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SM Entertainment’s Music Saved from NetEase Removal Risk
NetEase Cloud Music, one of China’s leading music streaming platforms, has reached a preliminary agreement with SM Entertainment to extend the licensing of its music catalog.
This development comes just days before the January 31, 2025, deadline, which threatened to remove SM Entertainment’s entire library from the platform.
The breakthrough follows intense negotiations and widespread fan outcry, with hashtags related to the issue trending on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo.
NetEase Cloud Music acknowledged the “overwhelming support and earnest pleas from fans” as a key factor in securing the temporary extension.
SM Entertainment, home to K-Pop giants like EXO, NCT, Red Velvet, and aespa, had initially decided against renewing its licensing agreement with NetEase.
This decision sparked concerns among fans, who feared losing access to their favorite tracks.
In a statement, NetEase Cloud Music expressed its commitment to establishing a “longer-term and more stable copyright cooperation” with SM Entertainment.
The platform emphasized its dedication to providing uninterrupted access to music while continuing negotiations for a permanent deal.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of copyright licensing in the digital music industry, where disputes often lead to temporary removals of content.
Fans of SM Entertainment’s artists can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the music remains accessible while both parties work toward a final agreement.
The resolution also underscores the growing influence of fan communities in shaping corporate decisions, particularly in the highly competitive K-Pop industry. As negotiations continue, fans worldwide will be watching closely to ensure their favorite music remains available.