SM Entertainment Launches K-Pop Academy in Singapore

SM Entertainment, the influential South Korean entertainment company known for global sensations like Aespa, NCT, and Riize, has officially inaugurated its first K-pop training academy in Southeast Asia. The SM Universe Singapore, located at *SCAPE along Orchard Road, marks a significant milestone as the company’s first educational venture outside South Korea.

Since its soft launch in June 2025, the academy has introduced over 70 programmes and trained more than 600 students from over 10 countries. These programmes encompass a wide range of disciplines, including vocals, dance, performance, and production. In January 2025, the academy unveiled its flagship professional training programme, a selective 10-week course designed for industry-level training. This course concludes with a one-week enrichment experience at SM Universe Seoul, providing students with opportunities to audition for various Korean entertainment agencies.

Supporting Young Talent

During the opening ceremony on January 24, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong emphasized Singapore’s commitment to nurturing the arts and supporting emerging creative talent on the global stage. He remarked that initiatives like SM Universe Singapore are instrumental in giving young people access to high-quality training and international networks.

“It’s one thing to be a professional in the arts in your own space, but it’s another to be able to tap into international networks, to collaborate, and to use that platform to showcase yourself,” Tong stated. He highlighted the importance of having such a facility locally, allowing students to collaborate with experts who possess extensive networks both in Korea and internationally.

Daniel Jang, Chief Executive of SM Universe, described the Singapore campus as a groundbreaking initiative. “This is the first time in K-pop history that a major entertainment company has established a K-pop training institution to educate both Korean and international students, while also partnering with overseas institutions to open local campuses abroad,” he explained.

The Essence of K-Pop

At the launch event, Chris Lee, Chief A&R Officer of SM Entertainment, elaborated on the essence of K-pop. He noted, “K-pop is not just about catchy melodies or powerful performances. It is a language of empathy that sings of a healthy spirit, hope, and love. It connects young people across borders.”

The opening ceremony featured performances by regional students, showcasing their talents before guests toured the new facilities. Members of Riize, Anton and Sohee, also attended the plaque unveiling ceremony, coinciding with their one-night concert in Singapore.

With the establishment of SM Universe Singapore, SM Entertainment aims to enhance the artistic landscape in the region, nurturing a new generation of performers equipped with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the competitive entertainment industry.