In an article forecasting the future decisions of current SM Entertainment musicians in light of the company’s huge internal upheavals, Sports Chosun stated that producer Yoo Young Jin, also known as the “father of SM music,” had left the agency following the departure of Lee Soo Man.
Kakao will seek to acquire management rights of SM Entertainment through its tender offer, which has been extended through the end of the month, prior to the company’s general board meeting of shareholders scheduled for March 31. The current administration of SM Entertainment has prioritized the completion of its ‘SM 3.0’ model, stressing a multi-label structure with increased production output by 2025.
Artists of the company’s younger age, such as NCT and aespa, as well as rookie teams and trainees looking to debut and earn a spot in the business, would gain the most from the new SM 3.0 model.
The new ‘SM 3.0’ model does not always ensure stability for previous generation SM singers whose foundations were formed under the producing leadership of Lee Soo Man and Yoo Young Jin.
In reality, according to Sports Chosun, Yoo Young Jin has “chosen to leave SM and join Lee Soo Man.” Kim Min Jong and H.O.T’s Kangta, two of Lee Soo Man’s closest allies, would likely follow Yoo Young Jin’s choice, according to the media site.
Considering the vacancies of Lee Soo Man and Yoo Young Jin, the media site also said that another first-generation SM artist, BoA, was likely contemplating leaving SM Entertainment. Supposedly, TVXQ’s choice was “unpredictable” due to the group’s confidence in both Lee Soo Man and SM’s management.
On the other side, it is anticipated that Super Junior would continue to collaborate with SM through its subsidiary, Label SJ. In addition, it was claimed that co-CEO Tak Young Joon was Super Junior’s manager for many years prior to gaining his present position, implying a strong relationship between Super Junior and SME’s current management.
Then, Sports Chosun predicted that individual members of Girls’ Generation may make conflicting options over whether to remain with SM Entertainment or pursue new possibilities elsewhere. For the next two to three years, Taeyeon, Sunny, Yuri, Hyoyeon, and YoonA will be up for contract renewal.
The media site said that groups like SHINee, EXO, and Red Velvet, who are all expected to have group comebacks in the first half of 2023, are less likely to break ways with SM Entertainment prior to their rapid return to active promotions.
