each production team is conscious of each other as members of the family, thus creating no indiscriminate competition.
Also, SM continued with production for the first quarter of the year, which is usually an off-season for the K-Pop industry. From January to April, SM released albums for BoA, NCT DREAM, Red Velvet’s Wendy, SHINee’s Minho, RIIZE, Lucas, and NCT’s Doyoung. Most recently, EXO’s Suho and aespa also made comebacks, with RIIZE preparing for their return in June.
One concert official who attended NCT 127 and NCT DREAM’s concert stated, “SM is the true original.” They praised the production, music, and artist skills, revealing that the show had no flaws. Although they were a third-party company, the official praised SM and admitted there was much to learn from the show.
SM has received the title of “master of performance” as they have recorded huge success with concerts, fan meetings, and more, both domestically and internationally. With this, they increased sales in the first quarter, usually the off-season, increasing 7.9% compared to last year.
Another reason for SM’s success comes from not only creating new IPs, but also maintaining existing IPs. Although the rookie groups have been garnering much success, SM continues to focus on building a stable lineup for older groups such as Super Junior, TVXQ, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and more.
They have also proven to utilize the “separate yet together” method well. Although some members of older groups have ended exclusive contracts, they continue to promote as a group through SM. This is a huge pro for both the company and the fans.
Netizens agreed that SM was the standard for the K-Pop industry.
- “They are right.”
- “Regardless, SM always reaches the standard so it’s the easiest to take in.”
- “The talent is the most up to standard.”
- “Agreed.”
- “Taking a look at the groups, the vocals are really strong.”
- “Agreed.”
- “I agree SM is the original.”
- “I agree.”
- “Oh didn’t know the internal production was like this. If they work in the same space, they will feel a sense of belonging and work hard to do better.”
Meanwhile, SM is expected to have a busy second and third quarter as many albums are set to be released.
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