On January 13th a new episode of the talk show on the YouTube channel TEO Drip in lounge 2 was released, titled “An amazing star supported by SM on the left and THEBLACKLABEL on the right | EP.122 Im Si-wan.” During the episode, Im Si-wan candidly discussed how her unusual agency deal came about.
Responding to host Jang Do-yeon’s question about why his first solo album was released through SM rather than his current agency THEBLACKLABEL, Im Si-wan explained that he had signed a music-related contract with SM about a year earlier. “I told them I wanted to release an album and communicate with fans on stage, and they helped me plan it,” he said. “I subsequently signed an exclusive contract with THEBLACKLABEL.”
Jang Do-yeon then asked which agency managers accompany him during music promotions. Im Si-wan replied, “It’s a rare experience for me too, but people from both companies come. It’s like a great union of two great agencies, SM and THEBLACKLABEL.” His comment drew laughter as Jang joked, “It’s like combining Christianity and Buddhism.”
Im Si-wan further explained how the two companies divide their roles. “I record music at SM, while acting project meetings are handled at THEBLACKLABEL,” he said. When asked to brag about each agency’s benefits, he shared lighthearted examples: “At SM, when an artist releases an album, the in-house bar even wraps cup holders with congratulatory messages. At THEBLACKLABEL, there’s space to practice and separate rooms where you can read scripts when you’re in a rush.”
Jang Do-yeon also pointed out the contrasting vibes of Im Si-wan’s profile photos just released by both agencies, pointing out: “The atmosphere is completely different. SM is warm, while THEBLACKLABEL is cold, it’s interesting how big the temperature gap is.” Im Si-wan replied, “Coincidentally, they were released on the same day. It really shows how much better things are when things are handled by professionals.”
Through her candid observations, Im Si-wan gave fans a fascinating look at how two powerful agencies with opposing styles can coexist, each contributing to different aspects of her multifaceted career.
Sources: Daum
