Singer Kangta, a member of the first-generation idol group H.O.T. under SM Entertainment, has recently extended his contract with the company. Kangta's renewal signifies a significant milestone as he is one of the long-standing artists in SM and is now expanding his role within the company. Not only a singer, but Kangta has also taken on responsibilities as a non-registered board director and chief producer, overseeing projects for junior artists. This expanded role emphasizes his crucial position in bridging the past and future of SM Entertainment.
Since 2014, Kangta has been serving as a creative director at SM, and he currently holds the position of chief producer at Smash Hit, an in-house company operating under KMR, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment. Under Lee Sung Su, the CEO of KMR, who assumed office in July 2023, efforts are being made to enhance A&R functions. Kangta's extensive experience as a former H.O.T. member and a solo artist has made him a valuable asset for many junior artists and songwriters he works with through Smash Hit.
Kangta's recent collaborations, including NCT Doyoung’s “Warmth” and Kim Woo Jin’s “Hold,” have been well-received for their emotional ballad style, reminiscent of Kangta's signature sound in hits like “Polaris” and “Doll.” His involvement has extended to over 100 songs produced since 2023 through various projects, workshops, and collaborations, including contributions to projects like My Trot’s “It’s Difficult” and Baek Ji Young’s 25th-anniversary mini-album.
Actively involved in nurturing new songwriters, Kangta is mentoring talents like Chamane and Hyun, who have made notable contributions to songs for artists within and outside the SM label. With almost three decades spent at SM, Kangta has witnessed the evolution of the company, starting with its founding in 1995 and the debut of H.O.T. the following year. H.O.T. marked a turning point in the K-pop industry and played a significant role in popularizing the idol concept and K-pop's business potential.
As a pivotal figure in shaping SM Entertainment's future, Kangta expressed his gratitude for the continued support from SM and his commitment to growing as an artist and producer. Through recent contract renewals with renowned artists like TVXQ and the continued influence of stars like BoA, SM aims to foster collaborative opportunities across various generations of artists. Industry experts recognize the value of long-standing artists transitioning into mentorship and producer roles, creating a mutually beneficial and sustainable growth model for both artists and the company.