SM Entertainment

SM Publishes First Corporate Social Responsibility Report Marking SMile’s 10th Anniversary: We Will Build A Future in which Culture Inspires SMiles in Everyone 📖 On October 17th, SM Entertainment (Co-CEOs CHUL HYUK JANG & YOUNG JUN TAK) released the Corporate Social Responsibility Report (CSR) Report, detailing the company’s #CSR activities and achievements over the past decade. This marks the first report since SM launched its social contribution brand SMile and initiated unwavering philanthropic activities. Guided by the vision of ‘A Miraculous Future Where Smiles Abound’, SM has undertaken various social contribution initiatives. Over the past decade, SMile has operated initiatives in four countries (Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines), contributing more than KRW 7 billion, supporting over 90,000 beneficiaries, and generating KRW 9.3 billion worth of social value. The CSR Report highlights initiatives focused on fostering future generations, community involvement, and environmental conservation. In the youth support sector, the report details the SMile Music Festival, SM’s flagship initiative that has supported culturally underserved teenagers for the past decade. It also covers the SMile for U campaign, an integrated music education program for children in Asia launched under the contribution agreement with the Korean Committee for UNICEF in November 2015; and the Allkidstra support initiative, a cultural art program for culturally underserved youth. Over the past 10 years, SM has contributed approximately KRW 3.5 billion, supporting 71,657 young people, and providing 17,250 hours of music education programs. For the community involvement sector, SM has regularly organized volunteer activities such as baking, supporting stray animal, photography, and gardening. It has also run several programs such as mentoring, plogging, mural painting, narrating books for children. To date, it has supported more than 15,533 individuals. For the environmental conservation sector, SM formed its urban forest KWANGYA FOREST in Seong-su dong, Seoul, in 2023 to promote biodiversity. This green space features rare and protected plants and was recognized with the grand prize at the Seoul Metropolitan City’s Green City Awards. SM completed the second KWANGYA FOREST this spring. SM’s efforts to address environmental concerns related to album production are also noteworthy. Since 2022, SM has produced albums and merchandise using sustainable materials. The company also expanded its lineup of sustainable album types from 4 in 2022 to 21 in 2023. These albums are made with paper sourced from sustainably managed forests, soy ink, and UV coated-paper that does not emit volatile organic compounds. Furthermore, SM has taken steps to reduce album waste by removing album advertisement inserts and creating upcycled tumbler bags from banners used at artists’ concert halls. 📖 Find SM Entertainment's CSR Report here: https://bit.ly/3Abdhkp

SM Entertainment Sponsors the Walking With Us Foundation’s Allkidstra, a Youth Orchestra, for the Third Consecutive Year SM Entertainment (hereafter SM, co-CEOs CHEOL HYUK JANG and YOUNG JUN TAK) has sponsored the Walking With Us Foundation’s Allkidstra for the third consecutive year. The #donation ceremony, during which SM contributed 30 million KRW to the foundation, took place at SM’s headquarters in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Co-CEO CHEOL HYUK JANG and director HYUN JU KIM were present. Orchestra members of the Allkidstra performed a small wind #ensemble. The 12th edition of the Allkistra’s regular orchestra concert is scheduled for November 20th at the Bucheon Art Center. It will feature conductor HAN SOL JANG, Allkistra’s advanced orchestra members, and violist DAMI KIM. Allkistra, a program by the Walking With Us Foundation, provides #cultural arts programs to underserved children and teenagers. The program supports their healthy and happy development by offering the joy of #art activities and fostering holistic growth through instrumental performances and group activities. SM has sponsored its regular #concert for three consecutive years since 2022. Continuing from last year, the company has maintained its sponsorship jointly with its classical music label, SM Classics. SM has been a steadfast sponsor, offering benefits including instrument support, music education for teenagers, and concert invitations. Co-CEO CHEOL HYUK JANG stated, “Through our ongoing #sponsorship, we will remain committed to SM’s social contribution projects that nurture aspiring talents through the power of #music.” ✅ To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gDuGv5F9 #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SMile #CSR #ESG #SMClassics #Orchestra

