
SM Entertainment announced today (5th) that it achieved consolidated sales of 321.6 billion won (approximately 34.11 billion yen) and operating profit of 48.2 billion won (approximately 5.11 billion yen) for the third quarter of 2025. This represents a 32.8% increase in sales and a 261.6% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year, with net profit also recording a 1,107% increase to 44.7 billion won (approximately 4.74 billion yen), showing solid growth across all divisions. On an individual basis, sales were 224.5 billion won (23.81 billion yen) and operating profit was 40.2 billion won (4.26 billion yen), marking increases of 30.5% and 48.6% respectively compared to the same period last year. The net profit for the period was 32.3 billion won (3.43 billion yen), up 101.8% year-on-year. Notably, major artists such as NCT DREAM, aespa, and NCT WISH recorded million-selling albums, driving profit growth alongside music sales, and concert and merchandise sales showed a steady upward trend due to expanded concert scales. Particularly, SUPER JUNIOR, celebrating their 20th anniversary, and aespa, which has expanded its presence in the global market, demonstrated the sustainability of their 'IP portfolio' across generations. The rookie group Hearts2Hearts established its position as a next-generation IP through the growth of its global fandom and collaborations with brands. SM is harmonizing the stable activities of existing artists with the rapid growth of new IPs, strengthening the 'virtuous cycle structure of intergenerational IP.' Additionally, as part of the ongoing 'SM 3.0 strategy,' the next-generation IP incubation project 'SMTR25' is accelerating the discovery of new artists and the expansion into global markets, further promoting the establishment of a sustainable IP ecosystem. SM is expected to continue active music activities in the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year. Following the release of Hearts2Hearts' first mini-album last month, EXO's Chanyeol's Japanese mini-album, and NCT's Yuta's Japanese full album, today, TVXQ's Yunho's first solo full album was released. In the fourth quarter, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon will release a best album to commemorate her 10th solo debut anniversary, and mini-albums from NCT DREAM and WayV, Japanese singles from TVXQ's Changmin, SHINee's Minho, NCT's Doyoung, RIIZE, and singles from aespa are scheduled for release. In the first quarter of next year, a variety of releases targeting fan bases both domestically and internationally are expected, including full albums from EXO and Red Velvet's Irene, a mini-album from NCT's Ten, a Japanese mini-album from NCT WISH, and singles from Hearts2Hearts and Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon, as well as a Japanese single from RIIZE. The concert sector will also continue active activities, meeting fans worldwide in major cities both domestically and internationally. TVXQ's Changmin's Japanese tour, NCT's Yuta's first solo concert tour in Japan, and EXO's Chanyeol's performances in Japan, as well as SHINee's Key, aespa, NCT DREAM, WayV, and NCT WISH will showcase diverse performances across major Asian cities. SUPER JUNIOR will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a tour, while RIIZE will expand interactions with global fans through their first world tour, and EXO and SHINee's Minho, along with TVXQ, plan to engage with fans through fan meetings both domestically and internationally. Co-CEO Chang Cheol-hyuk stated, 'In this quarter, SM's representative artists maintained solid strength, and the rookie artists added new vitality with their rapid growth,' adding, 'This flow, which encompasses generations, is strengthening the IP portfolio, representing the virtuous cycle structure of the sustainable IP ecosystem we aim for.' He further stated, 'Based on the SM 3.0 strategy, we will enhance artist IP-centered businesses, focus on next-generation IP incubation and core businesses, and continue to complete a sustainable growth model in the global market.' SM is strengthening profitability and financial stability through a portfolio reorganization centered on core businesses and efficient resource management. By promoting a strategy of selection and concentration, including the merger with SM STUDIOS and the sale of non-core assets, they are achieving both efficiency in content production and an increase in shareholder value.
RIIZE's 2nd single "All of You" has achieved double platinum status in Japan, surpassing 500,000 copies sold. The single includes two tracks and topped the Oricon daily chart. The group is set to perform at Tokyo Dome in February 2026, showcasing their popularity. Their world tour has attracted 420,000 fans globally, expanding their reach.
On the morning of the 15th, EXO departed from Incheon International Airport to Bangkok, Thailand, for their concert 'EXO PLANET #6 - EXhOrizon.' This information comes from local media coverage. Additionally, there are reports of a YouTuber facing a significant lawsuit for defamation involving aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet, and an upcoming concert featuring EXO and ZEROBASEONE on May 30 in Korea.
NINGNING from aespa recently shared a video on her social media, capturing a relaxed day in Myeongdong, Seoul. She expressed surprise and joy upon seeing her face on a large advertisement, radiating a warm atmosphere with her natural smile. Despite walking freely without a mask or hat, she went unnoticed by many. aespa is set to release their 2nd full album, 'LEMONDAE', on the 29th, following the pre-release of 'WDA' on the 11th.
Irene from Red Velvet and actor Kim Jae-won have gained attention for their unexpected connection, highlighted in a challenge video after Irene's comeback with her new album. Despite a 10-year age gap and different careers, they revealed a familial link, sparking reactions online about how small the world is. Irene also achieved her first solo music show win on 'Music Bank' with 'Biggest Fan', hosted by Kim Jae-won, who is currently active as an MC and recently starred in 'Yumi's Cells 3'.
aespa's pre-release single 'WDA (Whole Different Animal)' featuring G-DRAGON has significantly increased anticipation for their 2nd full album 'LEMONADE', releasing on May 29. The track has ranked in the top 10 across 17 regions globally and achieved 'Gold Album' certification on QQ Music in China, showcasing their global presence.
Yunho from TVXQ is set to appear on TV Asahi's talk show 'Kyokorohee' alongside his co-stars from the film 'TOKYO BURST-犯罪都市-'. The show will air on May 25 at 24:15. The film, directed by Eiji Uchida, features Yunho as a Korean elite detective and is generating significant buzz ahead of its release on May 29.
On the afternoon of the 11th, a VIP screening of the film 'Michael' was held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, attended by stars including SUPER JUNIOR's Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk, and members from NCT, ENHYPEN, and MONSTA X, among others. The event highlighted the latest projects from these popular groups.
aespa is set to return with their 2nd full album 'LEMONADE', releasing the pre-release track 'WDA (Whole Different Animal)' featuring G-DRAGON. The song is described as a hip-hop dance track with a grand synth bass and heavy hooks, reflecting aespa's growth. The music video is available on their SMTOWN YouTube channel, with the full album releasing on the 29th.
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