“30 Years, How Many Victims?” – SM Entertainment Faces Backlash During 30th Anniversary Celebrations Amid Ongoing Controversies

SM Entertainment has come under fire from fans following the release of a promotional film to commemorate its 30th anniversary. On October 22, 2024, SM Town Global unveiled a YouTube video titled THE CULTURE – SM ENTERTAINMENT 30th ANNIVERSARY, which celebrates the company’s influential history and highlights iconic groups like H.O.T., S.E.S., Girls’ Generation, among others. However, although the film aimed to recognize the contributions of various artists to the K-pop scene, many online users voiced their dissatisfaction, accusing SM of neglecting its artists and not safeguarding their rights.

Prior to this, on October 13, the agency drew international criticism after rookie idol Seunghan announced his departure from the boy group RIIZE due to severe bullying from anti-fans. Disturbingly, he received death wreaths placed outside of SM Entertainment’s headquarters in Seoul by fans who wished for his exit from the group.

Fans directed their anger toward SM Entertainment for failing to protect Seunghan during his time with the group. Many took to social media to share their opinions regarding the recent film.

“At least one member from each group was damaged by your unprofessional conduct! Is there really anything worth celebrating? Thirty years and how many victims?”- voiced a concerned fan.

“Happy 30th anniversary of being a terrible company. Just remember, @SMTOWNGLOBAL, karma doesn’t forget.” – wrote another dissatisfied fan.

“Every SM fandom is demanding something, and I’m in tears seeing the anger.” – commented a user.

As SM Entertainment celebrated its three decades, fans continued to express outrage over the perceived mistreatment of artists.

“I’m sorry, but what kind of culture deserves everlasting recognition? The culture of making empty promises to protect artists while taking no real action? The culture of ignoring the majority of fan voices while catering to toxic, delusional ones?” – lamented a fan.

“The audacity to include Shinhwa after robbing them of their rights and being embroiled in a legal battle for more than a decade, this company is simply tone-deaf.” – remarked another user.

“After 30 years, SM has blacklisted Kim Jaejoong from broadcast opportunities for 15 of those. A diminutive, disgraceful company that spends its existence mistreating individuals and failing to show basic humanity.” – expressed another disappointed fan.

Netizens echoed these sentiments, highlighting the company’s ongoing neglect of its artists.

“No way are we celebrating you; you’ve proven time after time how terrible a company you are. Just look at recent events; we can only feel sympathy for the groups under your management.” – declared a user.

“They’ve mastered the art of emotional manipulation. After three decades, you still can’t figure out how to nurture and protect your artists. It’s just pathetic.” – stated another.

“No one manipulates emotions quite like SM Entertainment; it’s unbelievable.” – a user remarked.

Omission of Certain Groups from 30th Anniversary Film Raises Eyebrows

On October 22, 2024, SM Entertainment released a brand film that celebrates their 30-year journey in the entertainment industry both in South Korea and internationally, featuring several renowned K-pop artists and groups. However, some netizens on TheQoo pointed out that several K-pop artists and groups were notably absent from the video.

Excluded from the film were artists such as Chinese singer-songwriter Zhang Liyin, boy group Black Beat, R&B duo ISAK N JIYEON, M.I.L.K., and The Grace, a counterpart to TVXQ.

While some fans felt that SM should have acknowledged all artists contributing to the agency’s storied past, others argued that the absence of these groups could be justified by their reportedly smaller fanbases.

In the meantime, THE CULTURE – SM ENTERTAINMENT 30th ANNIVERSARY is now available for streaming on the SMTOWN YouTube channel.

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