ArtistBApal Entertainment
BoA
BoA, born Kwon Bo-ah on November 5, 1986, is the artist who proved K-pop could travel. Discovered by SM Entertainment scouts at age 11 when she tagged along to her brother's audition, she debuted in 2000 at 13 with the album ID; Peace B. Within two years, her Japanese debut Listen to My Heart topped the Oricon chart, making her the first Korean solo artist to pull it off.
Her Japanese albums Valenti (2003) and Best of Soul (2005) each moved over a million copies. Her self-titled English album (2009) became the first K-pop release to chart on the Billboard 200. Across a career spanning 25 years, she has sold over 10 million albums and remains one of only three female artists with six consecutive number-one studio albums on the Oricon chart, alongside Ayumi Hamasaki and Hikaru Utada.
Beyond recording, BoA served as a judge on K-pop Star, hosted Produce 101 Season 2, coached The Voice of Korea, and acted in the drama Listen to Love. She is a member of the supergroup Got the Beat alongside other SM Entertainment senior artists.
In January 2026, BoA officially departed SM Entertainment after 25 years, one of the most significant exits in K-pop history. Her next move is the subject of intense industry speculation, with many pointing to a potential reunion with SM founder Lee Soo Man at his new venture, A2O Entertainment.
4 articles19 creditsDebut: August 25, 2000South Korean
Gallery
Discography
2025
CrazierAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2022
Forgive MeAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2020
BetterAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2018
WOMANAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2015
Kiss My LipsAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2012
Only OneAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2010
Hurricane VenusAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2009
BoA (English Album)Album
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2005
Best of SoulAlbum
Compilation (Japanese)SM Entertainment
2005
Girls on TopAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2004
Love & HonestyAlbum
Solo Artist (Japanese)SM Entertainment
2003
ValentiAlbum
Solo Artist (Japanese)SM Entertainment
2003
Atlantis PrincessAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2002
No. 1Album
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2002
Listen to My HeartAlbum
Solo Artist (Japanese)SM Entertainment
2000
ID; Peace BAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
Filmography
2017
Produce 101 Season 2Variety Show
Host
2016
Listen to LoveK-Drama
Actress
2011
K-pop Star (Seasons 1-3)Variety Show
Judge
Fans Also Ask
Why is BoA called the Queen of K-pop?
BoA earned the title by being the first Korean solo artist to achieve mainstream chart success in Japan, topping the Oricon Albums Chart with Listen to My Heart (2002). She sold over 10 million albums globally, placed six consecutive number-one studio albums on the Oricon chart, and made the first K-pop appearance on the Billboard 200 with her self-titled English album in 2009. Her 25-year career with SM Entertainment established the template for Korean artists crossing into international markets.
When and how did BoA get discovered?
BoA was discovered in 1998 at age 11 when she accompanied her older brother to an SM Entertainment talent search in South Korea. SM scouts noticed her and offered her a contract that same night. After two years of intensive training, she made her Korean debut on August 25, 2000, with the album ID; Peace B, becoming one of the youngest artists to debut under SM Entertainment.
What are BoA's biggest achievements in Japan?
BoA became the first South Korean pop star to break through in Japan with her debut Japanese album Listen to My Heart (2002). Her albums Valenti (2003) and Best of Soul (2005) each sold over one million copies on the Oricon chart. She is one of only three female artists with six consecutive number-one studio albums on Oricon since debut, alongside Ayumi Hamasaki and Hikaru Utada.
Did BoA release English music and appear in TV dramas?
Yes on both counts. BoA released a self-titled English-language album in 2009 that became the first K-pop release to chart on the Billboard 200. She served as a judge on K-pop Star (2011-2013), hosted Produce 101 Season 2 (2017), coached The Voice of Korea Season 3 (2020), and acted in dramas including Listen to Love (2016) and Marry My Husband (2024). She was also a founding member of the SM supergroup Got the Beat.
What is BoA doing after leaving SM Entertainment?
In August 2025, BoA released her 11th studio album Crazier, one of her final releases under SM Entertainment. In January 2026, SM announced she had not renewed her contract after 25 years together, marking one of K-pop's most significant artist departures. Her next move as an independent artist is closely watched, with speculation pointing toward a potential reunion with SM founder Lee Soo Man at his new venture.
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