SM Entertainment Launches Southeast Asia’s First K-Pop Training Academy In Singapore

SM Entertainment‘s SM Universe (Singapore) is set to launch Southeast Asia’s first K-Pop training academy at *SCAPE in Singapore this June 2025, marking a significant step in the region’s growing demand for K-Pop education. With an impressive 423% increase in K-Pop streaming on Spotify across Southeast Asia from 2018 to 2023, the region has solidified its position as one of the world’s leading hubs for K-Pop consumption.

A New Era for Aspiring K-Pop Stars in Southeast Asia

The new academy, established by SM Universe (Singapore), aims to tap into this ever-expanding interest by offering aspiring K-Pop artists in Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region the opportunity to hone their talents through world-class training. The academy will be located at *SCAPE, a prominent youth-oriented hub in Singapore, and will provide a unique platform for aspiring K-Pop stars to develop their skills under the guidance of industry veterans from the K-Pop scene.

Jang JaeWon, CEO of SM Universe, expressed excitement about the expansion into Southeast Asia. “SM Universe is excited to expand into Southeast Asia and nurture new talent,” said JaeWon. “This academy will provide aspiring K-Pop artists in the region with world-class education and serve as a springboard for their growth as they pursue their dreams on the international stage.”

The flagship programme offered at the academy will be a 21-week intensive training course, focusing on vital K-Pop skills such as vocals, dance, music production, and stage presence. The programme will culminate in a one-week training session at the SM Universe campus in Seoul, South Korea, where top students will also have the chance to audition with South Korean entertainment agencies.

In addition to the flagship program, short-term courses will be available for individuals looking to further enhance their specific skills.

Shaping the Future of Southeast Asia’s K-Pop Talent

Jonathan Ang, Director of SM Universe (Singapore), shared his vision for the academy’s future. “We see strong growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, and the establishment of a Singapore campus demonstrates our commitment to fostering talent and providing unparalleled growth opportunities for young artists in Southeast Asia,” Jonathan stated. “We look forward to seeing the talent that will emerge from our academy.”

SM Universe (Singapore) aims to equip its students with a comprehensive skill set that includes vocal techniques, dancing, music production, and stage presence, essential qualities for artists to excel in the fast-paced K-Pop industry. By developing these skills, the academy hopes to nurture the next generation of global stars who will have the opportunity to perform internationally and pursue their dreams on a global scale.

SM Entertainment, the parent company of SM Universe, is home to some of the most successful K-Pop groups and artists, including NCT, aespa, and RIIZE. Through the academy, SM Universe (Singapore) aims to discover and cultivate the next big talent to represent Southeast Asia on the global stage.