Co-CEOs Jang Chul-hyuk and Tak Young-jun of SM Entertainment (hereinafter SM) have been selected as Billboard's 'Global Power Players.'
Billboard in the United States announced on the 19th (local time) through its official website that Jang Chul-hyuk and Tak Young-jun, co-CEOs of SM, were named in the 'Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players,' once again proving SM's global stature.
'Global Power Players' is a list that Billboard announces every year to recognize leaders who excel in the music market outside the United States. This year, the name was changed from 'International Power Players' to 'Global Power Players.' Tak Young-jun has been selected for four consecutive years since 2022, and Jang Chul-hyuk has been selected for two consecutive years following last year, underscoring their influence as global leaders.
Billboard noted that 'SM has succeeded in the world tour,' mentioning that Aespa will hold a total of 43 performances in 28 regions worldwide from June 2024 to March 2025, and highlighted that the debut single 'Ariana' by the British boy group 'dearALICE,' presented in collaboration with Kakao Entertainment, placed second on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart, stating that it has brought about a new change to the K-pop model.
Meanwhile, SM, marking its 30th anniversary in 2025, has announced a new slogan, 'THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE,' and is showcasing various content. Notably, after performances in Seoul, Mexico City, and Los Angeles, 'SMTOWN LIVE 2025' is set to continue in London in June and Tokyo in August.
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