Billboard just gave SM Entertainment’s leadership team a major vote of confidence.
The publication unveiled its annual “2026 Global Power Players” list on March 9, honoring executives driving the international music industry outside the United States. Among this year’s honorees: SM Entertainment Co-CEOs Daniel Jang and Dmitry YJ Tak, along with Chief Global Officer Mina Jungmin Choi.
Tak now holds the distinction of appearing on the list for five consecutive years since 2022. Jang marks his third straight year since 2024, reinforcing their standing as consistent leaders in the global music space. For Choi, it’s a first-time nod—a signal that SM’s global strategy is getting noticed at the highest levels. As CGO, she oversees global branding and international business strategy for both the company and its artists.
2025 was a milestone year for SM. The company celebrated its 30th anniversary with a sprawling slate of global initiatives: concerts, album releases, orchestral performances, and pop-up stores spanning Asia, the Americas, and Europe. In January of this year, they unveiled “SM NEXT 3.0,” a roadmap focused on sustainable growth through balanced IP development and disciplined global expansion.
Billboard’s Global Power Players list spotlights executives who’ve delivered results while navigating increasingly borderless music markets. As the publication put it: “At a time when artists and songs are crossing borders like never before, Billboard honors top executives driving the success of the international music business.”
For SM, landing three names on that list—including a first-timer—signals that the company’s long-term play is resonating far beyond Korea.
Source: SM Entertainment
