SM Entertainment launches K-POP academy in Singapore, marking a significant step in globalizing Korean arts education.
February/5/2026 17:36
SM Entertainment (hereafter, SM) has established a K-POP academy in Singapore. SM UNIVERSE, an educational institution under SM, formed a partnership with local companies on the 24th of last month, becoming the first Korean entertainment company to open a K-POP training academy in Singapore. This opening goes beyond mere expansion of educational facilities; it is a case of Korean-style arts education curriculum officially advancing overseas. SM's co-CEO Chang Cheol-hyuk and Lee Seong-soo (CAO), along with Singapore's Minister of Law and Home Affairs Edwin Tong, SM UNIVERSE Singapore's Chairman Andy Lim, and RIIZE's Anton and Sohee attended to celebrate the launch of the global campus. SM UNIVERSE Singapore is a specialized K-POP training academy focusing on vocals, dance, performance, and composition, located in the SCAPE youth community center on Orchard Road, the cultural and tourism hub of Singapore. As the first academy to be developed outside of Korea, it aims to provide systematic and professional K-POP education to promising talents across Southeast Asia, discovering and nurturing the next generation of global stars. At the opening ceremony, SM's Chang Cheol-hyuk stated, 'This is the first time in K-POP history that a major Korean entertainment company has established a K-POP training institution to educate not only Korean students but also foreign students, opening a local campus in partnership with overseas institutions,' clarifying the significance of this event. Lee Seong-soo, the Chief Operating Officer (CAO), explained, 'K-POP is not just addictive melodies and powerful performances. K-POP is a 'language of empathy' that sings of healthy spirits, hope, and love, connecting youth around the world across borders.' Minister Edwin Tong expressed his hopes, stating, 'One of my goals as Minister of Culture has been to enable as many Singaporean artists as possible to enter the global stage. Partnering with SM UNIVERSE will provide young artists with groundbreaking opportunities to collaborate with professionals, receive top-notch training, and leverage their international networks to showcase themselves on the world stage.' SM UNIVERSE is a comprehensive arts education company established as a joint venture between SM and the specialized entrance exam education institution Jongno Academy. Under the vision of 'Beyond Your Dream,' it aims to break the traditional frameworks of arts and physical education, building a new form of arts education institution with diverse educational content and technical partners.
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