K-pop training academy SM Universe officially opens in Singapore
SM Universe has officially launched its Singapore campus, bringing South Korean entertainment giant SM Entertainment’s K-pop training system to Southeast Asia for the first time.
Located at *SCAPE along Orchard Road, SM Universe Singapore is the company’s first K-pop academy outside South Korea, marking a shift in Singapore’s role from a regular tour stop for major acts to a hub where aspiring performers can access structured, industry-style training closer to home.
The academy was inaugurated last Saturday (24 Jan) with Minister for Law Edwin Tong as the guest of honour.
Also in attendance were SM Universe (Singapore) chairman Andy Lim, SM Entertainment chief A&R officer Chris Lee, and SM Universe CEO Daniel Jang.
(Left to right) Chris Lee, Andy Lim, Edwin Tong, and Daniel Jang.
Image courtesy of SM Universe
“We conceptualised the refurbishment and reimagination of this space some time ago, when I was in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), and I’m very glad to be back here to see the redevelopment and the re-energising of the space,” Mr Tong said in his speech.
Crash course in K-pop courtesy of Netflix hit
Despite his role in bringing SM Universe to life, Mr Tong admitted he “doesn’t know much about K-pop”, so he turned to his closest “advisors”: his three daughters.
“I spent last weekend asking my kids: ‘What do I do to get into K-pop and understand it a little more?’ They told me to watch ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, so I did,” he laughed.
In an interview with MS News, Mr Tong said he found the music in the Netflix mega-hit “quite catchy”.
Image courtesy of SM Universe
“The storyline was simple, but there were messages in the film that went beyond just entertainment,” he added. “There is value in this, because young people are on certain platforms, and we can take advantage of that to also deliver proper values.”
Mr Tong added that he is familiar with Girls’ Generation and listened to SM Entertainment’s rookie boy group RIIZE, who were set to perform at the Singapore Indoor Stadium that night.
RIIZE members Sohee (left) and Anton (right) made a surprise appearance at the SM Universe opening.
Image courtesy of SM Universe
He was also at a recent Blackpink concert, adding to his “education” in K-pop.
Goal to help Singaporeans reach bigger stage
Beyond the humour, Mr Tong framed the opening of SM Universe Singapore within broader efforts to expand opportunities for young artists.
During his time at MCCY, he said the focus was on giving the younger generation more chances to practise, showcase, and develop their craft.
“We used to say, ‘Let a thousand flowers bloom, and you’ll find someone who takes it to the top’,” he said. “That was our strategy: to give young people opportunities to practise, make their mark, exhibit, and showcase their art.”
SM Universe students performing at the opening.
Video by MS News
He added that the long-term goal is to help Singaporean artists reach audiences beyond the domestic stage, which is why initiatives like SM Universe are significant.
“It’s one thing to be proficient in your art; it’s another to collaborate and use a platform to showcase yourself,” he said, highlighting the value of training under experienced professionals while gaining access to wider international networks.
SM Universe students performing for guests.
When MS News asked whether the opening of the academy signals a shift toward greater acceptance of unconventional careers in music and entertainment, Mr Tong said art and culture “must be a mirror of society”.
“If there are enough people who are keen on K-pop and this industry, then I don’t see it as unconventional,” he said.
Encouraging parents to support creative pathways for children
On a lighter note, he was asked how he would react if one of his daughters told him, “Dad, I want to be a K-pop star.”
Image courtesy of SM Universe
“You have to look at it in context. It’s a personal choice, and for every successful K-pop star you see, there are many more who have tried and not succeeded,” he said. “It’s also about how you see yourself, how far you think you can go, and what opportunities might realistically come your way.”
In spite of these challenges, Mr Tong encourages parents to open up pathways for children to explore different experiences, even if they don’t ultimately pursue them full-time.
“Just as in sports, being involved in something — whether in art, sports, or culture — helps make you more well-rounded. There is real value in that. Don’t just focus on one thing. If children or students are interested, we should create opportunities for them,” he added.
SM Universe has welcomed students from across the region
Since its soft launch in June 2025, SM Universe Singapore has trained more than 600 students from over 10 countries, offering a range of programmes in vocals, dance, performance, and production.
The academy has become a hub for aspiring K-pop performers not just from Singapore, but from across Southeast Asia.
Earlier this month, it also rolled out its flagship Professional Training Programme (PTP), a selective 10-week, industry-level course that concludes with a one-week enrichment experience at SM Universe Seoul.
Through the PTP, students train like industry pros and even get the chance to audition for Korean entertainment agencies, bringing them closer to their K-pop star dreams.
Also read: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ singer EJAE says she saw a ghost in the studio while recording ‘Golden’
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ singer EJAE says she saw a ghost in the studio while recording ‘Golden’
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Featured image courtesy of SM Universe.
