To Stay or Leave SM? TVXQ Makes a Life-Changing Decision After 22 Years [Official]

Legendary K-pop duo TVXQ has officially renewed their contract with SM Entertainment, putting an end to speculation about whether they would stay or part ways with the agency they've called home since debuting in 2003.

On April 2, SM Entertainment confirmed the news, stating that TVXQ—made up of U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin—have re-signed their contract based on the “deep trust built over a long time.”

U-Know Yunho shared, “It feels emotional to continue my journey with SM, the company I’ve been with since debut. We’ll always do our best to show our fans great performances and energy across all areas of entertainment.”

Max Changmin added, “It’s deeply meaningful to continue walking this path with SM for over 20 years. Together with the company that has always supported us, we will shape an even more exciting future for TVXQ.”

SM also issued a statement:

“We are happy to continue working with TVXQ. As artists who have made K-pop history alongside SM, we will actively support Yunho and Changmin’s wide-ranging activities in all areas.”

Since debuting with the ballad “Hug” in 2003, TVXQ has delivered hit after hit—“Rising Sun,” “MIROTIC,” “Keep Your Head Down,” “Rebel”—and built a legacy as one of the most influential acts in Korean music history.

Beyond Korea, TVXQ has played a historic role in spreading K-pop globally, particularly in Japan, where their presence remains unmatched.

Rewriting Records in Japan

This month, TVXQ is set to perform at the Tokyo Dome from April 25–27 as part of their Japan national tour. With these shows, they will break their own record with: 33 Tokyo Dome concerts and 92 total dome concerts across Japan.

These numbers cement TVXQ as the foreign artist with the most Tokyo Dome and nationwide dome performances in Japanese concert history—an extraordinary feat that reflects their enduring popularity.

What It Means to Be a Second-Gen K-pop Idol + Who's at SM Entertainment in 2025

Being a second-generation K-pop idol means debuting during the golden era of Korean pop music in the mid-2000s to early 2010s—a time when the Hallyu wave first gained global traction. Groups like TVXQ, Girls’ Generation (SNSD), Super Junior, SHINee, and EXO helped define K-pop’s global sound and set the standard for idol training, performance, and fan culture.

These artists were pioneers in expanding into international markets, especially Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, and built massive, loyal fandoms that still thrive today. Being a 2nd-gen idol often means enduring long careers, military hiatuses, and multiple reinventions while continuing to inspire newer generations.

As of 2025, SM Entertainment—one of Korea’s "Big 4" entertainment agencies—remains home to several iconic and active idols, including:

TVXQ (U-Know Yunho & Max Changmin) – 22 years strong and still touring

Super Junior – One of the most enduring boy bands, active in variety and overseas tours

Girls’ Generation (SNSD) members – Including Taeyeon and Hyoyeon, active as soloists

SHINee – Beloved for their musical evolution; members like Taemin and Minho continue solo and group activities

EXO – With members like Baekhyun, D.O., and Suho continuing solo, acting, and group work

Red Velvet – A flagship girl group with global appeal

NCT & aespa – Leading the 4th-gen movement under the same label

SM’s legacy is rooted in cultivating long-term artists who evolve with time—something second-gen idols have come to symbolize.