A new chapter for K-pop dreams has officially begun! On January 24th, SM UNIVERSE, the educational arm of SM Entertainment (hereinafter SM), unveiled its groundbreaking K-pop training academy in Singapore, marking the first time a South Korean entertainment powerhouse has partnered with a local company to establish such a facility abroad.
A New Chapter for K-Pop Dreams
More than just expanding educational horizons, this grand opening signifies a pivotal moment for Korean arts education, as its unique curriculum officially embarks on a global journey. The celebratory event was graced by key figures including SM Co-CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk and CAO Lee Sung-soo, Singapore’s Second Minister for Law and Home Affairs Edwin Tong, SM UNIVERSE Singapore Chairman Andy Lim, and even RIIZE‘s beloved members Anton and Sohee, all coming together to celebrate the dawn of this global campus.
Nurturing Global Talent
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Orchard Road’s SCAPE (Singapore’s youth community center), SM UNIVERSE Singapore is a specialized K-pop training academy dedicated to vocal, dance, performance, and composition. As the very first academy outside South Korea, its heartfelt mission is to offer systematic and professional K-pop education to promising talents across Southeast Asia, nurturing the next generation of global stars to touch hearts worldwide.
During the opening ceremony, SM CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk shared the profound significance of this milestone, stating, “This marks a historic first in K-pop’s rich tapestry – a major Korean entertainment company not only establishing a K-pop training institution to educate both Korean and international students but also forging a partnership with an overseas organization to open a local campus.”
The Heart of K-Pop: A Language of Empathy
Echoing this sentiment, CAO Lee Sung-soo beautifully articulated the enduring power of K-pop, saying, “K-pop is far more than just catchy melodies and powerful performances. It is a language of empathy that sings of a healthy spirit, hope, and love, connecting young hearts across borders and bringing the world closer together.”
Empowering Young Artists
Minister Edwin Tong also shared his hopeful vision, remarking, “One of my three goals during my tenure as Minister for Culture was to enable as many Singaporean artists as possible to step onto the global stage. This partnership with SM UNIVERSE will be a groundbreaking opportunity, allowing more young artists to collaborate with experts, receive top-tier training, and leverage their international networks to showcase themselves to the world.”
Beyond Your Dream: A Vision for Arts Education
Meanwhile, SM UNIVERSE stands as a comprehensive arts education enterprise, born from a heartfelt collaboration between SM and the renowned admissions-specialized educational institution Jongro Hagwon. Guided by the inspiring vision of ‘Beyond Your Dream,’ it continually breaks traditional molds of arts and physical education, crafting innovative new forms of artistic learning alongside diverse educational content and technology partners.
It’s so heartwarming to see K-pop’s beautiful narrative expanding globally, not just as entertainment but as a platform for dreams. This academy feels like a beacon of hope, inviting aspiring artists to truly find their voice and connect with a worldwide audience!
Editor: Hana Lee 🎬
