SM Universe | 어드바이저 소개

Chris Lee is the Chief Artist & Repertoire Officer (CAO) at SM Entertainment, a leading entertainment company based in South Korea. He joined SM Entertainment in 2005 and has since held several key positions within the company, including Head of the Producing Division in 2015, CEO of SM Entertainment USA in 2019, and Co-CEO of SM Entertainment in 2020. After serving as CEO, he also led KMR, SM’s music publishing subsidiary, as its CEO. Currently, he oversees SM’s overall A&R (Artist & Repertoire) operations as CAO, focusing on album planning and production.

He has played a pivotal role in advancing SM’s distinctive A&R system. He was instrumental in building Korea’s first songwriting camp system, as well as developing idol group universe concepts and the unit system, which have become defining features of SM's approach to artist management and content creation. These innovations have significantly contributed to the global expansion of K-pop. Recognized for his influence in the global music industry, he was named to Billboard’s International Power Players list for two consecutive years—an esteemed recognition awarded to leaders driving the global music business outside the United States.