K-pop: SM artists join forces for New Years Day concert

MANILA – K-pop acts under SM Entertainment, one of the top companies in South Korea’s idol music scene, ushered in the new year on Friday by gathering together for an online concert.

The “SMTown Live: Culture Humanity” concert was streamed for free on various social media platforms, including YouTube, where it attracted over a million viewers.

For 4 hours, artists Kangta, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, SHINEE’s Taemin, EXO’s Baekhyun and Kai, Red Velvet, NCT, SuperM, and Aespa performed some of their hit songs. They were joined by DJs Raiden, Ginjo and Imlay.

The show was especially meaningful for Red Velvet, as it marked the return of lead vocalist Wendy after more than a year of absence due to injuries sustained in an on-stage accident in December 2019.

“It’s been so long since we’ve met,” Wendy said. “It’s been a year since I’ve been on stage as Red Velvet. I’m so excited, excited and nervous. “

A teaser video for SHINEE’s comeback this year was also shown at the concert.

SHINEE has not promoted as a full group since the members began enlisting for their mandatory military service at the end of 2018. Three of the four members completed their mandatory military service last year, while Taemin, the youngest, has yet to join. has enlisted.

Notably absent from the show were soloist BoA and subunit EXO-SC.

Since 2008, SM artists have toured internationally together through “SMTown Live”.

Founded in 1995 by Lee Soo-man, SM Entertainment has produced some of the most popular K-pop artists with huge global fandoms. The company also contributed to K-pop success abroad through acts like HOT and BoA.

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