As the dome glowed one final time in soft pink, SM artists waved with heartfelt gratitude to their beloved fans, while the closing song “Hope from KWANGYA” filled the air. Confetti and streamers scattered across the floor, proof of the exhilaration, emotion, and hope shared that night. In this moment, all artists who helped shape SM’s legacy came together, perfectly embodying the essence of the evening. This was a tribute to the rich history of SM Entertainment and a promise to continue carving an even better future for K-pop fans around the world.
On Jan. 12, the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul’s Guro District bustled with fans’ barely contained excitement for the last day of SMTOWN LIVE 2025 THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE in SEOUL.
Held over two days, Jan. 11 and 12, a total of 40,000 fans gathered to celebrate SM artists’ performances. With the first SMTOWN concert dating back to 2008, this year’s agency-wide concert held special significance, commemorating SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary since its establishment in 1995. The 5-hour show featured 98 SM artists, showcasing group performances, solo stages, intergenerational collaborations, and unreleased tracks.
At 5:05 p.m., the dome’s pink lights dimmed to a video recap of SM Entertainment’s artistic history. Fans held their breath as they followed the nostalgic journey. The video faded to black, and with “SM TOWN” emblazoned on the screen, the concert officially began.
In a burst of red fireworks, TVXQ leaped onto the stage to open the show. The audience, now an ocean of red lightsticks, cheered and waved in sync to “Rising Sun.” Fireworks erupted at the end, marking a strong start to the night.
SMTR25, a group of 25 SM trainees making their debut appearance, kept the energy high with a dance cover of SHINee’s hit song “LUCIFER.”
The atmosphere shifted as blue lights filled the dome, and screams erupted when Super Junior members appeared on the screen. Fans turned their lightsticks into a sea of blue and green as the group performed “A Man in Love.”
A growl rang out, signaling the next performance. Bright spotlights illuminated the extended stage, where 11 SMTR25 trainees dressed in black leather jackets and red ties delivered an electrifying dance to EXO’s “Growl.” Fans shouted along with fan chants, amplifying the excitement.
The lights dimmed again, plunging the dome into darkness. A sudden flash of red and gold revealed BoA’s silhouette. Dubbed the “Queen of K-pop” since her debut in 2000, BoA commanded the stage with her iconic song “Girls on Top.” Her powerful vocals resonated throughout the venue, captivating the crowd.
After her performance, BoA addressed the audience with warm encouragement. “I believe all of you will have an amazing time tonight. Please enjoy it until the end!” she said.
The excitement continued as the piano melody of BoA’s “Only One” began. RIIZE member Shotaro joined her as a dance partner for the duet’s choreography, drawing wild cheers from the crowd.
Next was a solo stage by SM’s first artificial intelligence virtual artist, Naevis, met with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Aespa took the stage with “Whiplash,” igniting cheers as members executed their signature moves. They followed up with “Supernova,” the track that won them the Song of the Year Award at the 2024 MelOn Music Awards. Fans’ screams hit new heights whenever Ning Ning appeared on screen.
DearALICE, a United Kingdom-based group under SM Entertainment and MOON&BACK MEDIA, performed their debut single “Ariana.” Though their official debut is scheduled for February, their bright and bubbly energy was infectious. Speaking in well-rehearsed Korean, the group charmed the audience, earning cheers of encouragement.
RIIZE kept the momentum going with an energetic set, starting with their B-side “Impossible” and transitioning to their title track, “Boom Boom Bass.” Fans enthusiastically waved orange lightsticks to the beat.
After a video montage featuring all SM artists, the dome filled with the familiar sounds of EXO’s “The First Snow.” Suho and Chanyeol delivered a heartfelt rendition, and Suho expressed gratitude to fans. “I’m a fan of all Pink Bloods who adore their artists. Let’s spread the love,” he said warmly.
Collaboration stages followed, beginning with Girl’s Generation’s Hyoyeon performing “Dessert” with NCT’s YangYang and aespa’s Giselle. Other highlights included SHINee’s Key and NCT’s Jeno delivering “Villain,” Red Velvet’s Seulgi and RIIZE’s Sungchan dueting “Bad Boy, Sad Girl,” and Fly to the Sky’s Hwanhee pairing with RIIZE’s Sohee for “Sea of Love.”
NCT units and WayV kept the energy high with performances of their hits, including NCT DREAM’s “Smoothie” and NCT 127’s “Walk.” Super Junior-M brought nostalgia with “At Least I Still Have You,” while SHINee’s Key and Minho dazzled with “Gasoline” and “CALL BACK,” respectively.
The second half of the concert featured intergenerational collaborations, such as H.O.T.’s Kangta and NCT Jazz Trio performing “Never Goodbye.” Bada from S.E.S. joined aespa’s Karina and Winter for “Dreams Come True,” followed by a heartfelt solo performance of “Just in Love.”
The finale showcased SM’s rich legacy with covers of classic hits by newer artists. Highlights included BoA’s tribute to late SHINee member Jonghyun with “End of a Day,” NCT WISH’s take on Super Junior’s “Miracle,” and TVXQ’s performance of Red Velvet’s “Psycho.”
The night ended with all SMTOWN artists gathering on stage to perform “Hope from KWANGYA,” marking the denouement of the concert.
SMTOWN LIVE 2025 will continue with a global tour, with confirmed stops in Mexico City on May 9, Los Angeles on May 11, and Tokyo from Aug. 9 to 10.
