SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Fukuoka featured 16 artists, celebrating SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary with memorable performances.

The live event "SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in FUKUOKA" hosted by SM Entertainment was held on January 31 (Saturday) and February 1 (Sunday) at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, featuring a total of 16 groups and 65 artists including TVXQ and SUPER JUNIOR. Each day showcased about 50 songs over approximately 4.5 hours, attracting around 70,000 spectators over two days. Since its inception in 2008, "SMTOWN LIVE" has held about 70 performances worldwide, with 38 of those in Japan since the first event in 2011, gathering over 1.1 million attendees. This event celebrated the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment and the 15th year of the event being held in Japan, following last year's two-day event at Tokyo Dome. Fukuoka marked the first time this event was held there. Artists performing included KANGTA, TVXQ, SUPER JUNIOR, Zhoumi, Hyoyeon from Girls' Generation, Minho from SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, RIIZE, NCT WISH, Hearts2Hearts, and XngHan & Xoul. Unlike last summer's Tokyo Dome event, this time included new songs from each group, and marked the first Japanese performance after the return of NCT's Taeyong post-military service, as well as EXO's Sehun's return after 2 years and 7 months. Additionally, there were solo stages and collaborative performances that crossed group boundaries. TVXQ, the oldest group, opened and closed the show, performing their significant songs "Rising Sun" and "MIROTIC (Japanese Ver.)" instead of new songs, reflecting on SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary. They also covered Red Velvet's hit song "Psycho," showcasing a mature and delicate performance. Yunho expressed his happiness to participate in such a wonderful stage with respected seniors and cool juniors, while Changmin conveyed gratitude to the fans for their 30 years of support. TVXQ will hold a live concert at Nissan Stadium in April to commemorate their 20th anniversary. Yunho proudly stated that they are preparing hard to match the venue's prestige. TVXQ and Girls' Generation have significantly boosted SM Entertainment's popularity in Japan. Red Velvet covered Girls' Generation's "Run Devil Run," presenting a jazzy arrangement that highlighted their unique style. Red Velvet performed three songs, including "Bad Boy" and "Red Flavor." Additionally, trainees from SMTR25, potential members of a new boy group debuting this year, performed a medley of hits from SHINee, TVXQ, SUPER JUNIOR, and EXO as part of the "SM 30th Tribute Performance," enhancing the anniversary atmosphere. One of the major highlights was EXO's comeback. Last summer at Tokyo Dome, Suho, Chanyeol, and Kai showcased solo songs and declared their return as EXO. This time, D.O. and Sehun, who just completed military service in September, joined, fulfilling their comeback promise. Chanyeol announced, "EXO has returned!" and the crowd erupted in cheers as Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun shouted, "We Are One." Sehun greeted the audience, saying, "I have safely returned," receiving warm applause. Leader Suho expressed regret for not being able to perform "Crown" due to members' conditions and sang the ballad "I'm Home" from their newly released album. Chanyeol humorously mentioned that he heard Hakata beauties are among Japan's top three beauties, and during "The First Snow," they rode two carts into the audience, creating a warm atmosphere with the ballad "Don't Go." Chanyeol also announced a Japanese tour after six years. NCT 127 garnered significant cheers, with leader Taeyong returning after military service. He showcased a strong performance, expressing his joy at being back in Japan after a long absence. Taeyong said, "It's really been a long time. Thank you for waiting for me. (Military service) was tough, but now my dreams have come true, and I feel great." They performed popular songs like "2 Baddies," "Fact Check," and "Walk," uniting the audience with enthusiastic cheers. Unlike last summer's Tokyo Dome concert, where Mark and Haechan showcased a collaboration, this time, Taeyong, who just returned from military service, and Yuta, who recently succeeded in a solo performance at Nippon Budokan, presented solo stages. Yuta surprised fans with a vigorous performance as a rock artist alongside a band, showcasing a different side from NCT 127. NCT DREAM had just completed a sold-out Japanese tour on January 25, and they performed their latest dynamic song "Beat It Up" alongside "CHILLER." When Jaemin turned and winked, the crowd erupted in cheers. They also showcased their youthful charm with the nostalgic anthem "Hello Future," delighting fans with a diverse setlist. WayV appeared in suits, performing the glamorous and mature "BIG BANDS (Korean Ver.)" and then surprised the audience by revealing glasses for a performance of the album track "Ice Tea." They also performed three danceable songs, including their latest track "Eternal White (English Ver.)