K-pop icon BoA, 39, officially left SM Entertainment, ending a historic 25-year partnership with the agency that launched her career.
In a statement released on January 12, 2026, SM Entertainment confirmed that BoA’s exclusive contract expired at the end of 2025 and was not renewed.
In its official statement, the agency expressed gratitude to the soloist, calling it an honor to have worked with her for over two decades.
The statement read (as per the English translation of Soompi.com): "First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jumping BoA (BoA’s official fan club) and everyone who has always loved and supported artist BoA.
"After extensive and in-depth discussions with BoA, we have agreed to conclude our 25-year journey together as of December 31, 2025.
"Debuting in 2000 at the age of 13, BoA has, now past the 25th anniversary of her debut, been beloved by global music fans as an icon of global expansion who pioneered the Korean Wave across Asia and as the Star of Asia, and she has become a role model for countless junior artists driving the K-pop boom."
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Looking back on her career, SM Entertainment described BoA as a “pioneer and trailblazer” who shone brightly through her passion, dedication, and remarkable achievements in the K-pop industry.
The agency wrote: "From her extraordinary debut that wrote a new chapter in Korean popular music history to her present growth as a No.1 artist and producer, we remember every moment, and it has been a true honor for our company to walk alongside her every step of the way.
"For 25 years, BoA has been, without question, the pride, joy, and symbol of SM."
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SM Entertainment also expressed hope that BoA’s star will shine even brighter in her future endeavors.
"Although our exclusive contract is coming to an end, we will continue to support BoA as she fully demonstrates her capabilities in the new activities and challenges ahead, and we hope she will shine even brighter as the Star of Asia.”
"We ask for your continued love and support for BoA as she embarks on this new chapter.
"We also support the future of Kwon BoA the person, beyond the artist, and sincerely wish her happiness."
Aside from the statement, SM Entertainment also shared a tribute video highlighting BoA’s milestones—from her chart-topping hits to her evolution as a performer.
"For 25 years, the one star who has been a dream to many.
"We sincerely support every moment of BoA, who will forever shine as No. 1.
"With deepest respect and gratitude. You still our No.1 BoA,” they said in the caption.
BoA expresses gratitude to SM Entertainment
Following the announcement, BoA took to Instagram to express her sincere gratitude to her fans and longtime home agency.
She wrote: "I leave without regrets. I have given so much and so generously.
"Thank you for the time we spent together, and I will continue to support SM Entertainment in the future.
"Thank you very much."
WHO IS BOA?
BoA, whose real name is Kwon Bo Ah, is a pioneering K-pop soloist widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in Korean pop music history.
Often called the “Queen of K-pop,” she played a crucial role in bringing Korean pop music to the global stage long before it became a worldwide phenomenon.
BoA debuted in 2000 under SM Entertainment at just thirteen years old.
Her early hits, including "No. 1," "ID; Peace B," "Valenti," "Double," and "Atlantis Princess," cemented her status as a top solo act in South Korea.
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She later made history by successfully breaking into the Japanese music market, becoming one of the first Korean artists to dominate the Oricon charts—an achievement that helped open doors for future K-pop acts to expand internationally.
In 2009, BoA became the first Korean artist to enter the Billboard 200, which ranks the most popular albums and EPs in the United States.
Beyond performing, BoA has also worked as a songwriter, producer, and creative director, and served as a judge and mentor on several talent shows, including K-pop Star (2000) and Produce 101 (2017).