“Why under SM”- Fans question Yim Si-wan’s label choice as Squid Game star confirms solo album debut under SM Entertainment

On Monday, October 13, SM Entertainment released an official announcement stating that the Squid Game actor and singer, Yim Si-wan, will be making his solo debut under the agency with an album release. According to the South Korean media outlet, OSEN, the agency is currently preparing for the debut and is working with the actor to finalize information regarding schedules and the album release date. Here's what the announcement read:

"Our label is preparing Im Si-wan's solo album and is currently coordinating details, including the release date."

For those who are unaware, the actor terminated his contract with his previous agency, Plum A&C, in August 2025, and has been working independently ever since. As per the report by OSEN, when Yim Si-wan was preparing the album, he was influenced by veteran South Korean singer Kangta, who is housed under SM Entertainment, and therefore decided to collaborate with the agency for his debut.

When this news landed on the internet, many fans and netizens were confused about the same. While fans on one side were thrilled about the actor's entry into the music industry, some were skeptical about his choice of agency, SM Entertainment. Netizens pointed out the agency's alleged reputation for mistreating and underpromoting their artists, and advised against his choice of agency.

Here are a few fan reactions regarding the same:

"Why under SM" said a fan

More fans and netizens reacted to the recent news of Yim Si-wan releasing his solo debut album under SM Entertainment.

Others also shared their thoughts and opinions about the same.

All you need to know about the South Korean actor and singer, Yim Si-wan

Yim Si-wan, otherwise known as Im Woong-jae, is a South Korean actor and singer who first debuted in the industry as a K-pop idol. He was under a K-pop boy band called ZE: A in 2010, who debuted with their first EP, Nativity. He was also part of the group's sub-unit called ZE: A - Five. Around 2012, he made small appearances in K-dramas like Moon Embracing the Sun, Man from the Equator, Standby, Waiting for Love, and more.

He made his official debut in the acting industry in 2013 through the film The Attorney. He followed his career with two other drama series in 2014, Triangle and Misaeng: Incomplete Life. In 2016, he was also part of the Chinese-South Korean web drama, My Catman. He explored more genres in the year 2017 with works like One Line, The Merciless, The King in Love, and others.

After another thriller drama called Hell Is Other People in 2019, he was cast in a film called Emergency Declaration in 2020. The movie led to his nominations for the Best Supporting Actor at several award shows, such as the 59th Baeksang Awards, 43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards, 58th Grand Bell Awards, and 16th Asian Film Awards. He won the same category at the 31st Buil Film Awards.

Yim Si-wan's fame continued to increase with his following works, such as Run On in 2020, Tracer in 2022, and Boyhood in 2023. In 2024 and 2025, he was cast in the famous reality-show-based TV series, Squid Game, for the second and third seasons. Therefore, fans and netizens are thrilled about his new chapter as a solo artist with his upcoming debut under SM Entertainment.

About the author

Aishwarya is a pop culture writer who covers K-drama and K-pop at Sportskeeda. After completing her Bachelor's in English and Communication Skills, she sought a job that allowed her to explore her passion, and being a K-pop and K-drama reporter felt like the ideal fit. Aishwarya has 3 years of experience under her belt and previously took on several internships in the industry that further motivated her in choosing writing as a career.

Aishwarya believes in conducting extensive research and verifying facts with the help of reputable sources to produce accurate articles. She also spends a significant amount of time on Twitter to understand how netizens are reacting to the latest trends in the industry before crafting her content.

She admires SUGA from BTS for his dedication to his work and aspires to immerse herself into the things she loves, just like him. If she could go back in time, she would jump at the opportunity to be part of ""Reply 1988,"" a K-drama set in a time when neighborhood relationships were cherished and interpersonal connections were of utmost importance. Although she loves how technology has advanced, she would also love to experience living in an era before it was invented.

When Aishwarya's not writing and reading about the latest developments in the industry, she spends her time crocheting, sketching, cycling, reading Mangas, and cooking.

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Edited by Aishwarya Sai