Kangta Launches SMArt: A New Music Label at SM Entertainment

Veteran K-pop artist Kangta has officially announced a significant music label launch, unveiling his new venture, SMArt, under the SM Entertainment umbrella on November 3, 2025. This move marks a major expansion of his role within the company, transitioning into an executive producer to foster new talent. The label’s first artist is confirmed to be actor and singer Im SiWan, who is set to release new music under Kangta’s guidance.

A New Chapter for Producer Kangta

Kangta, a first-generation idol and respected composer, is no stranger to leadership roles at SM Entertainment. Since 2014, he has served as a non-registered director and in-house creative director, contributing his extensive industry experience to the company’s direction. His expertise in K-pop production was further solidified through his role as the Executive Producer for SMASHHIT, a Company-In-Company (CIC) within SM’s music publishing subsidiary, KREATION MUSIC RIGHTS (KMR). The launch of SMArt represents the culmination of his years of experience, providing him with a dedicated platform to shape the next generation of artists. This transition from performer to producer is a path taken by many seasoned artists who wish to start their own label and mentor new talent.

The Vision Behind SMArt

With this new music label launch, Producer Kangta aims to create a unique space for artistic development within the larger SM Entertainment ecosystem. By heading SMArt, he can directly apply his artistic vision and production knowledge to cultivate artists’ careers from the ground up. This venture allows him to leverage his deep understanding of the K-pop industry to produce music and content that resonates with a global audience, continuing SM Entertainment’s legacy of innovation.

Im SiWan: The First Artist of SMArt

In a concurrent announcement, it was revealed that actor and singer Im SiWan will be the first artist produced by SMArt. While Im SiWan has recently signed an exclusive contract with The Black Label for his management, his musical endeavors will be spearheaded by Producer Kangta and the SMArt label. This unique collaboration highlights a flexible and modern approach to K-pop production, where artist management and music creation are handled by specialized entities to maximize potential.

Upcoming Projects and Global Tour

The first project under this new partnership is already on the horizon. Im SiWan is scheduled to release his first solo album in December 2025, a highly anticipated release that will showcase the synergy between his talent and Kangta’s production prowess. Following the album’s release, Im SiWan is set to embark on a global fan tour in early 2026, bringing his new music to audiences worldwide. This ambitious schedule signals strong confidence in the new label and its inaugural artist.

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