[instiz] BOA HAS OFFICIALLY LEFT SM ENTERTAINMENT

"Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

First, we would like to sincerely thank all BoA fans and everyone who has always loved and supported the artist BoA. After long and in-depth discussions with BoA, we have mutually agreed to conclude our 25-year journey together as of December 31.

BoA, who debuted in 2000 at the age of 13, has been loved by global music fans as an “icon of overseas expansion” and the “Star of Asia,” pioneering the Korean Wave throughout Asia even now, 25 years after her debut. She has also become a role model for countless juniors leading the K-pop wave. As a pioneer and trailblazer, BoA’s journey has shone brightly, leaving remarkable achievements and unparalleled records through her relentless effort and passion.

From BoA’s special debut that wrote a new history in Korean pop music to her growth into a No.1 artist and producer today, we cherish every moment. It has been a great honor for us to walk alongside her brilliant journey. For 25 years, BoA has truly been SM’s pride, honor, and symbol.

Although our exclusive contract with her is coming to an end, we will wholeheartedly support BoA as she fully showcases her abilities through new activities and challenges, continuing an even more radiant path as the “Star of Asia.” We ask for your continued love and interest in BoA’s future as it unfolds anew.

We also support the future of “Kwon BoA,” the person beyond the artist, and sincerely wish her happiness."

안녕하세요, SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/5G4ZLUka1u

— BoA Official (@BoA_Official) January 12, 2026

 

Original post: here

1. Heol (t/n: woah)

2. Wasn’t she an internal director or something?

3. Wow, that’s shocking

4. Huh?? Isn’t she a producer?

5. Wow… BoA not being SM anymore…

6. So does that mean she won’t fulfill her role of a director anymore?
> But she was just an honorary director, not an actual one.

7. Wasn’t she an executive?

8. Debuting at 13… she was so young, now that I think about it. She really went through a lot

9. Then does that mean she’s quitting producing for NCT WISH too?
> It really feels like SM’s first generation is officially ending now that Soo-man’s gone…

10. I’m a BoA fan, and this feels really bittersweet… what happens to her Japan contract?

11. Whoa, so it’s really true
> Wait, then what about NCT WISH?
> Like, what happens to WISH now…?

12. Holy crap… SM without BoA?!

13. Wow, I really thought BoA would never leave.

14. For me, when I think of SM, the first thing that comes to mind is BoA…

15. I never thought BoA would be the one to leave…

16. I seriously thought she’d stay forever, doing various things as a director and all.