Latest news with #SM
Malaysian Reserve
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
SM strengthens its commitment to reduce plastic waste
PASAY CITY, Philippines, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The SM Group is firming up its commitment to reduce plastic waste as a shared responsibility across its business units. Led by its parent company, SM Investments Corporation, the conglomerate recently created a working group committee that convenes and conducts regular dialogues, enjoining SM's different businesses to incorporate plastic reduction into their respective sustainability roadmaps. This is in support of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, or EPR Law which requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs. 'While plastic plays a crucial role in modern life, its convenience often contributes to a throwaway culture, leading to one of our planet's most pressing environmental challenges. We understand the importance of waste recovery and recycling not only as part of our sustainable business vision but also as a social and legal obligation. SM's approach is both practical and actionable,' Timothy Daniels, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability, SM Investments Corporation said. Take for example SM Markets, the SM Group's umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore, which has ushered in greener retail practices in encouraging the use of eco-bags over single-use plastics since 2007. In 2024 alone, SM Markets sold 19 million Green Bags, equivalent to around 42 million plastic bags avoided. One of SM Retail's affiliates, Watsons Philippines has transitioned 81% of its stores to using paper bags instead of single-use plastics. In addition, over 2,140 retail stock-keeping units (SKUs) fall under Watsons' Sustainable Choices category, which includes products classified as Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, Better Packaging, and Refills. These products reflect its commitment to offering more environmentally responsible options to consumers. Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc., one of SM's portfolio investments, reduced the size of ribbons used in each of their packaging leading to a reduction of 7,000 kilograms of plastics annually. 2GO Group, Inc., the logistics business of the SM Group, has also taken deliberate steps to reduce plastic use by transitioning to environmentally friendly packaging. Their shipping operations now utilize 100% recyclable, reusable and biodegradable packaging materials. Considering its footprint across the Philippines, SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) commits to foster the much-needed infrastructure that will help support and maintain plastic waste management strategies across its businesses. SM Prime has equipped its properties with Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and standardized waste segregation systems across all malls and developments. There are 15 designated drop-off points for plastic wastes, which diverted 63,874 kgs of plastics from landfills. Trash-to-Cash (TTC) is a long-running monthly recycling market held in all SM Supermalls, where customers can exchange recyclables – such as paper, plastic and metal – for cash. TTC has facilitated the exchange of over 1 million kilograms of recyclables each month, totaling approximately 12 million kilograms. This is equivalent to saving 204,000 trees if all the recyclables were paper or reducing 18,000 tons of carbon emissions if all were plastic. Consumer-facing initiatives such as the RDC (Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable) segregation bins launched by SM Supermalls in 2023 and information drives help employees and customers reinforce the group's wider efforts. SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has also phased out single-use plastics in its hotels as early as 2018, replacing amenities with refillable or eco-friendly options. 'Plastic waste reduction at SM is about steady, coordinated progress made possible by a shared culture of everyday solutions, and a proactive approach across all our businesses,' Mr. Daniels added. The United Nations Environment Programme identified plastic pollution as a global problem with 19-23 million tons of plastic waste going into the ecosystem, polluting lakes, rivers and seas. About SM Investments Corporation SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy. SM's retail operations are the country's largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM's interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country's largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank. For more information, please visit Logo – View original content:
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did JYP just ILLEGALLY spy on DAY6 fans? K-Pop industry ROCKED by privacy breach scandal
