BoA Celebrates 28 Years with SM Entertainment in Emotional Tribute

In a heartfelt segment aired on January 28th, K-pop legend BoA opened up about her incredible 28-year journey with SM Entertainment during the SBS variety show 'K-POP The Beginning: SMTOWN 30'. This special episode not only celebrated her legacy but also featured a compilation of thrilling performances from the recent SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [The Culture, The Future] concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, which marked the 30th anniversary of the iconic entertainment company.

As the program's host, BoA reflected on her extensive career, including her time as a trainee. She poignantly remarked, "I’ve spent my teenage years, twenties, and thirties here, so it feels more like a school than a company." Her words resonated with many fans, highlighting the profound bond she has forged with SM Entertainment throughout the years.

BoA wasn't the only artist to share her journey during the episode. SHINee’s Key, who has been with the company for two decades after starting as a trainee in middle school, humorously acknowledged his long tenure, saying, “I’ve been with SM for 20 years now, and I’m way up there now.” BoA playfully quipped in response, “If this were any other company, I might have retired by now and collected my retirement bonus,” which prompted laughter from both the audience and viewers at home.

The 'K-POP The Beginning: SMTOWN 30' special serves as a remarkable celebration of the rich history of SM Entertainment, a powerhouse has significantly influenced the evolution of K-pop. The company has not only launched the careers of countless artists but has also played a pivotal role in globalizing the Korean wave. The episode stands as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and passion that artists like BoA bring to the industry.

As K-pop continues to grow and evolve, BoA's reflections offer a glimpse into the commitment it takes to thrive in such a competitive field. Fans can look forward to more engaging stories from K-pop icons as the series unfolds, revealing the deep-rooted connections that have shaped the genre and its artists over the last three decades. Don't miss your chance to witness these emotional tributes and spectacular performances that define the essence of K-pop!