SM Entertainment (hereinafter SM)'s affiliated educational institution SM UNIVERSE opened a K-pop training academy in Singapore on Jan. 24, becoming the first Korean entertainment corporations to open a local campus in partnership with a local company.
This opening goes beyond a simple expansion of educational facilities and is a case of an official overseas launch of a Korean-style arts education curriculum. SM joint CEO Jang Cheol-hyeok and CAO Lee Sung-soo, Edwin Tong, minister of law and second minister for home affairs of Singapore, Andy Lim, chairman of SM UNIVERSE Singapore, RIIZE's Anton and Sohee attended to celebrate the start of the global campus.
SM UNIVERSE Singapore is a K-pop training academy specializing in vocals, dance, performance and songwriting, and is located at SCAPE, a youth community center in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore's tourism and cultural hub. As the first academy presented outside of Korea, it plans to provide systematic and professional K-pop education to promising talents across Southeast Asia and discover and nurture the next generation of global stars.
SM joint CEO Jang Cheol-hyeok said at the opening ceremony, "This is the first time in K-pop history that a large Korean entertainment corporations has established a K-pop training institution to educate not only Korean students but also foreign students, formed partnerships with overseas organizations and opened a local campus," explaining the significance of this opening.
Lee Sung-soo, CAO, said, "K-pop is not simply catchy melodies or powerful performances. K-pop is a 'language of empathy' that sings of a healthy mind, hope and love, and it connects young people around the world beyond borders," explaining the cultural role and value of K-pop.
Minister Edwin Tong said, "One of the three goals I set while serving as culture minister was to enable as many Singaporean artists as possible to reach the global stage. Partnering with SM UNIVERSE will be a groundbreaking opportunity for more young artists to train with professionals, use their international networks and showcase themselves on the world stage," expressing his expectations.
Meanwhile, SM UNIVERSE is a comprehensive arts education corporation jointly established by SM and Jongno Academy, an entrance exam preparation institution. Under the vision 'Beyond Your Dream,' it is breaking the mold of existing arts education and creating a new form of arts education institution together with various educational content and technology partners.
[Photo] SM Entertainment
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