10 Legendary SM Entertainment K-Pop Leaders

Many fans are gearing up for SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary concert special that will commence on January 11-12, 2025 at Gocheok Sky Dome and tour in cities like Mexico City and Tokyo. Some of its artists were also featured in an episode of “Game Caterers” where representatives from different K-Idol generations of the company were seen enjoying a day of games and getting together. Considering they are one of the most renowned K-Pop companies for producing classics such as ‘Into The New World’, ‘Sorry Sorry’, ‘Growl’ and more. It is also a given that they have debuted the most well-rounded leaders as well.

To commemorate 30 years of diverse creativity, here are the 10 of SM entertainment leaders that remained an iconic influence in spreading K-Pop across the globe.

 

1. H.O.T.’s Moon HeeJun

Moon HeeJun is the leader of classic boy band H.O.T that released great hits such as ‘Candy’ and ‘We Are The Future’ that are being covered by new generation idols up to this day. He participated in creating many of the group’s music composition and choreography. As the first boy group of the company, he has certainly paved the way for current idols inside and out of the company. Currently, he is busy with personal schedules and is most often seen online with his sensational daughter Jam Jam from “Return of The Superman”.

 

2. TVXQ’s YunHo

After gaining immense fame in 2008, the group underwent separation that caused devastation for many Cassiopeias. However, the duo persevered with the leadership of YunHo and has garnered a loyal following, most especially in Japan. He is commonly known for being a strict and professional leader. Nevertheless, his fiery passion as a dancing machine and leader allowed him to stamp his mark in history books especially with consecutive hits of ‘Keep Your Head Down’ to ‘Catch Me’. He has also debuted as a soloist and has made multiple comebacks since then under his stage name U-Know, the most recent being his 3rd Mini Album “Reality Show”.

 

3. SUPER JUNIOR’s LeeTeuk

SUPER JUNIOR is well-known for being a bridge that connects the older and younger generation within the industry. Their friendly and supportive attitude stems from their humble beginning under the leadership of LeeTeuk. At that time, it was uncommon to have such a large group but he accomplished his role with courage. Through the many accidents that happened to the members, the group remains strong. He assures fans by explaining situations of members thoroughly via the event or live broadcast to avoid misunderstandings. EunHyuk once said “If Teuki hyung wasn’t here, I wonder if SUPER JUNIOR would last? I have these thoughts. He plays the most important role”. Currently, he is still active with SUPER JUNIOR promotions while also doing hosting events.

 

4. Girls’ Generation’s TaeYeon

Girls’ Generation caused a global K-Pop phenomenon with ‘Gee’ which influenced a new generation of idols. For the group’s “Kid Leader”, TaeYeon carried the role with pride and responsibility. She remains firm on decisions and provides comfort for her members. She has also provided a substantial amount to the group’s creative direction. This is easily seen in the present wherein despite each member taking their own path, a grounded leader allows the members to go back to one another. Now, she is recognized as one of the top soloists of the country with a recent comeback called ‘Letters To Myself’.

 

5. SHINee’s Onew

SHINee is a group with incredible talent and a chaotic atmosphere. Among them is their leader, Onew. Not only is he recognized for his amazing vocals, he is also regarded as a silent leader. He reflects on himself well stating that he recognizes the weight of his influence on another thus becoming more attentive to his words and actions. Although he is soft spoken, the members listen to him well. MinHo mentioned once that even if Onew is the leader, he does not see himself as being higher than his members but as equals. With such a mindset, it solidifies the core essence of the group. His contract with SM has ended and is now signed to a new company to pursue his solo activities with a new EP called “CONNECTION” coming on January 6, 2025.

 

6. f(x)’ Victoria

Despite being a foreigner, Victoria Song has been chosen as the group’s leader. Her mother-like aura has given the members immense support throughout their promotions. Her unique aura and empathetic nature was clearly recognized by the public as well. Now, she is promoting in China as an actress and artist

 

7. EXO’s SuHo

EXO gained worldwide recognition with their hit song ‘Growl’ and a unique concept that would later set the tone for succeeding groups. As the members debuted at such a young age, SuHo took the role of providing comfort for the foreign and younger members by even letting them sleep beside him. A well-known anecdote within the fandom is the fact that he shares his credit card anytime his members need it. With all those achievements and recognitions, he remains humble. In their Japan fanmeet DVD, SeHun shares that SuHo’s leadership is a big factor to EXO’s longevity. He continues as a soloist under SM with a 3rd mini album entitled “1 to 3”.

 

8. Red Velvet’s Irene

Irene is mostly known for her visuals showing an outer “cold face”, it is actually the opposite when it comes to Irene’s personality. In terms of leadership style, she is more of an “actions speaks louder than words”, a silent pillar providing warmth to her members. She gladly cooks for her members’ enjoyment and often bundles them up to keep warm. As the leader, she’s unafraid to put a foot down on matters that concern the safety and privacy of the group. According to Wendy, “She knows every member better than anybody else.”. Irene just made her debut as a soloist with a mini album called “Like A Flower”.

 

9. NCT’s TaeYong

TaeYong, despite starting his career rough, continued to prove through time his resilience, talent and professional attitude. His creative and musical contribution has solidified NCT’s identity in the industry that the adjective “neo” can be associated with the brand. His position of leader for an ever expanding group is also complicated, yet he never leaves anyone out. As the units keep adding, he makes sure to welcome them with open arms and often treat them to good food. His impressive repertoire also lists the roles of main rapper and dancer, being an undeniable ace. Before enlisting in the army, he released his 2nd mini album, “TAP”.

 

10. aespa’s Karina

Karina, contrary to her strong aura, actually has a soft and goofy personality which is well known amongst the fandom. However, she is highly regarded as an effective leader for prioritizing communication among the members. She takes into consideration everyone’s thoughts and feelings and is unafraid to raise these concerns for further improvement. Even with her busy schedule, she is always present for her members may it be through Instagram or Bubble. Among fans of multiple groups, they call Karina as “Everybody’s leader” as seen with fancams of her directing RIIZE’s WonBin and NCT DREAM into cheering for the performing group. NingNing on their Sports Seoul Interview shares “Karina is the oldest, so I love that she takes care of the younger members and supports them even when she’s having a hard time.” which goes to show her outstanding performance as a leader.

 

For honorable mention, BoA and unofficial leaders of RIIZE are SungChan and Shotaro who have contributed to SM Entertainment’s vast history. After going through such an extensive list, it is safe to say that an SM group leader will always be identifiable. Their proactive characteristic and involvement in their groups’ musical and creative process is undeniable. They are also reliable individuals that carry the weight of the group’s identity but the emotional aspect of the members as well. So much is still in store for them as activities continue and new groups are produced where they are often heard to provide support for their hoobaes in the industry.