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Posted by Sophie-Ha Tuesday, March 14, 2023

K-Netizens Share Mixed Opinions on SM Entertainment's Pricey Tuition Fees for 'SM Universe Academy'

AKP STAFF

On March 14, it was reported that the first-ever 'SM Universe Academy' will begin its first term later this week on March 15.

As of March 14, the real estate industry reports that the SM Universe academy is located in Yeongdong-daero, situated behind Eunma Apartment in Daechi-dong. The academy is conveniently located near Haknyeoul Station and in close proximity to Daechi-dong Academy. The academy will occupy a total of 8 floors, with 2 below ground level and 6 above ground.

High school students with dreams of entering the entertainment industry can enroll in the 'SM Universe Academy,' a 3-year academy that provides specialized training in producing, vocals, dance, modeling, or acting. As an alternative to regular high school, students will focus on their chosen field, attending GED test prep classes in lieu of traditional high school courses.

Each semester, the academy will enroll 120 students, with 40 spots reserved for vocal majors and 20 spots for each of the other majors. Tuition for vocal majors will be 10 million KRW per term (~ $7,650 USD), while tuition for all other majors will be 8.8 million KRW (~ $6,733 USD).

Korean netizens were shocked by the hefty price tags of the courses. Netizens commented, "It's located in Daechi-dong in Gangnam. So It's clear what they're aiming for," "I feel like this is exploiting young kids," "They should let them go to regular school and go here as an after-school curriculum," "Wow, I would have gone to this academy if I was younger," "This is for rich families," "One semester is that much? This is like a luxury course only wealthy families will sign their kids up for," "I don't think the academy will guarantee that you'll debut with SM Entertainment," and "That's 10 million KRW per semester, that's not that bad...for rich people."

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themightymoron
themightymoron3,250 pts Tuesday, March 14, 2023 0
Tuesday, March 14, 2023

it'd make sense if they offer a more behind the scene major/courses. the brand development, and business managing side, the technical makings, the art directorial focus. these would easily develop into higher education which then would open up so many threads in SM's business process. they can source help easily, they can even export these help into another company, inside and outside of korea, expanding their influences

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Dribble
Dribble2,042 pts Tuesday, March 14, 2023 1
Tuesday, March 14, 2023

I'm not sure what's exactly in their curriculum but if a vocal major only learn how to sing then that does seems like a total rip off especially for an idol singer. We know they're not going to be singing much.

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