In a strategic expansion targeting the Greater China music market, K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment officially launched its new joint venture, STE, in partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME). Announced on August 27, 2026, the Beijing-based enterprise will be led by Super Junior-M member Zhoumi, who has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
The establishment of STE fulfills a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between SM Entertainment and TME in May of the previous year.
Launching a New Chinese Idol Group and Local Management
Under the leadership of CEO Zhoumi, STE’s primary objective is to hold auditions and debut a brand-new Chinese idol group within the next two to three years. STE will handle the entire lifecycle of the new group, from talent casting and training to post-debut management and promotions across Chinese-speaking regions.
Additionally, STE will oversee local promotional activities for SM Entertainment’s existing Greater China artists. Key idols receiving dedicated management support include NCT Dream’s Renjun and WayV members Yangyang and Xiaojun.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| SM TENCENT MUSIC JOINT VENTURE ZHOUMI STE HIGHLIGHTS |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1. Venture Name : STE (Based in Beijing, China) |
| 2. CEO Appointed : Zhoumi (Super Junior-M member & SM China Director) |
| 3. Primary Goal : Audition & debut new Chinese idol group in 2–3 years |
| 4. Managed Artists : NCT Dream's Renjun, WayV's Yangyang and Xiaojun |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Combining K-Pop Production With Greater China Market Expertise
SM Entertainment highlighted Zhoumi’s dual expertise as both an experienced artist with nearly two decades in the K-pop system and a business executive who previously served as a director at SM’s Chinese subsidiary.
“By combining SM Entertainment’s strengths in IP and content production with a deep understanding of the Greater China market, we will deliver unique content and achieve meaningful results as a bridge between the two companies,” stated CEO Zhoumi.
