On October 19, 2023, SM Entertainment’s co-CEOs, Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun, were honored on Billboard’s prestigious ‘Global Power Players’ list. This list recognizes influential leaders who have significantly shaped the global music market beyond the United States. This year, the list transitioned from ‘International Power Players’ to ‘Global Power Players’, reflecting a broader recognition of global music industry leaders.
For four consecutive years, Tak Young-jun has been acknowledged for his contributions to the K-pop industry. Meanwhile, Jang Cheol-hyuk celebrates his second consecutive year on this esteemed list. Their recognition highlights their essential roles in shaping the future of the music industry.
Billboard also noted several recent achievements by SM Entertainment, especially in world tours. A key highlight is aespa’s upcoming second world tour, featuring 43 performances across 28 regions from June 2024 to March 2025. Additionally, the UK boy group Dear Alice made waves with their debut single ‘Aria’, which climbed to the second spot on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart. This achievement signals a shift in the K-pop model, showcasing the genre’s growing influence in Western markets.
As SM Entertainment approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, they have adopted a new slogan: ‘The Culture, The Future’. This milestone will showcase various content celebrating their legacy and contributions to the music industry. Upcoming events include the continuation of the ‘SM Town Live E 2025’ concert series, which follows successful performances in Seoul, Mexico City, and Los Angeles. The series will feature thrilling performances in London this June and Tokyo in August, further solidifying SM’s leadership in the entertainment industry.
With these accolades and exciting plans, SM Entertainment continues to innovate and excel in the global music scene. Their influence is undeniable, and they are setting a high standard for the future of music. The commitment of Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun to excellence is evident in every aspect of their work. As they lead SM Entertainment into the future, fans can expect more groundbreaking achievements.
This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.