SM Entertainment Kicks off the 10th SMile Music Festival, Its Core Social Contribution Program On August 8th and 9th, SM Entertainment hosted the orientation for the SMile Music Festival (#SMF), the company’s flagship social contribution program, now in its 10th edition. It aims to support aspiring young talents as they pursue their #musical dreams. Thirty-five teenagers from participating teams convened to prepare for an intense 4-month schedule for the final #performance in November 2024. They met with SMF trainers, college student supporters, the SM CSR Unit, and YouthVoice. Throughout the overnight program, participants engaged in various activities to share their passion and dreams for music and to strengthen bonds among the teams. Each participant received a welcome kit to inspire a strong start. The kit included items essential for SMF activities, such as a boarding pass, a name tag for training, a tumbler, and a power bank. Following this, each team introduced themselves and delivered one-minute preview vocal and dance performances. The event was filled with enthusiastic applause and cheers. During meetups with vocal, dance, and band trainers, participants discussed their preferred genres and concepts, selecting songs for the final performance. They also sought advice on upcoming training sessions and practice methods, gaining valuable insights. For the #mingling session, participants engaged in various team-building activities to get to know each other better. They also collaborated on creating team logos with the guidance of a professional instructor, using images and colors to reflect their musical visions. During the logo presentations, each team expressed their determination and commitment to make the most of the SMF journey. One participant remarked, “With our team’s positive energy and unique vocal style, we aim to deliver a performance that will inspire many. We will be dedicated to making the SMF experience one of the most memorable moments of our lives!” SMF trainers also commented, “Seeing the excitement in the participants’ eyes, we eagerly anticipate their stages in the final performance. As SMF celebrates its 10th edition, let’s strive together to create unforgettable stages for everyone!” Stay updated on SMF news by visiting the official blog below: 🔗 blog.naver.com/smilesmf #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SMile #CSR #ESG #SMileMusicFestival

SM Entertainment Publishes its third Sustainability Report, strengthening Shareholder-Friendly Policies with a ‘34% Dividend Payout Ratio’ SM Entertainment (co-CEO CHEOL HYUK JANG and YOUNG JUN TAK) has published its third Sustainability Report, detailing the main activities executed last year, including #ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management performance and strategic systems. In the #governance area, the report highlights securing board independence, maintaining 50% of outside directors, and enhancing shareholder value. Notably, SM has strengthened its board responsibility and independence by forming four committees under the board: the Nominating Committee, the Insider Trading Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Governance Committee. Additionally, SM has increased its dividend per share from 200 KRW in 2022 to 1,200 KRW in 2023, maintaining a 34% cash dividend payout ratio. Furthermore, it has implemented a shareholder-friendly policy by retiring 241,379 treasury shares (approximately 19 billion KRW). In the #environmental area, the report features initiatives such as minimizing waste disposal, producing products made with upcycled banners, expanding the use of FSC-Certified paper, and creating the KWANGYA Forest. SM has expanded the use of FSC-Certified paper for album and MD(merchandise) production, and has provided a resting area for citizens by planting over 50 types of shrubs and 1,400 herbaceous plants. These efforts were recognized with the grand prize at the 2023 Seoul Metropolitan City’s Green City Award. In the #social area, the report introduces practices such as human rights management, strengthening employee benefits and communication with executives and employees, as well as various social contribution activities. SM has established human rights management policies and actively communicated with employees through a labor-management Council. Furthermore, SM Entertainment has continously hosted the SMile Music Festival since 2015 to support domestic, music-loving teenagers’ training and collaborative performance. Since 2016, it has also run the SMile for U Campaign, providing integrated music education for chilren in Asian in partnership with the UNICEF Korea Committee. As a result of these commitments, SM received a B+ rating from the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and #Sustainability. In June 2022, SM joined the UN Global Compact, a sustainable management initiative, and in December 2022, it received the ISO 14001 certification, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. 📖 SM Entertainment’s Sustainability Report 2023 is available below: ▶ Korean version: https://lnkd.in/gdsNQfK9 ▶ English version: https://lnkd.in/gYhaXMiG #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SustainabilityReport

