Sookmyung and SM Universe Join Forces to Nurture Talent for the Global K-POP Industry
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2025-11-05
Sookmyung Women’s University is partnering with SM Universe, the education subsidiary of SM Entertainment, to promote the systematic development of K-POP—now a leading force in global cultural trends. The collaboration draws attention as a new model of industry–academia cooperation, combining the strengths of a university and a major global K-POP entertainment group to expand the educational and research ecosystem of the Korean Wave.
On November 3 (Mon), Sookmyung Women’s University held a signing ceremony at its on-campus Chang Bong-ae AI Center to establish a cooperative framework with SM Universe for operating K-POP music education programs. President Moon Si-yeun of Sookmyung Women’s University, CEO Jang Jae-won of SM Universe, and other key officials attended the event.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will jointly develop and operate K-POP education programs, collaborate on related research, and support various student initiatives. The partnership aims to strengthen the foundation of the K-POP industry and enhance its global competitiveness. The cooperation will encompass all educational units operated by Sookmyung Women’s University, including undergraduate programs, specialized graduate programs, the International Language Institute, short-term programs, and the Future Education Institute.
The agreement represents a strategic collaboration between academia and industry to support the global expansion of K-POP and cultivate skilled professionals, and it is expected to generate meaningful synergy between two institutions with expertise in Korean cultural content.
SM Universe, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment, operates a comprehensive education system covering vocals, dance, composition and songwriting, entertainment business, and entertainment technology. It offers specialized programs for both youth and adults and is expanding its global network, including efforts to establish a K-POP training academy in Singapore.
Approaching its 120th anniversary next year, Sookmyung Women’s University has declared its vision to become a “global university at the center of the Korean Wave.” The university is preparing to launch the Hallyu International College, an undergraduate program exclusively for international students, and is expanding its graduate-level K-Culture offerings with new departments in K-POP, K-Content, K-Beauty Cosmetics, and K-Food.
SM Universe CEO Jang Jae-won said, “Through our collaboration with Sookmyung Women’s University, we expect to operate a more systematic and professional K-POP education program. We will continue discovering future talent through diverse educational content and hands-on training.”
President Moon Si-yeun added, “This agreement marks the beginning of a new model of K-POP education that combines university curricula with industry-based practical experience. On the stage built together by Sookmyung and SM Universe, countless young people will transform their dreams into their majors and their passion into their future.”