SM Entertainment celebrated its 30th anniversary with 'SM CLASSICS LIVE 2025' in Tokyo, blending K-POP with classical music.
September/16/2025 20:34Related Groups & Members
A special performance commemorating the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment (hereafter, SM), 'SM CLASSICS LIVE 2025 in TOKYO,' was held at Tokyo International Forum Hall A. 'SM Classics' is a classical & jazz label that started in 2020, reinterpreting famous K-POP songs with orchestral and classical arrangements to deliver new charm. This stage provided a special time to experience the grand sound of a full orchestra reflecting the 30 years of music history and legacy that SM has walked. Conducted by Hideaki Matsumura, the New Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra created an overwhelming musical space. Additionally, SUPER JUNIOR's Leeteuk served as the moderator, introducing the background and stories of the songs in a friendly manner, adding warmth to the entire stage for the audience, even those experiencing a classical concert for the first time. Furthermore, SUPER JUNIOR's Ryeowook appeared as a guest vocalist, performing orchestral arrangements of 'The Little Prince' and 'It's okay,' captivating the audience with his delicate yet powerful singing voice. This concert created new sounds through the fusion of representative SM songs with classical works. EXO's 'Growl' incorporated elements of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 'Fate,' reconstructing the original rhythm with classical variations. TVXQ's 'Rising Sun' fused with Vivaldi's 'Summer' from 'The Four Seasons,' expressing a sense of speed and dramatic development. Red Velvet's 'Feel My Rhythm' quoted Bach's 'Air on the G String,' showcasing a splendid fusion of classical and pop. Girls' Generation's 'Into The New World' incorporated Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance,' delivering a grand arrangement that paid homage to the group's history. Other performances included BoA's 'Tree,' aespa's 'Black Mamba,' NCT U's 'Make A Wish (Birthday Song),' and SHINee's 'Sherlock (Clue + Note),' resulting in a stage where diverse classical elements and K-POP fused together. The 'SM CLASSICS LIVE,' held for the first time in Japan, became a memorable performance where SM's musical heritage could be experienced in a new form, marking a fitting celebration of the 30th anniversary.
Related Articles
On the afternoon of the 13th, EXO departed through Incheon International Airport for Thailand to participate in 'SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in BANGKOK.' The concert is scheduled for February 14, 2026, and will be their first performance in Bangkok in 13 years. Additionally, 65 artists will perform at the first SMTOWN concert in Fukuoka, featuring stunning collaborations and J-POP covers.
On the afternoon of the 13th, Minho from SHINee departed through Incheon International Airport for Thailand to attend SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Bangkok. The concert is scheduled for February 14, 2026, and will be the first performance in Bangkok in 13 years. Additionally, 65 artists will perform at the first SMTOWN event in Fukuoka, featuring a spectacular one-night collaboration and J-POP covers.
On the afternoon of the 13th, Hyoyeon from Girls' Generation departed from Incheon International Airport to Thailand for SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in Bangkok. The concert is set for February 14, 2026, marking the first Bangkok performance in 13 years. Additionally, 65 artists will perform at SMTOWN's first Fukuoka concert, featuring stunning collaborations and J-POP covers.
On the morning of the 13th, Red Velvet members Seulgi, Joy, and Irene departed from Incheon International Airport to Thailand for SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Bangkok. The concert is scheduled for February 14, 2026, marking the group's first performance in Bangkok in 13 years. Additionally, 65 artists will perform at SMTOWN's first show in Fukuoka, featuring stunning collaborations and J-POP covers.
On the afternoon of the 13th, aespa departed through Incheon International Airport to Thailand for SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Bangkok. The event is scheduled for February 14, 2026, marking a highly anticipated return to Bangkok after 13 years. Additionally, 65 performers will take part in the first SMTOWN concert in Fukuoka, featuring stunning collaborations and J-POP covers.
'COMMON GROUND' is a music program on J-WAVE (81.3FM) airing Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays. It features curated playlists by music selectors and introduces unique music not found through algorithms. On Feb 21, TVXQ will navigate the show, sharing their favorite Asian sounds and preparing for their 20th-anniversary live concert. The program is also available on the radiko app with a time-free feature for one week after airing.
Yuna from Girls' Generation received the Visionary Award for her leading role in 'The Tyrant's Chef' at the 2026 Visionary Awards. She portrayed chef Yong Ji-yong, dedicating months to perfect her cooking skills. The drama achieved high ratings, and Yuna expressed gratitude to the production team and viewers, emphasizing the unifying power of food.
Suyeon from Girls' Generation has been announced as the representative SEKAI producer for 'PRODUCE 101 JAPAN 新世界', a global audition series. This program allows participants from around the world to compete, marking the first global voting and streaming. Suyeon's extensive experience in the Japanese music market raises expectations for the trainees' potential.
Onew from SHINee enhances the anticipation for his comeback with the 5th mini-album 'TOUGH LOVE', showcasing a classic suit in a concept photo. The album promises a unique musical perspective on love, featuring Onew's distinctive sound. 'TOUGH LOVE' will be released on March 9 at 6 PM on all music platforms.
Tohoshinki is set to appear on 'Weekly Nainai Music' on February 25, featuring a special 30-minute segment. They will debut their new song 'IDENTITY', the theme for their 20th anniversary film, which releases on February 20. The song symbolizes the bonds formed with loved ones and the meaning of 'being oneself'. They will also hold a concert at Nissan Stadium on April 25-26.
