SM Entertainment Reports Record Breaking Sales In China During 2014 Despite Lawsuits From Chinese EXO Members Kris And Luhan

Last year seemed to be on the rough side for SM Entertainment with the exit of several popular idols, including EXO's Kris and Luhan

In fact, SM Entertainment might be the biggest Korean pop agency that is continually tied up in debacles with artist mistreatment and the exits of popular group members.

For evidence, just ask a JYJ fan how they feel about the group's exit from SM.

Despite the seemingly rough year for SM Entertainment, the company apparently had its biggest year yet in terms of revenue. In a recent report on Allkpop, SM Entertainment revealed that the company grabbed an estimated 287 billion Won ($261 million USD) in total sales last year.

Interestingly enough, a large percentage of the sales in 2014 came from a 146% growth increase in China. This appears interesting of course because of the much debated controversy of how SM Entertainment treats their international artists, specifically those who hail from China.

But if several Chinese artists, now including EXO's Luhan, have expressed difficulties with SM Entertainment, how is the company still able to remain dominant in the market?

Sadly, it is likely because fans of SM Entertainment's artists still wish to support their favorite idols despite issues with the agency itself. It is an undoubtedly complicated situation when you as a fan want to support an artist but have no way to make sure that they are treated fairly by their agency.

Thankfully for those fans in this compromising situation, Kris continues to express many thanks to fans who support him during this difficult time. He sent fans a message of this kind last year on his Instagram after his lawsuit was revealed to the public:

"I am doing well. Because everyone is cheering me on, things are getting better. I am thankful to all the people who are supporting me and the comments. Wu Yi Fan will always be here," wrote Kris on his Instagram.

Whether you're in support or against SM Entertainment from a humanity perspective, their business appears to be booming and will likely continue to do so across all of its markets in Asia.

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EXO
Kris
Luhan
SM Entertainment
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