S.M. Entertainment (Hangul: SM엔터테인먼트) is an independent Korean record label, talent agency, producer, and publisher of pop music, founded by Lee Soo-man in South Korea. Initially, "SM" was an abbreviation of the agency founder's name, but now stands for "Star Museum." Its current CEO is Kim Young-min. The label is one of the "big three" record companies of Korea along with YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment because of strong market share and international operations. SM is credited for starting and leading the Hallyu Wave throughout Asia and internationally.
Once the home to the original Korean Idol groups like H.O.T., S.E.S., and Shinhwa, its current roster of recording artists include Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, TRAX, The Grace, Super Junior, Zhang Liyin, Girls' Generation, J-Min, SHINee, f(x), and EXO, all of whom enjoy great success both domestically and internationally. It is also home to actors like Go Ara, Kim Min-jong, Lee Yeon-hee and Kim Ian. SM Entertainment also co-publishes Avex Trax releases for Japanese artists such as Ayumi Hamasaki, Namie Amuro, and Koda Kumi, as well as Johnny's Entertainment acts like Arashi and KAT-TUN.
In 2012, the company's market capitalization rose to ₩1.38 trillion (US$1.24 billion), reaching the status of a mega-corporation.
Read more about S.M. Entertainment: History, Roster, Former Artists, Filmography, Partnership, Subsidiaries, Locations