SM Town Live 2025 marked a monumental celebration of SM Entertainment’s 30 years in the K-pop industry. The event showcased powerful performances from both veteran idols like Bada, Kangta, and Tony An, as well as rising stars like aespa and RIIZE. This star-studded concert not only honored K-pop history but also introduced exciting new talent, making it a fitting tribute to SM’s legacy and future.
Reflecting on Music’s Role in Life
“At what moment in life did you first hear our music? I hope it brought comfort to your journey.” These heartfelt words, spoken by Bada of the iconic first-generation idol group S.E.S., echoed through Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on January 12. Her emotional letter, read aloud at SM Town Live 2025, celebrated SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary. Bada introduced herself as “Korea’s first female idol” and emphasized that S.E.S. songs are not just nostalgic hits but enduring companions to listeners’ dreams. Her emotional message resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for the event.
SM Town Live 2025: A Star-Studded Anniversary Celebration
Spanning two days and attracting over 40,000 attendees, SM Town Live 2025 showcased a massive lineup of 98 performers. Artists ranged from first-generation legends like Kangta, BoA, and TVXQ to newer stars such as aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH. The January 12 concert alone featured 59 diverse performances and ran for an impressive five and a half hours. The concert highlighted SM Entertainment’s three decades of contributions to K-pop’s evolution.
aespa and Bada’s Collaboration: Honoring Dreams
One of the most touching moments of SM Town Live 2025 was the collaboration between Bada and aespa’s Winter and Karina. Together, they performed S.E.S.’s debut song, Dreams Come True, bringing nostalgia to life with modern flair. They recreated the original 1990s concept, complete with loose white trousers and braided bangs, evoking both emotion and admiration from fans. The seamless blend of past and present exemplified the timelessness of SM’s musical legacy.
Kangta, Tony An, and the Joy of Nostalgia
Kangta and Tony An of H.O.T. brought excitement to the stage by performing Candy with NCT Dream. They even mimicked their 1990s persona, painting their faces and dancing with playful charm. Tony An reflected on SM Entertainment’s 30-year journey, noting the company’s simultaneous growth alongside H.O.T., which debuted 29 years ago. This unique collaboration demonstrated how SM continues to bridge generations through music.
Showcasing SM’s Legacy and Future
The concert was a living museum of K-pop history, featuring hit songs like TVXQ’s Mirotic, Super Junior’s Sorry Sorry, EXO’s First Snow, Red Velvet’s Red Flavor, and aespa’s Whiplash. However, SM’s future was equally spotlighted. The event unveiled the first teaser for Hearts2Hearts, an eight-member girl group debuting on February 24. Additionally, Dear Alice, a group created in collaboration with a UK agency, performed their debut song Ariana. Trainees from SMTR25 also paid tribute to senior artists by covering EXO’s Growl.
SM Town Live 2025: Unforgettable Moments and Challenges
Despite its grandeur, SM Town Live 2025 faced some setbacks. Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and Red Velvet’s Wendy did not participate due to communication issues with SM. The absence of complete group performances from EXO, SHINee, and Girls’ Generation disappointed fans. Furthermore, founder Lee Soo-man did not attend, claiming he only learned of his invitation through media and later received it via registered mail.
However, fans appreciated the heartwarming moments, such as senior idols helping junior performers who got lost during the ending sequence. These interactions highlighted the camaraderie within SM and reinforced fans’ loyalty. Online discussions revealed fans likening themselves to Ryo, who famously declared devotion to SM.
The Emotional Impact of SM Town Live 2025
The event left a lasting impression on attendees, blending nostalgia, innovation, and unity. Performances by Bada and aespa, Kangta and Tony An, and the presentation of new talents underscored SM’s dual focus on honoring its history while nurturing future stars. SM Town Live 2025 was more than a concert—it was a celebration of three decades of shaping K-pop and an inspiration for its future.
Here’s a link to instiz.
Thank you so much for reading this post! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments!
When did you first discover our music? I really hope it brought some comfort on your journey 🥺 This is such a heartwarming message… I don’t know who Bada is but these words touched my heart ❤️