BoA has ended her exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, the agency that has been by her side since her debut. SM announced Monday that, “After extensive discussions with BoA over a long period, we mutually agreed to conclude our 25-year partnership as of Dec. 31.” “BoA has been, in every sense, the pride and symbol of SM for 25 years,” the agency said. “Although her exclusive contract has ended, we will continue to support her future activities and challenges.” The company also posted a five-minute video celebrating her career on YouTube. BoA debuted in August 2000 at age 14 with her first album, “ID; Peace B.” Including her time as a trainee after being scouted in 1998 as a sixth grader, her relationship with SM spans more than 25 years. Since her debut, BoA has released hit songs such as “No.1,” “Atlantis Princess” and “Only One.” She helped lead the K-pop wave in Japan, becoming the first Korean artist to have two albums sell more than a million copies on the Oricon Albums Chart. She appeared on NHK’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen,” Japan’s premier year-end
BoA closes a historic chapter with SM Entertainment after 25 years
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