An analysis of SM Entertainment’s ownership structure amidst its global-local expansion

Abstract

This study illustrates the evolving composition of stakeholders in SM Entertainment, a leading agency in the K-pop sector. This article aims to provide an overview of the company’s strategic growth initiatives and its adept maneuvering within the framework of global capitalism. It demonstrates the increasing mix of domestic and international entities within SM Entertainment’s ownership, analyzing how this diversified blend is influencing the power dynamics in the global entertainment industry. The research methodically gathers and analyses data from a variety of sources, including SM Entertainment’s official website, its annual financial reports, and various news outlets. The research provides concrete empirical data on the strategic balancing undertaken by SM Entertainment as it transitioned from a regional entertainment firm to an international force. It examines in detail the company’s diverse ownership composition and the intricate mechanisms driving this change. The study sheds light on the wider consequences of this transition in the entertainment sector, touching upon both cultural and business aspects, within the framework of an increasingly globalized world.