Despite being with SM Entertainment for 2 decades, TVXQ expressed frustrations as they are yet to become directors and are still just "singers" under the company.

On January 13, "K-pop emperor" TVXQ joined the recent episode of JTBC's "Knowing Bros" as guests to promote their 20th debut anniversary and ninth full-length album, "20&2."

The duo (formerly a quintet) also revealed its title song, "Rebel," released on December 26, 2023, along with nine b-side tracks.

TVXQ Reveals Number of Floors They Built for SM Entertainment — Which K-pop Act Contributed Most?

To commemorate their debut anniversary, members Changmin and Yunho shared various anecdotes about SM Entertainment, their agency for two decades.

After debuting in 2003, TVXQ became a huge hit not only in South Korea, but neighboring countries such as Japan, until their influence eventually reached the whole world.

Knowing their popularity, MC Seo Jang Hoon asked:

"How many floors do you think you built in your company's building? Let's say there are 10 floors."

ALSO READ: TVXQ Changmin Draws Divided Reactions Over Statement Concerning Juniors in The Industry

U-Know Yunho then wittily replied:

"I don't think the number of floors is important. I just want to express that our team built the support."

Showing an uneasy expression, Changmin drew laughter by saying:

"I was thinking of moving up about three floors."

When asked which group had the biggest stake in SM headquarters, Yunho had difficulty choosing but he briefly replied:

"It's hard to choose, but Super Junior also did a great job."

TVXQ Complains About Being 'Just Singers' Under SM Despite Service for 20 Years

As the conversation went on, MC Min Kyung Hoon then raised the topic of having a share in the company, to which U-Know Yunho responded:

"We don't."

In particular, some artists have served as non-executive directors at SM Entertainment, including singers BoA and Kangta.

Outside SM, 2PM and BTOB Seo Eunkwang are also tapped as directors under their respective labels, JYP and Cube, which debuted later than TVXQ.

Due to this, K-pop fans and netizens were surprised that the duo had never received an offer to become directors.

Changmin expressed his disappointment saying:

"Actually, even the friends who debuted later than us have a job title. We've done our best for the company for 20 years, but we're just singers."

Changmin hinted at his desire to become a director and sniped at SM Entertainment by saying:

"I wasn't particularly greedy to become a director, but when other friends became directors, I thought, 'Huh?' I did. Our company is going wrong now. It's a mess."

READ MORE: 25 K-pop Male Artists With Highest Number of Fanmeeting/Concertgoers in Japan: TVXQ, BIGBANG, SHINee, More!

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Written by Eunice Dawson.