When did you think SM was truly over as top company? 11
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2000-2001 (0) 0%
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Late 2009 (1) 9%
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2014 (1) 9%
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2017 (6) 55%
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2023 (2) 18%
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Other (1) 9%
SM Ent created the kpop system as we know of today with top acts like H.O.T, S.E.S and Shinhwa. But later on they seemed to be not unable to keep the successful streak, often have many scandals damaged not only the artists but company itself. In addition to that, other companies have been always catching up and actually surpassed SM.
Here are some major points I can think of:
1. Around 2000-2001: LSM left to US, S.E.S disbanded, H.O.T disbanded and JTL lawsuit, Shinhwa left, unsucessful ggs debut
This is the most crisis period ever for SM, fortunately they had BoA (and later DBSK) to reclaim the top position.
2. Late 2009: JYJ lawsuit lead to DBSK's split, SNSD's underwhelming comeback, f(x)'s debut was not too well-received
It's not as damaging as 2000-2001 period. But this time there was no one at BoA/DBSK level to save them. There was Super Junior but that's it.
This's also the time YG's debut a girl group with huge success, cemented YG as a top company contender.
SM had to wait until EXO hit it big to recover a bit.
3. 2014: 2 EXO (SM's last hope) members left.
A big scandal but somehow it didn't affect EXO's power.
4. 2017: BTS rising as global group
First time for a while SM did have a top group
5. 2023: LSM left, followed by 10 artists, BCX lawsuit