DAY6 K-pop empire JYP Entertainment has been accused of collecting personal information from DAY6 fans. What happened at Seoul's Jamsil Indoor Stadium from July 18-20 during the "PIER 10: All My Days" fan meeting went viral after JYP's security company didn't just ask for standard ticket verification, but demanded personal information. JYP's Damage Control When the fan fury reached new highs, JYP Entertainment finally put out a public apology. The company tried to explain that they were just trying to distinguish between real fans and ticket scalpers. This further angered fans who said, "Shouldn't this have been sorted BEFORE traumatising hundreds of fans?" Industry-Wide PANIC This scandal isn't just about one botched fan meeting - it's exposed the ugly truth about how the K-pop industry treats international fans. The real horror is that this could be happening at other major entertainment companies too. Are SM, YG, and HYBE also secretly collecting fan data? Are international fans being systematically profiled and harassed? This scandal has opened Pandora's box! What Happens Next? Social media is EXPLODING with fan testimonials that sound like horror stories. One said, "I flew 15 hours from the US, spent $3000, and they wouldn't let me in because my hotel booking wasn't 'verified enough'. They asked for my employment details, family contacts, and even my social media passwords!" "I was treated like a terrorist for buying a concert ticket legally," said the fan The BRUTAL Truth About K-Pop's Global Problem K-pop companies have grown drunk on international success while completely failing to respect international fans. This DAY6 scandal is just the tip of the iceberg. How many other fans have been silently suffering similar treatment? Can JYP Win Back Broken Hearts? While JYP's apology includes concrete action steps (which is more than most companies offer), the damage to fan trust might be irreversible. In our culture, "trust once broken is like a mirror cracked - even if you fix it, the scars remain visible." The remaining fan meeting shows on July 25-27 will be JYP's last chance to prove they've learned from this disaster. But fans are rightfully skeptical, "Will they actually change, or just get better at hiding their surveillance?"
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
SM's virtual artist Naevis to drop new track
11 months after debut track 'Done,' Naevis returns with new track K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment's first virtual artist Naevis is gearing up for a return. Naevis will release her second single 'Sensitive' on Aug. 7 at noon. The new track comes approximately 11 months after her debut song 'Done,' which was released in September. According to SM Entertainment, 'Sensitive' is a pop dance track featuring a groovy, funk-infused bassline and soft, rhythmic vocals with a diverse structure and dynamic sound. The lyrics convey Naevis' emotional journey as she moves from the digital world to the real world for the first time. Naevis was first introduced as a central character of labelmate aespa's concept. While aespa members travel back and forth between the real and virtual worlds, Naevis supports both the real-life aespa members and their avatars, ae-aespa. Naevis performed "Done" ahead of its release during aespa's second world tour "Synk: Parallel Line" in June 2024. Her upcoming release 'Sensitive' was also prereleased during SM's joint concert 'The Culture, The Live' in January.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
From Bang Si‑hyuk to Yang Hyun‑suk: Major K‑pop agencies & scandals involving their leaders
K-pop isn't only about the idols fans like; it's also about the powerful agencies that shape careers and create worldwide stars. While superstars get all the attention, the actual drama typically takes place behind the scenes. From internal tensions to major criminal charges, some agency chiefs have found themselves at the heart of controversy, with effects that can be felt by the artists themselves. Here's an overview of the top K-pop companies and the scandals that have engulfed its CEOs. HYBE (Home to BTS, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM) Bang Si-hyuk, founder and chairman, of the global conglomerate is currently under criminal investigation by South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service. He has been accused of fraudulent securities trading involving secret shareholder agreements worth approximately ₩400 billion (~$290 million) just before HYBE's 2020 IPO. The Financial Services Commission formally referred him to prosecutors. The company has also faced internal turmoil, most notably a public and legal conflict with Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR (a HYBE subsidiary), over creative control and alleged mistreatment of NewJeans members. This ongoing feud has further tarnished the company's leadership image. YG Entertainment (Home to BLACKPINK, BABYMONSTER) Yang Hyun-suk, YG's founder and previous CEO, resigned in 2019 after various controversies involving drug-related claims against his musicians. His most significant legal struggle ended in 2023, when he was convicted of coercing a trainee to recant their testimony in a drug case. In 2025, South Korea's Supreme Court upheld the 6-month suspended prison term, dealing a last legal and reputational