Harnessing Expertise: Is Super M a Reaction to BTS?
Recent discussions have centered around whether SM Entertainment, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, created the new boy group Super M as a direct response to BTS's soaring global success. However, upon closer examination, this view does not hold up to scrutiny.
No Taemin, an executive at SM Entertainment, emphasized that the group was a long-term planning project, awaiting the right moment to launch. This perspective underscores an internal strategic decision rather than a reactionary move.
The rationale behind Super M's formation extends beyond mere response to BTS's success. SM Entertainment has positioned itself as a company that aspires to broaden its global footprint, particularly in Western markets. This ambition aligns with their long-term vision for the group, as highlighted by the origins of the idea. Capitol Records, a major Western music label, was originally behind the concept of a "supergroup," aiming to create a harmonious merger of talents from different backgrounds.
Questioning the Thwarted Perspective
Nullifying the argument that SM Entertainment was threatened by BTS's success, one must delve into the timeline and strategic context. BTS's recognition began in earnest in 2016 and has since solidified their global presence. It remains paradoxical to propose that SM Entertainment should have created Super M last year or at any other point in the past. Such reasoning is flawed due to several factors:
Firstly, SM Entertainment's calendar over the past few years suggests no rush or urgency. Their lineup of artists, including NCT 2018, NCT 127, SHINee, and EXO, indicates a diverse and resourceful roster that has been actively managed. These concurrent projects demonstrate a strategic and well-planned roster expansion, rather than a response to an immediate perceived threat.
Secondly, the collaboration with Bighit, the management company behind BTS, for a joint music enterprise under Super M falls into a different category. This partnership represents a strategic alliance, not an opportunistic move fueled by fear. Such collaborations are rare and could signify joint efforts in talent management and market expansion.
Potential Behind the Scenes
A high-end company like SM Entertainment surely has more pressing and significant concerns than merely addressing perceived competition from BTS. Not only do they manage their own artists with varying levels of international recognition, but they also oversee the development of new talent and the expansion of their global brand.
It's improbable that a company with such a wealth of talent and resources would be so obsessed with the success of a single group. Moreover, competitive behavior is not a typical corporate strategy. Instead of a famed rivalry, the creation of Super M might be a forward-thinking move to explore new markets and collaborate internationally.
The strategic move to combine the best of multiple artist groups under the Super M umbrella is a testament to SM Entertainment's foresight and ambition. It places a strong emphasis on talent and collaboration, rather than competition.
Global Entertainers: SM's Future Ambitions
No Taemin's assertion suggests that SM Entertainment is not solely focused on maintaining their lead in South Korea. Instead, the company is looking to the future, where they can branch out and create opportunities for artists to succeed on the global stage. The formation of Super M is a step towards this goal, potentially leading to stronger international collaborations and a more diverse artistic output.
The idea that the world revolves solely around BTS and adopting a humble stance towards their success is a call to broader perspectives in the entertainment industry. It's essential to understand that while BTS's success is undoubtedly remarkable, it does not overshadow the strategic decisions and long-term plans of major entertainment companies like SM Entertainment.
Skeptics who see Super M as a reaction to BTS's success might miss the broader picture. The creation of Super M signifies a strategic vision for the future, driven by a combination of internal wisdom and external collaboration. This move reflects a forward-thinking approach to talent management and global entertainment.