SM's most redeeming quality

Contract extension: in contrast with the alleged 'slave contracts' some K-pop fans love to discuss, they have the highest artist retention of all the K-pop companies, absolute and percentage wise with even lots of 1st gen/2nd gen artists still being affiliated with SM after 10-15+ years. Probably also because SM seems to really help out their artists with their solo music endeavours and other individual activities right from the start until long after their peak.

Sticking with their artists: although SM suck big time are really weak, unresponsive and weirdly ineffective at slander rumor handling and reputation protection (their own and their artists'), they do stick with their artists and don't drop them in a blink at the merest hint of a serious scandal, like some others do.

Coaching/training: their coaching and training program is pretty good, especially their vocal coaching, even representatives and artists of other companies were impressed by SM vocal experts after they got a few vocal sessions. But also their dancing training, NCT's and other SM groups' dance skills are pretty good, Taeyong is a good example but not the only example of solid dance training.

... they used to include overall entertainment skills and training, which led to groups like Super Junior and SNSD being top variety kings and queens but also other SM groups and artists being good at variety entertainment - but unfortunately this doesn't seem to be part of the program anymore, probably due to the k-pop scene in general focusing internationally and moving away from (or prioritising less) Korean public and Korean TV and variety shows.

Not afraid to experiment: of all the big K-pop companies, ever since 2nd gen SM have been the most daring in breaking away from the mold and mainstream trend, not only in music but also in other ways. Going for large groups as 1 of the first in K-pop, having a tomboy like Amber or a fat guy like Shindong in their groups, having split groups (EXO-K, EXO-M) or rotational subgroups (NCT), SM Station, SM Classics and so on.

They don’t give up on their idols.

They got there first

The music CAN be pretty out there

Quote from FoReveries

having a tomboy like Amber or a fat guy like Shindong in their groups

idk why but this is sending me

For me it is the guarantee that they will continue getting songs and albums even if they don't do the best on charts. One thing about SM is that they will make you work even if you flop lol

I also like how solo album and songs are almost guaranteed in SM.

Vocals. I like how they train all their trainees in vocals. You can say anything bad about SM idols but not their vocals. That is why listen to them the most. It's so amazing.

And lately they never give up on their idols be it like scandal or age. I won't mention the scandals but age like Super Junior, Tvxq, Boa and Kangta. I'm also happy with their treatment of Exo in that all of them except Sehun got solos. And they are having a group cb this year. This fact makes me give all my brownnie points to them.

Then music. The only music I don't really jive to is Nct 127. But the rest, I love them.

getting rid of lee soo man at last

Quote from FoReveries

although SM suck big time are really weak, autistic/unresponsive and weirdly ineffective at slander rumor handling and reputation protection (their own and their artists')

ayo i know you don't mean harm but please refrain using this word as unfavorable quality of a person, thanksss

Quote from yabxtc

I don't think anyone that is under an entertainment company makes music for the arts

This

especially in kpop,lol

yeah when SM says full album they mean FULL ALBUM, not 8 songs which is the new trend with other companies

They pay attention to their groups vocals and they stick with their senior idols is they want too.

other:

If you're part of an older group and still want to be an idol, you can do it. Sm doesn't disband older groups as often as the other labels because they understand they make their legacy stronger

Quote from turtleneckjoon

ayo i know you don't mean harm but please refrain using this word as unfavorable quality of a person, thanksss

Fair point. I'll keep it in mind

Vocal talents of their group, high music quality, not only the title track but also giving good album songs and longevity of groups. I think Sm values music and art. I feel this the most in SM.

Talented vocalists, good vocal production, good disco (mostly)

Most importantly they have Exo

(I vote ) they don't give up on their idols after a scandal

I want to add
maybe SM ent
more into domestic (Korean ) taste of music?
not cater into the west

Quote from Selynn

Vocal talents of their group, high music quality, not only the title track but also giving good album songs and longevity of groups. I think Sm values music and art. I feel this the most in SM.

same for me !