blow to the agency's legacy. SM Entertainment (Home to EXO, aespa, NCT) Lee Soo-man, SM's founder and former executive producer, has been embroiled in numerous financial and ethical scandals over the years. He formally left as chief producer in 2023, but has since founded A2O Entertainment, which focuses on global talent development. Nonetheless, his scandals continue to haunt him. He was convicted of embezzlement and stock manipulation in the early 2000s, but was later pardoned by the president. He was also accused of funneling billions of won to his private company, Like Planning, which raised severe conflicts of interest problems. Lee was identified in the Pandora Papers for allegedly diverting international revenues through offshore shell businesses such as CT Planning Ltd. In 2023, he became the focal point of a power struggle between Kakao and SM's management during the company's restructuring and ownership dispute. JYP Entertainment (Home to TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY) Park Jin-young (JYP), the company's founder and creative director, has mainly avoided legal controversies, but he has experienced controversy. In 2011, he faced a plagiarism case for the song "Someday," which was first declared in favor of the plaintiff. The Supreme Court overturned the verdict in 2015, citing a lack of significant musical similarities. He also faced allegations of involvement with the Salvation Sect in the Sewol ferry disaster, which he openly refuted. Not only that, but he was criticized by artists such as Sunmi (former Wonder Girls) for wielding excessive creative control and restricting artistic expression. Rumours circulated in 2014 that he attempted to sell JYP Entertainment to YG, however both firms refuted this. Attrakt (Agency of FIFTY FIFTY) CEO Jeon Hong-joon made news in 2023 when girl group FIFTY FIFTY sought an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts, charging financial mismanagement and medical malpractice. The court finally found in favor of Attrakt, prompting Jeon to cancel the members' contracts and file criminal and civil cases against the idols and their production business for alleged fraud and poaching. Member Keena eventually dropped her complaint and reconnected with the agency. Since then, Attrakt has reorganized FIFTY FIFTY with new members and is gearing up for a comeback, including a U.S. tour. Konnect Entertainment (Founded by Kang Daniel) The agency, previously seen as a model for self-managed idols, was forced to close in 2024 when its key shareholder was accused of fabricating paperwork and unlawfully signing ₩10 billion contracts under Kang Daniel's name. The stockholder is still under investigation. TS Entertainment & Media Line (Known for groups like B.A.P) TS Entertainment, which managed groups such as B.A.P. and SECRET, was sued many times for unfair contracts and artist mistreatment before quietly ceasing operations. The CEO of Media Line Entertainment was convicted of child abuse in 2019 for physically and emotionally torturing members of the boy band The East Light. He was sentenced to six years in prison, underscoring the harsh treatment that some trainees experience in the profession. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Dying For Sex has earned this talented Australian an Emmy nod
Fitz: So what was the 'hinge moment' in your life which veered you towards actively pursuing directing as a career? SM: I was about 13, and my first drama teacher at Caulfield Grammar, Mr Joachim Matschoss – who I'm still in touch with – actually wrote in my drama book, 'you should really consider this as a profession'. I had no idea what that really meant because for me drama was fun, and I enjoyed doing it, but I didn't know how you could make it a life's work. But that put the idea in my head… Fitz: And the influence of attending Sydney's own NIDA in 2007? SM: It was honestly the best year of my life. I loved being surrounded by people who all were as enthusiastic as I was about theatre, and took it as seriously as I did. I was just in awe of that school and the teachers and my classmates. I always loved listening to the directors and the choreographers and the designers and listening to how they did things, how they saw things. Fitz: Go on. SM: At NIDA, it was about the rigour of being an informed artist. There was always so much pressure – and rightly so – to make sure that you're at the forefront of the entire creative industry. And the only way you can do that is if you watch everything, see as much art and theatre and opera and everything else that you can, so that you know who everyone is, and you know what art is in the world right now, so you can be ahead of the zeitgeist. And I really take that so seriously in my daily life now. I'm always at galleries and staying adventurous and creative, and that's what has made me the artist that I am. Fitz: So you are operating by informed instinct, with no rigid playbook? SM: Yes. It is all instinct, from years of being in rehearsal rooms and then NIDA and then AFTRS [the Australian Film Television and Radio School]. Fitz: And so when you moved from theatre to film and television, what would you say were your own hallmarks in approach? SM: I think it's the performance style I create with the actors. I want it be grounded and believable, but I'm not afraid to push extreme performances – because I also think people are extreme. I love colour, which probably comes from growing up and staring out at the Hong Kong harbour and neon lights my whole life. I'd also say I've got a dark and unusual sense of humour, but that would also come from living in so many countries and understanding many different kinds of comedy, right? And music. Nothing captures mood better than the right music. Fitz: So for your debut feature film, Babyteeth, at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, you received a standing ovation for 15 minutes? SM: Yeah, that was crazy. We'd just finished it at the last minute, so we had no idea how they were going to respond. We'd never known where people would laugh, where people would cry. So it was quite overwhelming. We were very stressed to work out whether it was any good or not. Obviously, the standing ovation helped us feel better about it. Fitz: How do you do get the best performances out of your actors? Are you somebody who wants 50 takes? SM: I do like to have a proper relationship with them off-screen, and for them to have that with each other. We must know each other, beyond just being professionals together. No, I don't do a lot of takes, and when I do repeat them, they're always quite different. I'm very confident about when I've got something and I can move on quite quickly. I don't want to over intellectualise it. I want to work out how we're really going to transform this character through their movements, not just being a talking head. Fitz: After you yell 'Cut!' and 'That's a wrap for the day, people,' do they all go home, while you sit there until midnight, going through the rushes? SM: No. I've got a bit of a photographic memory, so when it comes to the content that I've shot, I don't need to rewatch anything afterwards. And to be honest, I don't really like looking at any of it until I've finished because I find it confusing. In this art form, scenes might move into different spots, so you can't overly plan every transition from one scene to another, because that scene might end up at the end of the project instead of at the beginning. Fitz: And when they all finally do go home, are you then buried for six months putting it all together? SM: Yes. And that's the bit I always struggle with because it's a much more lonely process. But at least I have the most amazing editor, an Australian, Steve Evans, and he makes my life really exciting during that period because he's so proficient in music, and a huge reason why my work has so much great music in it. And I come in to the editing booth at the end of a shoot as an exhausted shell of a person, and he revives me creatively again. Fitz: How did Dying For Sex come across your desk, and what is the premise of the story? SM: It was based on a podcast about a woman called Molly and her best friend, Nikki. They're both actors and when Molly finds out she's dying of cancer, she realises she hasn't had enough sexual experience and variety in her life and so starts to explore it in the time she has left. When I read the synopsis, I loved it. I knew it was going to be a really strong tonal challenge. Fitz: What's a tonal challenge? SM: It's when I read it and I love the really interesting tone on the page, but start wondering how do I actually execute that with all the other elements of the visuals and performance and music? And I know that it's going to be hard to get right. Dying For Sex could easily have come across as bad taste, and it had to be handled carefully. And so all of us were on board with that, and the challenge was delicately working out you could have a scene that talks about sexual abuse and then making a fart joke in the same moment. Fitz: When you go to the Emmys will you have a speech prepared in case you win, or would that be bad karma? SM: Yes. I am so nervous about public speaking that there's no way that I wouldn't have something written down, because I just can't get up and wing it. I'm not a performer. Loading Fitz: Well, if it's not bad karma, let's have a little practice. 'Thank you, thank you all! The person I'd like to thank most is …' SM: '… is my daughter, Dylan. She's 10, and she was just six months old when I started doing television, and she has very much been on this journey with me the whole way.' My daughter loves hanging out on set, and we have wonderful, creative people around our house all the time. Life is more rich because of it. Being a single mum is a little bit challenging in this industry, but I also feel like this industry is incredibly supportive of that – particularly in London, where I live now – and it never seems like it's a disadvantage, which is really nice. Fitz: So now you've got an Emmy nomination, and maybe an Emmy itself, we can presume you've nailed the zeitgeist with your work. How do you define that zeitgeist in 2025?