." NCT WISH, fresh off their first Japanese tour and currently in the midst of an Asian tour, delivered a powerful performance of the Korean song "COLOR" and their cute new song from their Japan 1st Mini Album "WISHLIST," "Hello Mellow," and "poppop (Japanese ver.)." Riku announced a fan club event in July. In a unit stage, rap members from each NCT group, including Johnny from NCT 127, Taeyong, Mark from NCT 127 & NCT DREAM, Jeno from NCT DREAM, Hendery from WayV, and Yangyang, performed "Misfit" as NCT U, creating a heartwarming moment for NCT fans. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, SUPER JUNIOR, currently on their world tour "SUPER SHOW 10," captivated the audience with their catchy medley of "Mr. Simple + BONAMANA" followed by the iconic "Sorry, Sorry," showcasing their overwhelming performance skills. Even after 20 years, SUPER JUNIOR continues to push forward without becoming complacent, appealing to fans of all generations. Leader Leeteuk mentioned that this was their first performance at PayPay Dome in 11 years. With Leeteuk's exaggerated MC, Shindong entertained the crowd with facial expressions. They captivated not only with their performances but also with their engaging talk, attracting fans from other groups. SUPER JUNIOR, with Zhoumi joining, also performed the ballad "至少還有你 (Korean Ver.)" showcasing their diverse sides. RIIZE, welcomed with great cheers, performed their hip-hop song "Bag Bad Back," and after finishing, Shoutaro, seeing the venue lit up in their group color orange, requested, "Light it up more!" After announcing their upcoming single "All of You" in February and Shoutaro's first Tokyo Dome performance, he engaged the audience, enhancing the sense of unity. They also debuted their song "Fame" on a Japanese stage, along with "Fly Up," creating an emotional narrative of their growth towards their first Tokyo Dome performance. Hearts2Hearts, despite not debuting in Japan yet, received a warm response with their songs "Pretty Please" and the upbeat "FOCUS." They excitedly teased fans about their comeback in February and hinted at preparing for activities in Japan. aespa showcased their powerful presence with performances of "Dirty Work," "Rich Man," and "Whiplash," receiving tremendous cheers and fan calls. Giselle expressed her happiness to meet the Fukuoka audience again since their arena tour last December, while Karina called for another reunion with their upcoming dome tour in April. The depth of solo artists is also a hallmark of SM. KANGTA, a legend from the first generation group H.O.T., showcased his dance track "Eyes On You" with impeccable vocal control. He emphasized that while this is SM's 30th anniversary concert, the biggest stars are the fans, promising to continue creating wonderful music and stages. Hyoyeon from Girls' Generation performed "Retro Romance" and added "Second," featuring BIBI, with Hearts2Hearts' June making a surprise appearance, creating a girly collaboration that excited the audience. Minho from SHINee appeared as a solo artist, marking his first live performance in Fukuoka since SHINee's "FIVE" tour in 2017, showcasing his R&B track "TEMPO" and the pop-groovy "CALL BACK." XngHan & Xoul performed "Heavenly Blue" and "Waste No Time," showing confidence compared to their nervous debut at last summer's Tokyo Dome SMTOWN LIVE. XngHan fluently spoke Japanese, announcing preparations for their comeback and plans for activities in Japan this year. A highlight of SMTOWN LIVE is the luxurious collaborations that transcend groups. For the Japan performance, a unit featuring Changmin from TVXQ, Kyuhyun from SUPER JUNIOR, and Shoutaro from RIIZE covered the popular song "愛♡スクリ～ム！ (AI SCREAM!)" with sharp dance moves, energizing the venue. The four members of Red Velvet, Irene, Seulgi, and Karina and Winter from aespa, covered f(x)'s "Chu～♡," a nostalgic collaboration that resonates with SM's history. The five members from NCT DREAM, Jaemin, Jisung, Eunseok, Wonbin, and Sion, covered the hit anime song "KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters' "Soda Pop," stunning the audience with their overwhelming visuals and performance that surpassed the 2D anime. The rapper unit representing NCT 127's Taeyong, NCT DREAM's Jeno, WayV's Hendery, Yangyang, and aespa's Giselle performed "ZOO" from the SMTOWN winter album "SMCU Express." The flow leading to NCT U's "Misfit" was breathtaking. The opening act featured GPP, an eight-member girl group that debuted as SM ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN's first artist last December, performing their debut song "Bring it Back." They expressed, "It feels like a dream to stand on this stage for the first time." The 30th anniversary marks a significant milestone. The culture nurtured by SM Entertainment has spread worldwide, blossoming into a new culture. This concert showcased the past, present, and future of 30 years in just 4.5 hours.