Dannyka Manangan

K-pop superstar BoA ends contract with SM Entertainment: 'I leave without regrets'

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress BoA, whose real name is Kwon Bo-ah, has officially ended her longtime partnership with SM Entertainment after 25 years.</p><div> </div><p>In an official statement released on Monday, June 12, SM Entertainment announced that the agency and the “No. 1” singer have mutually agreed to conclude their exclusive contract on December 31.</p><div> </div><p>“Hello, this is SM Entertainment. First of all, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jumping BoA and everyone else who has always loved and supported artist BoA,” they said referring to BoA’s fandom name. </p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQo4jCyE7ZR/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A2141694.6999999955%2C%22ls%22%3A177947.19999999553%2C%22le%22%3A177955.29999999702%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="638" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>“After lengthy and in-depth discussions with BoA, we have agreed to conclude our 25-year partnership on December 31st,” they added.</p><div> </div><p>SM Entertainment reflected on BoA’s remarkable journey, starting from her teen years until she became a global K-pop icon.</p><div> </div><p>“Debuting in 2000 at the age of 13, BoA has, now past the 25th anniversary of her debut, been beloved by global music fans as an “icon of global expansion” who pioneered the Korean Wave across Asia and as the “Star of Asia,” and she has become a role model for countless junior artists driving the K-pop boom,” SM Entertainment continued.</p><div> </div><p>“As a trailblazer and pioneer, BoA’s journey has shone thanks to her relentless effort and passion, leaving brilliant achievements and unparalleled records.”</p><div> </div><p>The agency described BoA as its “pride, joy, and symbol,” saying, “From her extraordinary debut that wrote a new chapter in Korean popular music history to her present growth as a No.1 artist and producer, we remember every moment, and it has been a true honor for our company to walk alongside her every step of the way.”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZse10k3ng/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A2141719.799999997%2C%22ls%22%3A177947.19999999553%2C%22le%22%3A177955.29999999702%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="587" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>“For 25 years, BoA has been, without question, the pride, joy, and symbol of SM.”</p><div> </div><p>SM Entertainment then wished BoA an exciting journey and promised to continue supporting her on her future endeavors.</p><div> </div><p>“Although our exclusive contract is coming to an end, we will continue to support BoA as she fully demonstrates her capabilities in the new activities and challenges ahead, and we hope she will shine even brighter as the &#x27;Star of Asia.&#x27;”</p><div> </div><p>They added, “We ask for your continued love and support for BoA as she embarks on this new chapter. We also support the future of Kwon BoA the person, beyond the artist, and sincerely wish her happiness. Thank you.”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-9" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG92972JETf/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A2141748.1999999955%2C%22ls%22%3A177947.19999999553%2C%22le%22%3A177955.29999999702%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-9" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>SM Entertainment also released a tribute video commemorating BoA’s more than two decade-long career. The video featured clips from her trainee days, photoshoots, concerts, behind-the-scenes footage, and tours, accompanied by her songs “Someday Somewhere” (2000) and “Clockwise” from her 11th album released last year.</p><div> </div><p>“For 25 years, the one star who has been a dream to many. We sincerely support every moment of BoA, who will forever shine as No. 1. With deepest respect and gratitude. You still our No.1 BoA,” they said in the caption.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="795" height="447" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wjLQFtT3dCk" title="You still our No.1 BoA" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Following the announcement, BoA expressed her gratitude to SM Entertainment through her official social media accounts.</p><div> </div><p>“Having given and received without holding back, I leave without regrets. I’m grateful for the time we shared and will continue to support the ever-shining SM Entertainment. Thank you,” she wrote.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZxmAeEk6f/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A2142607%2C%22ls%22%3A177947.19999999553%2C%22le%22%3A177955.29999999702%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="612" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Dubbed the “Queen of K-pop,” BoA is known for hit songs such as “ID; Peace B,” “No. 1,” “Valenti,” “Atlantis Princess,” “Milky Way,” and “Double.” She is widely recognized as the first South Korean artist to successfully break into the Japanese music market, paving the way for other Korean acts in the same decade.</p><div> </div><p>In 2009, BoA became the first Korean artist to enter the Billboard 200, which ranks the most popular albums and EPs in the United States. She has also served as a judge and host on talent shows such as <em>K-pop Star</em> and <em>Produce 101</em>, and has ventured into acting.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-11" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBMEsQ4yI8V/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A11%2C%22os%22%3A2142706%2C%22ls%22%3A177947.19999999553%2C%22le%22%3A177955.29999999702%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-11" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>During her previous visit to the Philippines for the Be You 2 advocacy concert, BoA humbly reflected on the title often given to her.</p><div> </div><p>“That’s a huge [title],” BoA, who was smiling shyly, said. “I think I have a long way to go to be an actual Queen of K-pop.”</p><div> </div><p>“I just have a long career, and I really appreciate that I can continue my career. As I’ve said, there’s a long way to go,” she added.</p><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/15/22/k-pop-superstar-boa-i-have-a-long-way-to-go"><strong>READ: Queen of K-pop? ‘I have a long way to go,’ says superstar BoA</strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/7/18/k-pop-icon-boa-to-undergo-surgery-due-to-bone-tissue-condition-1811"><strong>READ: K-Pop icon BoA to undergo surgery due to bone tissue condition</strong></a></div><div> </div><p>She also expressed gratitude for the warm reception from her Filipino fans: “I was pretty shocked that I’ve never been to the Philippines… We had a performance in Cebu and the crowd was so crazy and gave us so much love and support… If there’s more opportunities to come to visit here more often, I can’t wait.”</p><div> </div><div><strong><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=AA2skmwwQ-wHNByr"></script></strong></div>

<p>After 25 years, BoA parts ways with longtime South Korea agency, SM Entertainment.</p>

After 25 years, BoA parts ways with longtime South Korea agency, SM Entertainment.