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From industry legends to digital avatars, the SMTOWN London line-up is a panorama of how K-pop has evolved (and where it’s going next). Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the spectacle, or the curiosity, there’s no better way to experience the SM universe in motion.
June 28 will see K-pop’s cultural juggernaut SM Entertainment bring its powerhouse roster to London’s O2 Arena – and whether you’re a seasoned stan or a curious newcomer, SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] promises a rare snapshot of how this genre-bending empire continues to shape the sound and spectacle of pop on a global scale.
A curated showcase of the company’s sprawling artist ecosystem, SMTOWN unites generations, sub-units, and soloists under one roof – demonstrating the label’s unmatched ability to innovate, evolve, and set the pace for the industry. Since its inception, SMTOWN has long been K-pop’s ultimate festival experience: jaw-dropping performances, narrative-driven stages, and a cross-section of talent that captures the genre’s ever-expanding scope.
This year’s event, in partnership with pioneering Korean entertainment tech company FrontRow Global, also marks the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment – a milestone moment for the company that helped define the foundations of modern K-pop.
Now, after fourteen years, SMTOWN finally returns to European soil. From legacy icons to rookie debuts – and even a virtual idol – the London stop is a crash course in K-pop’s past, present, and future.
Here’s your stylish cheat sheet to every artist taking the stage at this year’s historic show.
TVXQ!
Key tracks: “MIROTIC”, “Rising Sun”, “Catch Me”
Long before K-pop was a billion-dollar global export, there was TVXQ! Originally a five-member act, now a commanding duo, TVXQ! have redefined what Asian pop superstardom can look like over their twenty-year reign. With dynamic choreography, operatic vocal power, and a discography full of genre-defining tracks, their impact still echoes through the industry to this day. Expect a masterclass in unparalleled stage dominance.
Girls’ Generation’s HYOYEON
Key tracks: “DEEP”, “Sober”
Known for her killer footwork as the main dancer of record-shattering group Girls’ Generation, HYOYEON has since carved her own lane as a DJ and soloist. Inspired by her in-demand spin-off career as DJ HYO, her solo sound leans heavy into EDM, trap, and swagger-filled performance – think high BPMs, magnetic presence, and genre-hopping bangers that feel made for the festival stage.
SHINee’s MINHO
Key tracks: “Chase”, “CALL BACK”
As part of SHINee – one of K-pop’s most iconic and influential groups – MINHO is already pop royalty. But his solo work brings something different: brooding, cinematic tracks that lean into emotional restraint and clean vocal delivery. A multihyphenate idol with credits in acting, sports, and variety, MINHO’s newly announced appearance at SMTOWN London is a rare chance to see one of K-pop’s most enduring figures flex his individual artistry.
EXO’s SUHO, CHANYEOL & KAI
Key tracks: KAI – “ROVER” / SUHO – “Let’s Love” / CHANYEOL – “Black Out”
Three pillars of the EXO empire, each with a distinct solo signature. One of SM’s most globally successful acts, EXO helped define the sound and spectacle of third-gen K-pop with their sharp choreography, powerhouse vocals, and cinematic world-building. SUHO brings refinement – a theatrical, vocal-forward Britpop style that leans into drama, introspection, and elegant restraint. CHANYEOL blends grit with warmth, shifting between rap-driven swagger and shoegaze-tinged indie pop-rock, anchored by a textured, genre-bending sound. And then there’s KAI – a fashion-forward performance visionary whose hypnotic choreography and sleek, bass-heavy tracks have cemented him as one of K-pop’s most alluring soloists.
Red Velvet
Key tracks: “Red Flavor”, “Bad Boy”, “Feel My Rhythm”
No one navigates duality like the beloved girl group Red Velvet. With one foot in candy-coated pop and the other in noir-toned R&B, they’ve mastered the balance between commercial appeal and conceptual artistry. Their live set will likely be a study in contrast: velvet vocals, dreamy aesthetics, and razor-sharp execution.
NCT 127
Key tracks: “Kick It”, “Cherry Bomb”
One of the core sub-units of SM’s boundary-pushing boy group, NCT (“Neo Culture Technology”) is designed to be limitless through sub-units based in different cities, languages, and musical styles. Within that, NCT 127 stands out as the most aggressive, experimental, and endlessly inventive. Known for labyrinthine beats, explosive choreography, and a high-concept universe, this Seoul-based sub-unit is the most unpredictable in the best way possible. Expect noise, chaos, and a full-body experience.
NCT DREAM
Key tracks: “Glitch Mode”, “ISTJ”
What started as SM’s “youth unit” has matured into a sonic force. NCT DREAM has evolved past coming-of-age anthems and into rhythmic, genre-jumping pop that still carries emotional heft. There’s a playful edge to their live energy, but don’t underestimate their vocal and performance finesse – this is a group built to scale.