SM Entertainment Holds Career Mentoring for Young Adults SM Entertainment (SM, CEO Jang Chul Hyuk and Tak Young Jun) participated in the Young Adult #Career #Mentoring on May 29. Following last year's session held in collaboration with the Seoul Volunteer Center, SM joined the company-affiliated ‘Career Mentoring for Young Adults’ hosted by the Amorepacific Empathy Foundation and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Fifty-two employee volunteers from 11 companies based in Seoul, including Daum Foundation, Amorepacific, and SM Entertainment, joined in the session. Reflecting the mentees' avid interest, over 687 young adults applied for the session. The session was conducted as a small group discussion, with one mentor paired with five to six young adult mentees. Mentors shared their experiences and helped mentees design their future #careers, creating a meaningful and interactive experience. For SM, six employee #mentors from various departments, including A&R (Artists & Repertoire), Global Physical Distribution, Management, Space Contents, Communication, and General Affairs, participated in the program. They engaged in in-depth discussions with 30 mentees, each mentor guiding six mentees. One SM employee mentor commented, “It was great to refresh myself by meeting with young adults. It reminded me of the excitement I felt when I was a newcomer in the #workplace. I am delighted to help those who are struggling with making career decisions and to participate in co-development activities!” 🔍To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gPFSJs5j #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SMile #Career #Development

SM Expands #KWANGYA Forest in Partnership with Seoul Metropolitan Government to Enhance Biodiversity Conservation SM Entertainment (CEO JANG CHUL HYUK and TAK YOUNG JUN) expanded the ‘KWANGYA Forest’ within Seoul Forest to strengthen environmental conservation efforts ahead of International Day for Biological Diversity. On May 21, SM held an MOU ceremony with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to announce the expansion. CEO JANG CHUL HYUK and other dignitaries attended the event. Under the agreement, SM will co-manage initiative support, planning, construction, and facility management for the next five years. Seoul Metropolitan Government will provide the target area, guidelines for initiative execution, and administration support. In May 2023, SM held the MOU ceremony for the creation of its first KWANGYA Forest, planting various shrubs and over 1,400 species of herbaceous flowers in the area located south of the children’s park in Seoul Forest. Over 50 other species of trees and shrubs were planted, including native plants such as primrose, Funkia ovata var. minor Baker, and viola orientalis. The latest expansion features over 2,900 herbaceous flowers and 14 types of shrubs across a total of 815㎡ area, including Alangium platanifolium var. trilobum and Oyama magnolia. The #forest also has both nature and user-friendly facilities, such as bioluminescent garden lights and trunk chairs. CEO JANG CHUL HYUK stated, “SM prioritizes sustainable environment and society and actively endeavors to fulfill its corporate social responsibility. We hope KWANGYA Forest can be a cozy resting area for the visitors.” Meanwhile, on May 14, SM conducted its second annual #plogging activity with Hyundai Glovis, a company sharing the same building. On the 18th, SMile Community Volunteer Group, made up of SM employees, transplanted #plants they had grown using the Seed KIT - including sunflower, cornflower, and catnip - into KWANGYA Forest. ✅To Learn More: https://bit.ly/3WSawxo #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SMile #KWANGYAForest #KWANGYA_FOREST #BiodiversityDay #Biodiversity

[SMile for Earth] SM x CUECLYP - NCT DREAM UPCYCLED BANNER KEYRING 💚 SM partners with #upcycling brand CUECLYP to transform #concert banners from the 2023 NCT DREAM TOUR 'THE DREAM SHOW 2 : In A DREAM’ into unique #keyrings ♻️ These keyrings are produced at a community self-sufficiency center, supporting the economic independence of low-income households. Made with #recycled paper tags and 100% #biodegradable packaging, these keyrings combine cherished concert memories with sustainable values. Curious about how these keyrings are made? Here’s a step-by-step look at the process: 1. Inspect and clean the banner. 2. Cut the clean, dry banners into appropriately sized pieces. 3. Shape and iron the pieces according to the keyring design. 4. Sew the pieces with a label using a sewing machine. 5. Attach a paper tag and ring, then pack it — and voilà! SM is dedicated to various initiatives to protect our blue planet. We will continue our efforts for a #sustainable future! #NCTDREAM #THEDREAMSHOW3 #NCTDREAM_THEDREAMSHOW3 #NCTDREAM_WORLDTOUR #NCT #SMileforEarth #SMTOWN #SMile #CUECLYP #Upcycled #Banner

