SM Co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyeok and Tak Young-jun Selected for Billboard's '2026 Indie Power Players' [Official]

*This content was translated by AI.

SM Entertainment (hereinafter SM) Co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyeok and Tak Young-jun have been selected for Billboard's '2026 Indie Power Players' list, as chosen by the U.S. music trade publication Billboard.

Billboard announced the '2026 Indie Power Players' on the 8th (local time) via its official website, including SM's Co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyeok and Tak Young-jun on this year's list. Co-CEO Tak Young-jun has appeared on the list for five consecutive years since 2022, while Co-CEO Jang Cheol-hyeok has been named for three consecutive years since 2024.

The 'Indie Power Players' is a list that Billboard has published annually since 2017, recognizing leaders of labels and distributors outside the three major U.S. labels—Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group—who have achieved independent success in the global music market.

Co-CEO Jang Cheol-hyeok stated, "At the beginning of the year, we announced the 'SM NEXT 3.0' strategy and are pursuing various attempts and changes to further enhance creative capabilities within the organization. If SM continues to create and develop new trends in the future, we believe we will be able to resonate with a broader global fanbase."

Co-CEO Tak Young-jun added, "Recently, it has become more important for artist content to deliver an experience to fans. Therefore, we are making significant efforts to expand beyond music to include spaces where fans consume and engage with content, ensuring the delivery of consistent stories and experiences."

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*This content was translated by AI.