The number of K-pop idols establishing their own labels is increasing every year. One of the primary reasons behind this is the desire for greater creative control over their music, image, and career direction. On their own labels, artists get greater flexibility and autonomy in managing their schedules and activities, and it can also be financially lucrative for K-pop idols.
SM Entertainment, one of the big three South Korean entertainment agencies, has nurtured some of the most iconic K-pop acts, including H.O.T, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO, and Red Velvet, among others. Over the years, several SM artists have sought to expand their horizons by launching their own fashion and entertainment labels.
Presented below are the former and current SM Entertainment artists with their own labels.
Tony An (Former H.O.T) – TN NATION ENTERTAINMENT [2002]
Andy (Shinhwa) – New Dream Entertainment or TOP MEDIA [2005]
SHINHWA – SHINHWA COMPANY [2011]
Jessica Jung (Former Girls’ Generation) – BLANC & ECLARE [2014] (More of a Fashion label than a record label)
Super Junior – LABEL SJ [2015]
Tao (Former EXO) – L.TAO ENTERTAINMENT [2017]
Henry Lau (Former Super Junior-M) – MONSTER ENTERTAINMENT GROUP [2018]
Luhan (Former EXO) – LuHan Studio [2018]
Lay (EXO) – CHROMOSOME ENTERTAINMENT [2020]
Luna [f(x)] – Grida Entertainment [2021]
Xiah Junsu (Former TVXQ) – PALMTREE ISLAND [2021]
D.O. (EXO) – COMPANY SOOSOO [2023]
Baekhyun (EXO) – INB100 [2023]
Donghae & Eunhyuk (Super Junior) – ODE Entertainment [2023]
Jaejoong (Former TVXQ) – iNKODE [2023]
These SM idols establishing their own labels marks a significant shift in the K-pop landscape, highlighting the era of creative independence and entrepreneurship.
