SM Entertainment unveiled its latest long-term vision as it charts a new course toward becoming a global K-pop leading company, while also confirming plans to debut a new boy group.
On January 20, SM uploaded a video titled 'SM Next 3.0' to its official YouTube channel, outlining an upgraded strategy built upon its existing SM 3.0 framework. The company introduced this next phase as a vision centered on a “multi-creative” system designed to drive both growth and transformation.
Under the new model, SM plans to further develop its previously established five-unit multi-production system. CEO Tak Young Joon emphasized that the artist-first approach remains central, stating that SM will “assign the most optimal creators with artists placed at the core.”
He added that flexibility in creative lineups will be key moving forward, explaining, “As new artistic languages are increasingly required, we will build a more adaptable creative structure.” SM also confirmed plans to debut a rookie boy group. According to Tak, one boy group is scheduled to debut in 2026, with members potentially selected from the trainee team SMTR25. Additional details will be revealed at a later date.
The group is expected to be gradually introduced through the variety program 'Reply High School,' which is set to air in early 2026. The company also detailed progress on its global local-IP strategy. SM is strengthening partnerships with China’s Tencent Music Entertainment, Thailand’s True, and is currently exploring collaborations with multiple partners in Japan.
Looking ahead, SM announced its goal of establishing Asia’s largest music publishing company within the next five years. This ambition will be driven through synergies with its subsidiary Creation Music Rights (KMR).
Chief A&R Officer Lee Sung Soo stated, “KMR has expanded beyond Korea and Europe into the United States,” adding that the company aims to grow it into a global intellectual property hub. Additional initiatives discussed in the presentation included the operational results of the artist protection system KWANGYA 119, expansion plans across concerts, merchandise, and platform businesses, as well as future AI-driven synergies with parent company Kakao.
CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk described SM Next 3.0 as “a strategy that combines music’s essence with technology, platforms, and creative innovation to enable limitless expansion.” He concluded by emphasizing SM’s long-term commitment, stating that the company will “prove its position as a global leading enterprise driving the K-pop market through solid growth and strategic investment.”
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