Zhou Mi Named CEO of SM-Tencent Music Joint Venture STE

SM Entertainment is expanding its operations in China. The company is teaming up with Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) to develop local idols and manage artists in the Chinese market.

SM said on Aug. 27 that it has established a joint venture called STE in Beijing with TME. Zhou Mi, a longtime member of Super Junior's Chinese unit Super Junior-M, has been named CEO of the new company.

STE was established following an MOU signed by SM and TME in May to build a broader partnership in the Greater China entertainment market.

The company plans to develop a new Chinese idol group with a debut targeted within the next two to three years. STE will oversee the full project, from auditions and member scouting to local management after the group's debut.

The joint venture will also support the activities of SM's Greater China artists. STE will oversee Greater China management for NCT DREAM's Renjun and WayV's Yangyang and Xiaojun, supporting their local promotions and entertainment activities.

Zhou Mi brings nearly two decades of experience in the industry as a Super Junior-M member and solo artist. He also served as a director at SM's China arm, gaining hands-on experience in local business and management. SM said Zhou Mi has an understanding of both the K-pop production system and the Chinese market.

"I am glad to lead this joint venture, which was born out of the strong trust and strategic vision shared by SM and TME," Zhou Mi said. "By combining SM's distinct strengths in IP and content production with the characteristics of the Greater China market, we will present differentiated content and deliver meaningful results as a bridge between the two companies."