BoA Ends 25-Year Exclusive Contract With SM: “I’m Leaving Without Regrets, Having Given and Received Without Holding Back”

[Financial News] Singer BoA is leaving SM Entertainment (SM), the agency she has been with for 25 years since her debut.
On the 12th, BoA wrote on her Instagram, “I’m leaving without regrets, having given and received without holding back,” expressing her feelings about ending her exclusive contract with SM.
She continued, “I am grateful for the time we spent together, and I will continue to support the ever-shining SM Entertainment. Thank you.”
Earlier the same day, SM announced, “BoA has agreed to conclude our 25-year journey together as of December 31 last year.”
SM stated, “BoA has, up to and beyond the 25th anniversary of her debut, been loved by global music fans across Asia as a pioneer of the Korean Wave and an ‘icon of overseas expansion’ as well as the ‘Star of Asia.’ She has become a role model for countless juniors leading the K-pop boom. As a trailblazer and pioneer, the path BoA has walked could shine thanks to her relentless effort and passion, which produced remarkable achievements and unparalleled records.”
They went on, “For 25 years, BoA has been undeniably the pride, honor, and symbol of SM. We will be cheering her on as she fully demonstrates her capabilities in the new activities and challenges she will take on, and continues to shine even more brightly as the ‘Star of Asia.’”
They added, “We also support the future of Kwon Bo-ah as a person, not just as an artist, and sincerely hope she will be happy.”
BoA debuted in 2000 at the age of 13 and has released numerous songs, including “No. 1,” “Atlantis Princess,” and “Only One,” receiving immense love as she actively promoted her music.
Starting her activities in Japan in 2001, BoA also gained huge popularity there, leading the K-pop Korean Wave by becoming the first Korean singer to have two albums achieve million-seller status on the Japanese Oricon music charts. In recognition of these achievements, she was appointed a non-registered director of SM Entertainment Co., Ltd. in March 2014.
newssu@fnnews.com Kim Su-yeon Reporter