SM Entertainment remains on top of K-Pop but there are clearly problems within the agency. In its early days, SM laid the foundation for modern day Korean pop with prominent first generation artists that included S.E.S, H.O.T, and Shinhwa.

In the 2000s, SM Entertainment led the movement towards second generation K-Pop with BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, and Girls’ Generation paving the way for SHINee, f(x), and EXO.

SM Entertainment continued to establish itself as a leader in K-Pop, but it may have been at a cost. The agency has been the subject of more allegations regarding so-called slave contracts than YG Entertainment or JYP Entertainment.

While the terms of these extended exclusive contracts may seem unreasonable to most, supporters of these contracts attribute them as a primary reason for the burgeoning global success of K-Pop.

In the upcoming book “The Birth of Korean Cool”, author Euny Hong explores the issue in a chapter titled “The Lean, Mean, Star Making K-Pop Machine.”

In the chapter, Euny Hong looks at the controversial contract dispute which led JYJ members Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu to pursue legal action against SM Entertainment.  Following this lawsuit, JYJ cut ties from the agency and TVXQ, at their height of fame.

After describing this dispute, Hong makes the statement, “One the one hand, the stringent contracts are indeed part of Hallyu’s success-the performers dance and sing well, because they’re recruited young and trained for years. On the other hand, the TVXQ contract reveals that the band is shockingly poor compared to American bands.”

The chapter “The Lean, Mean, Star Making K-Pop Machine” is aptly titled and succinctly describes the work of agencies like SM Entertainment.

The artists at SM Entertainment have undoubtedly paid a high price for fame, but it appears as those this cost has started to take its toll on some of the brightest new stars of the agency.

One of my favorite quotes about the entertainment industry was provided by choreographer and actress Debbie Allen in the iconic eighties film “Fame.” Allen portrays dance teacher Lydia who is notorious for her harsh means of instruction and whose teaching style churns out the top stars of the performing arts school. As Lydia, Allen brilliantly states, “You want fame? ... Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying. With sweat.”

When the rumors of an alleged lawsuit involving Kris (Wu Yi Fan) and SM Entertainment initially broke, many fans of EXO expressed their doubts of his ability to succeed as a solo artist, apart from EXO.

The release of “Time Boils the Rain” for the “Tiny Times 3” original soundtrack quieted many of the detractors, who were shocked to discover that Kris could actually sing.

The song stirred many fans to consider that his motivation to pursue a career outside of a twelve member Korean boy band may have been justified, while also generating feedback that many fans would like to see him return to EXO.

This situation draws attention to the fact that it is difficult to individually promote and satisfy twelve young adults, without offending someone.

Perhaps, the reason that SM Entertainment is repeatedly the focus of claims of unfair treatment could be the fact that the amount of artists they handle and the size of their groups exceeds a capacity that they can effectively manage.

While it can be considered an apples and orange comparison, Big Bang’s G-Dragon and Taeyang entered the K-Pop training complex at very young ages.

Critics who have expressed alarm at the youthfulness of S.M. Rookies like Ji Sung neglect to remember that G-Dragon was considered the youngest Korean rapper at thirteen.

While he may now be the King of K-Pop and Korean fashion, G-Dragon was once mopping the dance studios at YG Entertainment. His humble beginning at a young age not only led to his current state of success, but is also the primary reason for his endearing friendship with Taeyang.

The current issue is not the level of training or the age which it begins, it is how SM Entertainment has chosen to handle its artists. The situation with f(x) Sulli has roots in her 2013 dating scandal with Dynamic Duo’s Choiza.

Those who were scandalized by the dating situation between Girls’ Generation Taeyeon and EXO member Baekhyun should be reminded of the media disaster of Choiza and Sulli.

SM Entertainment learned a lot from this situation, especially when it comes to denying that your performers are actually dating other performers. As opposed to denying rumors, SM has now adopted the very forward approach of admitting when members of Girls’ Generation or EXO are dating.

Where there is smoke, there may be fire and Korean gossip outlet “Dispatch” does a great job at locating the flames.

However, a recent netizen rumor regarding photos of Sulli in what is supposedly a wallet belonging to Choiza, have reignited the debate over their rumored relationship. Where the agency admitted to relationship rumors regarding Girls’ Generation, it has been reluctant to provide clarification for recent rumors surrounding Sulli and Choiza.

While netizens continue to ponder over Sulli and her recent decision to sit out promotional activities, it is highly plausible that she is fed up with being the target of rumors. The issue that confuses most fans is that she has not taken to social media to unleash her sentiments.

Many other SM Entertainment artists, along with some prominent idols at JYP and YG, turned to social media to quiet rumors or address their concerns with fans. While this has become an increasing trend, it often backfires against the artist, which often leads to the removal of the initial post.

Personally, I enjoy the music of EXO, f(x), and Super Junior-M’s Henry beyond any other artists at SM Entertainment. It is disconcerting to see that the promotions for EXO’s “Overdose” and the f(x) release “Red Light” have been marred by scandal.

Fans of f(x) are now upset by the upcoming launch of the latest SM Entertainment group Red Velvet, while the state of f(x) is so uncertain. It is also saddening that Henry is currently promoting in a situation in which the music at SM has been overshadowed by salacious headlines. 

On a positive note, fans are looking forward to the upcoming solo release from SHINee’s Taemin.

2014 has been a shaky year for SM Entertainment, but there will hopefully be brighter days, in the future. Until then, I am hopeful for a SHINee comeback and looking forward to seeing Girls’ Generation perform at KCON.