List of SM Entertainment artists

SM Entertainment, established in 1989 as SM Studio by music producer Lee Soo-man, is one of South Korea's largest and most influential entertainment companies and a cornerstone of the modern K-pop industry. Known for pioneering the idol training system, SM developed a structured approach to developing talent in singing, dancing, and performance that later became a blueprint for other agencies. SM debuted its first artist, Hyun Jin-young, in 1990, who has been credited with introducing rapping and hip hop music to South Korean audiences.

After changing its name to SM Entertainment in 1995, the company debuted its first idol group, H.O.T., in 1996, whose successful formula became the model for many K-pop groups. At the turn of the 21st century, amid industry-wide declines in domestic record sales, SM turned to other East Asian markets, debuting soloist BoA. In 2002, BoA became the first Korean artist to top the Oricon Albums Chart, a feat that is credited with opening the door for other K-pop artists in the country.

Over its history, SM has been home to a diverse array of successful idol groups, including S.E.S., TVXQ, Girls' Generation, Super Junior, Shinee, Exo, Red Velvet, NCT, and Aespa, as well as top soloists such as BoA, Taeyeon, Taemin and Baekhyun. As a talent agency, SM additionally represents numerous actors and entertainers. Artists under SM Entertainment are part of a collective known as SM Town.