Sookmyung Women's University, SM Universe team up to train K-pop's future global leaders
The university and SM Universe will launch undergraduate, graduate and short-term programs combining K-pop theory, practical training and global talent development.
SM Universe CEO Jang Jae-won, left, and Sookmyung Women's University President Moon Si-yeun pose for a photo after signing a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 3, 2025.
SOOKMYUNG WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY
Sookmyung Women’s University and SM Universe are ramping up a strategic partnership to co-develop and operate specialized K-pop educational programs, the university announced Thursday.
The detailed agreement follows the two institutions' signing of a memorandum of understanding for collaboration in November last year.
Under the finalized term, the university will design and run an academic curriculum built on K-pop training frameworks and content provided by SM Entertainment's subsidiary.
According to the university, it plans to establish a comprehensive K-pop curriculum encompassing undergraduate, graduate and short-term programs. These will be centered around the university's Hallyu International College, which is dedicated exclusively to international students, and the K-pop department at its Graduate School of Professional Studies.
The collaboration will see the university build an educational model that links classroom theory with on-site practical training by utilizing the physical facilities and equipment at SM Universe.
The cooperation is expected to extend beyond education into joint K-pop research and the expansion of global education networks. For international students, the Sookmyung Global Language Institute will offer specialized Korean language classes and strengthen talent recruitment initiatives through the university's curriculum.
"Through our cooperation with SM Universe, Sookmyung Women’s University will cultivate global female talent to lead the Hallyu and K-content industries, creating a new K-education model that links academics with the industry," said Moon Si-yeun, president of Sookmyung Women's University.
SM Universe operates academies that train students in dancing, singing, songwriting and the entertainment business. The company also officially opened an academy branch in Singapore in January.
"Through this partnership, we will provide trend-setting, practice-oriented education to train not only artists but also leaders who can guide the entire industry," Jang Jae-won, CEO of SM Universe, said.
