(사진=SM엔터테인먼트)

 

[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Kim Jisun] According to the industry on the 29th, the audit committee under the Kakao board of directors has been auditing SM Entertainment's financial statements since early this month. This is to examine the appropriateness of M & A (M&A) and external investment conducted without discussion with SM Entertainment's management headquarters after Kakao became the largest shareholder.

In particular, 10x Entertainment (TenX Entertainment), The Hub, and StudioClone, which were acquired and invested by SM Entertainment, are considered to be close to SM executives, and Kakao is paying attention to the investment process.

If there is a problem with SM Entertainment's management's excessive investment, it could also affect the financial situation of its headquarters, Kakao. In addition, if the problem is revealed and no action is taken, Kakao's board of directors could be embroiled in a controversy over "malpractice." This is why some predict that Kakao will replace SM Entertainment's management depending on the audit results.

However, Kakao drew the line, saying, "We haven't even gotten the results of SM Entertainment's audit yet." An official familiar with the issue said, "We will judge the problems of SM Entertainment executives and decide whether to take disciplinary action only when the audit report is posted." He also said, "As it is the personnel time of the Kakao community, there is a possibility of change in SM Entertainment executives, but nothing related to this has been decided."

Meanwhile, Kakao became the largest shareholder with a 39.87% stake in SM Entertainment in March last year. However, HIVE and SM Entertainment are currently under prosecution investigation for suspicion of manipulating the market price.

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