Stay tuned for Pyo Kyung-min's latest K-pop stories, where she digs into the backstories that matter. She’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts at pzzang@koreatimes.co.kr. After all, every article gets better with insights from those who love the scene, just like she does!
SM Entertainment to celebrate 30-year anniversary with January concert
The official poster for the upcoming "SMTOWN LIVE" concert, slated for January 2025 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in southwestern Seoul's Guro District / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
By Pyo Kyung-min
Home to numerous K-pop juggernauts, SM Entertainment unveiled plans to celebrate its 30-year anniversary with a major "SMTOWN LIVE" concert in Seoul next January.
The label revealed Thursday that the event will take place on two days, Jan. 11 and 12, at Gocheok Sky Dome in southwestern Seoul's Guro District. This marks SM's first agency-wide concert in Korea since "SMTOWN LIVE 2022: SMCU EXPRESS @HUMAN CITY_SUWON" held in August 2022.
The "SMTOWN LIVE" concert series has featured performances by artists under the SM umbrella in major cities around the world. The upcoming event will kick off in Seoul, before reaching fans in North America and Europe.
Ticket sales for the upcoming Seoul concert will be available in November, with details to be unveiled on the agency's official social media channels.
Founded in 1995 by singer-turned-entrepreneur Lee Soo-man, SM Entertainment stands firm as one of Korea's leading entertainment companies, alongside JYP and YG.
The agency has played a pivotal role in the global rise of K-pop, producing influential acts such as H.O.T., TVXQ! and Girls' Generation. While earlier groups gained immense popularity across Asia, newer acts like EXO, NCT and aespa have expanded their reach on the international stage.
However, the agency recently faced backlash for mismanaging its artists in August, when Taeil, a member of SM's expansive NCT roster, was dishonorably ousted from the group following sexual assault allegations.
The label also came under fire for failing to protect Seunghan, a former member of rookie boy band RIIZE, when the 21-year-old withdrew his decision to rejoin group activities after receiving hate comments and protest wreaths following the return announcement.