Singer BoA is departing SM Entertainment, her agency of 25 years, to establish her own company and pursue new ventures.
On March 3, BoA announced the establishment of BApal Entertainment. The agency stated, “BoA chose a new structure to clearly implement her musical direction,” adding that she aims to strengthen her musical depth based on her past experiences.
The company name combines ‘BoA’ and ‘pal’ (meaning friend), representing a venture created with BoA and her fans, aiming to foster closer connections between artists and fans.
Before the official announcement, BoA shared this news via her personal account. She posted a new update for the first time in a month, sharing BApal Entertainment’s inaugural post. The photo depicted BoA and apparent agency staff wearing paper bags labeled ‘BApal,’ signaling a playful start.
This marks her first venture after departing SM Entertainment (SM), her home for 25 years. Having debuted at age 13 in 2000 with numerous hits, BoA became a symbolic figure of SM, and the expiration of her contract garnered significant attention.
Speculation about her future had been rife. Before renewing with SM, she hinted at retirement by posting, “Can I retire now that my contract is ending?” BoA also shared a sculpture wrapped with tape labeled ‘Thank You’ and ‘Return,’ leading to various interpretations. Rumors circulated about her potentially joining A20 Entertainment, founded by SM’s founder Lee Soo-man.
Disregarding the rumors, BoA has announced her new beginning, garnering widespread support from fans. She has demonstrated her continued presence as an active singer and proven her producing abilities by participating in the overall production of rookie group NCT Wish at SM. There is considerable interest in the outcome of her new agency, founded on her 25 years of experience, under the theme of ‘with fans.’
