SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - Three executives from SM Entertainment have been named to "Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players list," which recognizes influential leaders in the global music industry outside the United States, the company said Tuesday. Included on the list were SM Co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun, along with Choi Jung-min, the company’s chief global officer.
Billboard’s Global Power Players list highlights executives who have driven the international music industry outside the United States.
Tak has appeared on the list for five consecutive years since 2022, while Jang was selected for the third straight year since 2024, according to the company. Choi was included for the first time, reflecting her role overseeing the company’s global branding and business operations.
The recognition comes as SM continues to expand its global presence. In 2025, the company marked its 30th anniversary with projects including concerts, album releases, orchestral performances and pop-up events across Asia, the Americas and Europe. Over the past few years, SM’s operating profit has more than doubled, rising from 74.1 billion won ($50.3 million) in 2021 to 183 billion won in 2025, up 147 percent.
In January of 2026, SM also announced its "SM NEXT 3.0" strategy, which focuses on sustainable growth through the development of new intellectual property and expanded global business initiatives.
Executives from other major K-pop industries were also included on this year’s list, including HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk and JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, along with other senior executives from the companies.
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