BoA Donates 50 Million KRW to Support Children with Pediatric Cancer This Children's Day, BoA made a generous contribution of 50 million KRW to the Asan Medical Center. The funds will be used to support pediatric cancer treatment. “Every child deserves to be happy, and I wanted to give a little help to those in need,” BoA commented on her contribution. “I made this donation to give back the immense love and support I have received since my debut at a young age.” In January 2023, BoA also donated 100 million KRW to support the independence of young adults leaving foster care. She was named the 3100th member of the Honor Society and the 700th member of the Women’s Honor Society. Her passion for mentoring is reflected in her continued dedication to meaningful causes for children. Celebrating her 24th debut anniversary this year, BoA has thrived in various fields. She has excelled as an actor, MC, and judge on audition programs. She also participated in the project unit GOT the beat and in producing for NCT WISH, which debuted simultaneously in Korea and Japan. Recently, she released a new single titled ‘Emptiness’, which she wrote herself. ✅To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gfC-Vhjz #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SMile #BoA

KWON YURI Volunteers to Narrate for UNICEF… “I Will Strive to Be a Role Model for Children” KWON YURI (YURI from Girls’ Generation) has continued her philanthropic efforts this year. On May 7, KWON YURI attended the reopening ceremony of the UNICEF Children Experience Hall hosted by UNICEF Korea Committee. She stepped up to promote the organization’s mission of advocating for children’s rights and relief efforts. UNICEF Children’s Experience Hall, which welcomes over 2,000 local children annually, offers visitors an opportunity to learn and experience UNICEF’s aid programs firsthand, educating them about children’s rights and cultivating global citizenship. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the hall underwent renovations to transform into a more child-friendly space, attracting significant public attention. Hoping to inspire young visitors to dream big and maintain hope, KWON YURI volunteered to narrate the main video for the experience hall and record an audio guide for visually impaired children. During the ceremony, KWON YURI delivered a congratulatory speech. "I am truly happy to participate in a project that helps children in need worldwide. I wholeheartedly congratulate the reopening of the Children's Experience Hall and send blessings to the children who will nurture their dreams here. I will strive to be a positive role model for more children in the future." In addition to her contribution to UNICEF, KWON YURI actively spreads love and supports underprivileged communities around the world through her music and various activities. She serves as an ambassador for ‘Beautiful Mind’, a cultural and diplomatic charity organization. Her dedication to meaningful causes continues to earn her widespread public support. ✅To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gVAa_NMi #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SMile #GirlsGeneration #KWONYURI #YURI #UNICEF #ForEveryChild

EXO CHANYEOL Celebrates Children’s Day with a 20 Million KRW Donation for Children with Hearing Loss In celebration of Children’s Day, EXO CHANYEOL has generously donated 20 million KRW to The Snail of Love, an organization that supports people with hearing loss and deafness. The funds will be used for the Sound Health initiative, including cochlear implant surgeries, language rehabilitation therapy, and support for assistive devices. Since January 2021, CHANYEOL has made regular donations to The Snail of Love. In addition to his monthly donations, this contribution marks his sixth additional donation. CHANYEOL remarked, “Following last year, I am glad and grateful to be able to provide meaningful gifts again this year. I sincerely hope that cochlear implant surgeries will allow children to hear the sound of the world and grow up healthily.” ✅To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/g4y4JDnw #SM #SMTOWN #SMEntertainment #SMile #EXO #CHANYEOL