For the first time in over a decade, SM Entertainment brought its powerhouse festival to Europe — and London was more than ready.
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| Photo Credit - @SMTOWNGLOBAL |
On June 28, the iconic O2 Arena lit up with the colors, sounds, and electrifying energy of SMTOWN LIVE 2025, marking the company’s first-ever UK concert and a triumphant return to the European stage after 14 years. The event was not only a concert but a commemoration of SM’s 30th anniversary, bringing together generations of K-pop idols and fans for a night that felt both nostalgic and future-facing.
SMTOWN FAMILY PHOTO📸
— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) June 28, 2025
in SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in LONDON
Thank you, LONDON!💞 #SMTOWN #SM_30thAnniversary#SMTOWN2025 #SMTOWN_LIVE #SMCU pic.twitter.com/Q8hm1X1qGq
SM pulled out all the stops, assembling an all-star roster from across its history and new generation. From the legendary TVXQ and Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, to second-gen favorites like SHINee’s Minho and EXO’s Suho, Chanyeol, and Kai, to today’s leading acts including Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, and RIIZE—the night felt like the ultimate K-pop crossover event. New faces from NCT WISH, Hearts2Hearts, DearU Alice, and rookie group SMTR25 also got their spotlight, signaling the label’s next chapter.
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| Photo Credit - @SMTOWNGLOBAL |
Over the course of four jam-packed hours, the arena echoed with SM’s most iconic anthems. TVXQ’s “Mirotic”, Red Velvet’s “Bad Boy”, NCT 127’s “Fact Check”, aespa’s “Next Level”, and RIIZE’s “Boom Boom Bass” sent fans into a frenzy. Special stages added extra sparkle, including Hyoyeon, YangYang (WayV), and Giselle (aespa)’s high-energy “Dessert” collaboration, and solo performances from Kai, Chanyeol, Minho, and Suho.
Rookies weren’t left out either. RIIZE debuted their new track “Fly Up,” while SMTR25 — composed of SM trainees — showcased their potential with a powerful group performance.
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| Photo Credit - @SMTOWNGLOBAL |
In classic SMTOWN tradition, every artist returned to the stage to close the night together with “Hope from KWANGYA,” an emotional family song that turned the arena into a sea of lightsticks and tears. It was more than a finale — it was a statement of unity, legacy, and global impact.