Their achievements in the global music market have garnered significant recognition.
They have also been included in the '2026 Global Power Players,' showcasing the global influence of the management.
Co-CEOs of SM Entertainment, Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun, have made it to Billboard's '2026 Indie Power Players' list. Recognized for their significant impact on the global music scene, Tak has been included for five consecutive years since 2022, while Jang has been listed for three years in a row since 2024.
The 'Indie Power Players' list honors leaders from independent labels and distributors who have achieved noteworthy successes, excluding major entities like Universal Music and Sony Music. Billboard annually highlights individuals who display distinctive strategies and outcomes within the music industry.
Jang emphasized the importance of the 'SM NEXT 3.0' strategy introduced earlier this year, indicating a commitment to enhancing creative capabilities within the organization. He also laid out plans to create new trends that will broaden the connections with global fans. Meanwhile, Tak pointed out the growing significance of content experiences in the music industry, highlighting a focus on expanding platforms and spaces where fans can engage consistently. The recognition of both co-CEOs follows their inclusion in the '2026 Global Power Players,' underscoring the global influence of SM Entertainment's management.
The selection of Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun as Billboard’s '2026 Indie Power Players' reaffirms their exceptional capabilities at SM Entertainment. They are not merely executives but visionaries driving the expansion of SM’s influence in the global market. Their commitment to creating new trends positions the company at the forefront of innovation in the industry.
Highlighting the growing importance of content experience in the music industry sheds light on a pivotal shift. As Tak emphasized, the idea of creating spaces where fans feel connected and engaged goes beyond mere music consumption, signaling a future where fan interactions are enriched, thus potentially setting new standards not just for K-pop but for the broader music industry.
Having also been included in the '2026 Global Power Players,' the global influence of SM Entertainment’s management has come into sharper focus. The strategic vision of both co-CEOs is anticipated to positively impact the advancement of the K-pop market.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: SM Entertainment
