On Saturday, March 29th, Billboard honored Mina Jungmin Choi, Chief Global Officer, and Ji Won Kim, Chief Relations Officer of SM Entertainment alongside other top female executives and artists, including SM Entertainment’s own K-pop group aespa, at the publication’s annual star studded Women in Music event. The event, which took place in Los Angeles at YouTube Theatre, was attended by Mina Jungmin Choi and aespa as well as by fellow honorees Doechii, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, JENNIE, Meghan Trainor, Tyla and many more.
Billboard Women in Music is an annual celebration honoring women who have made significant contributions to the music industry, driving innovation and shaping the future of music. The list recognizes female artists, creators, producers, and executives who have had an exceptional impact over the past year. Following aespa’s recognition as this year’s Billboard “Group of the Year,” the inclusion of Mina Jungmin Choi and Ji Won Kim further underscores SM Entertainment’s global influence in the music industry.
Mina Jungmin Choi is a global professional who has played a key role in expanding the company’s business and branding, as well as overseeing the overseas activities of its artists across various markets, including North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Through organic partnerships with regional affiliates and collaborators, she has actively driven local promotions, contributing to both business growth and the expansion of global fandoms. Her leadership continues to strengthen SM’s position as a pioneer in the K-pop industry.
Mina Jungmin Choi
Ji Won Kim, a veteran PR strategist, has played a pivotal role in shaping SM Entertainment’s public image and overseeing the marketing direction of its artists since the early 2000s. With her expertise in strategic media planning and integrated communications, she has significantly enhanced the brand value of both SM Entertainment and its artists. Her efforts have been instrumental in positioning K-pop as a leading global cultural phenomenon by strengthening brand recognition across domestic and international media platforms.
Billboard's initial announcement about the honor noted that, “In February, SM Entertainment marked its 30th anniversary with a new slogan: “THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE.” SM, along with Moon&Back Media and Kakao Entertainment America, also supported British boy band dearALICE, which formed on the BBC series Made in Korea: K-Pop Experience.” Billboard also highlighted the achievements of SM artists, stating, “This past year, SM Entertainment K-pop quartet aespa notched its sixth career top 10 entry on the Top Album Sales chart in November with Whiplash: The 5th Mini Album (EP). The company also put its new management strategy, SM 3.0, into practice with groups like RIIZE and NCT WISH, and launched the eight-member girl group Hearts2Hearts in February with debut single “The Chase.”