From H.O.T's debut in 1996 to now, Kangta has always been a part of SM Entertainment. During an interview with Ilgan Sports, he opened up about his still ongoing relationship with the label. 

To the question asking how he managed to stay in the company for 20 years (counting from his trainee days), Kangta answered, "There's something that I told my parents when I was underage. I told them to never directly contact the label. Whenever it was time for contract renewal, my father wanted to act for me, but I strongly opposed. I told them that I'll take care of it. Of course, my parents were concerned since it deals with finances, but I hated that. You know there are a lot of celebrities who get scarred because of their parents. I also hated that, and thankfully, my parents understood."

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He continued, "It's blocking my parents from communicating with the company in regards to the business aspects. It doesn't matter on other things. They contact the company directly without going through me when they want my hoobaes' concert tickets." Kangta then shared a story, saying, "One time, my noona asked me for EXO tickets, but I also can't do anything about those. I just told her not to ask me for them, but I'll look into it anyway."

Next, Kangta revealed that several label-hoobaes turn to him for advice. He said, "Siwon comes to be often as well as TVXQ. Nowadays, I talk a lot with Heechul. To be honest, what can the friends in NCT have to say to me? Advice counseling can work when the age range matches to an extent."