SM Entertainment received the Presidential Citation in recognition of its contributions to promoting a culture of sharing through sustained social contribution activities.
SM Entertainment announced on the 6th that it had received the Presidential Citation at the 2026 Korea Sharing Awards ceremony, held on the 5th at the KBS New Wing Open Hall.
Now in its 15th edition, the Korea Sharing Awards is a social contribution awards ceremony co-hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), KBS, and Community Chest of Korea. It honors individuals and organizations selected for their contributions to improving public welfare through sharing of human and material re
Since launching its social contribution brand SMile in 2014, SM Entertainment has drawn on its expertise in music and culture and the arts to support approximately 250,000 people, including those in vulnerable communities in Korea and abroad and members of future generations, over the past 12 years. Its continued sharing activities across a range of areas—from nurturing young musical talent and expanding access to culture and the arts to conserving biodiversity—were reflected in the award.
One of its signature initiatives is the SMile Music Festival, a music education program for young people. The program provides professional instruction and opportunities for growth to musically talented young people, and participants have gone on to attend arts high schools and universities or pursue music-related careers, including as singers and session musicians.
SM Entertainment also runs the SMile Social Service Group, which artists and employees take part in directly, and, in partnership with the Korean Committee for UNICEF, conducts SMile for U, a music-integrated education campaign for children in Asia.
In the environmental field, SM Entertainment is involved in creating and maintaining Kwangya Forest to conserve urban biodiversity. It also runs social contribution programs that incorporate culture and the arts, including SMile WoW Art School, which provides K-pop-focused instruction for children and adolescents who use cochlear implants or hearing aids.
At the ceremony, SM Entertainment co-CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk said in his remarks, “This award was made possible by our employees and artists, who deeply share our belief in the value of giving and chose to take part, as well as by our partner organizations, which have been steadfast partners.”
He added, “We will continue to build a sustainable future where everyone can smile together through music and culture.”
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
