Dowden's Surprise Visit Highlights Collaboration Potential Between UK and K-pop Industry

Courtesy of SM Entertainment

British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, currently in Seoul for the Summit for Democracy, paid an unexpected visit to the headquarters of K-pop giant SM Entertainment on Tuesday. Accompanied by a delegation of British officials, including British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks, British Council in Korea Director Paul Clementson, and special adviser Edward de Minckwitz, Dowden met with SM's CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk and Chief Global Officer Choi Jung-min. 

▲ Courtesy of SM EntertainmentThe visit, facilitated through the British Council in Korea, was prompted by Dowden's personal interest in culture and entertainment, as well as his children's admiration for K-pop. SM Entertainment confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday.

During the visit, Dowden and the delegation were given a tour of the SM Studio Center and Song Camp Studio, where Korean and international composers collaborate. Dowden expressed admiration for SM's artists and the high quality of their work, even in unmastered tracks.

SM Entertainment informed Dowden of their collaboration with London-based television production company Moon&Back Media to debut a British boy group trained in the K-pop system. Dowden reportedly expressed enthusiasm about this project, highlighting its potential for cross-cultural exchange.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com