WayV
Key tracks: “Love Talk”, “Moonwalk”
The China-based unit of NCT is polished, sultry, and sonically fluid. WayV is where SM’s styling and global ambition converge – delivering multilingual gems laced with genre-fluid beats, soft falsettos, and smooth, R&B-rooted choreo. They’re visual kings, but it’s their versatility that keeps fans locked in.
aespa
Key tracks: “Next Level”, “Spicy”, “Whiplash”
aespa doesn’t perform music so much as they embody a concept. With digital avatars, an evolving AI mythos, and a hyper-futuristic visual identity, the critically acclaimed quartet is SM’s boldest attempt at pop’s next frontier. But they’re not all gloss and gimmick. Beneath the tech-laced veneer lies pristine vocals, intricate choreography, and genre-defying production that fuses hyperpop, bass-heavy dance, and Y2K nostalgia. If Blade Runner collided with a girl group, it might look – and sound – like aespa.
RIIZE
Key tracks: “Get A Guitar”, “Impossible”
RIIZE may be newer to SM’s lineage, but they’re already making noise for doing things differently. Rather than leaning into maximalism, their style is refreshingly stripped-back: emotional pop, clean melodies, and nostalgic charm that nods to early 2000s radio hits. Their vocal focus and emotional clarity nod to the SM lineage, but their sound feels like a new chapter.
NCT WISH
Key tracks: “WISH”, “Hands Up”
They’re fresh out of the gate, but NCT WISH arrives with legacy in their bones. Mentored by K-pop legend and SM royalty BoA, the group brings a more classic pop sensibility to the NCTverse. Expect shiny hooks, synchronised routines, and an approachable, fan-ready charm that harks back to early-gen idol eras.
nævis
Key track: “Done”
Once a mysterious AI sidekick in aespa’s lore, nævis is now stepping into her own spotlight. As SM’s first full-fledged virtual artist, she represents the bleeding edge of pop culture experimentation: a hybrid of music, tech, and virtual identity. Having already graced the stage on tour with aespa earlier this year, nævis is a prototype for what pop could become, and the future-thinking SM’s most ambitious project yet.
Hearts2Hearts
Key track: “The Chase”
A sleek and sophisticated girl group debut from SM in 2025, Hearts2Hearts is already turning heads. Home to Carmen, K-pop’s first Indonesian idol, Hearts2Hearts’ debut single “The Chase” features production from UK R&B trio FLO, signalling a clear intention to blend Western pop influences with classic K-pop stylings. With new music on the way, Hearts2Hearts are fresh, polished, and ready to run.
dearALICE
Key track: “Ariana”
SM’s first-ever British group – and possibly their most audacious experiment in localisation. Documented through the BBC series Made in Korea, dearALICE underwent SM’s rigorous idol training system in Seoul, while cameras captured unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to SM Entertainment’s creative machinery, offering a rare look into the company that helped shape K-pop’s global rise. With a debut single that hit Number 3 on the UK Charts, this hometown set marks a full-circle moment for dearALICE, and signals an intriguing new chapter in SM’s cross-cultural evolution.
SMTR25 (Next-gen trainees)
Not a group – yet. SMTR25 is a glimpse at the company’s future: handpicked trainees rumoured to debut in upcoming line-ups. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be an idol before the lights hit the stage, this showcase offers an early look at SM’s next evolution.
Words – Hasan Beyaz
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From industry legends to digital avatars, the SMTOWN London line-up is a panorama of how K-pop has evolved (and where it’s going next). Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the spectacle, or the curiosity, there’s no better way to experience the SM universe in motion.
June 28 will see K-pop’s cultural juggernaut SM Entertainment bring its powerhouse roster to London’s O2 Arena – and whether you’re a seasoned stan or a curious newcomer, SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] promises a rare snapshot of how this genre-bending empire continues to shape the sound and spectacle of pop on a global scale.
A curated showcase of the company’s sprawling artist ecosystem, SMTOWN unites generations, sub-units, and soloists under one roof – demonstrating the label’s unmatched ability to innovate, evolve, and set the pace for the industry. Since its inception, SMTOWN has long been K-pop’s ultimate festival experience: jaw-dropping performances, narrative-driven stages, and a cross-section of talent that captures the genre’s ever-expanding scope.
This year’s event, in partnership with pioneering Korean entertainment tech company FrontRow Global, also marks the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment – a milestone moment for the company that helped define the foundations of modern K-pop.
Now, after fourteen years, SMTOWN finally returns to European soil. From legacy icons to rookie debuts – and even a virtual idol – the London stop is a crash course in K-pop’s past, present, and future.
Here’s your stylish cheat sheet to every artist taking the stage at this year’s historic show.
TVXQ!
Key tracks: “MIROTIC”, “Rising Sun”, “Catch Me”
Long before K-pop was a billion-dollar global export, there was TVXQ! Originally a five-member act, now a commanding duo, TVXQ! have redefined what Asian pop superstardom can look like over their twenty-year reign. With dynamic choreography, operatic vocal power, and a discography full of genre-defining tracks, their impact still echoes through the industry to this day. Expect a masterclass in unparalleled stage dominance.
Girls’ Generation’s HYOYEON
Key tracks: “DEEP”, “Sober”
Known for her killer footwork as the main dancer of record-shattering group Girls’ Generation, HYOYEON has since carved her own lane as a DJ and soloist. Inspired by her in-demand spin-off career as DJ HYO, her solo sound leans heavy into EDM, trap, and swagger-filled performance – think high BPMs, magnetic presence, and genre-hopping bangers that feel made for the festival stage.
SHINee’s MINHO
Key tracks: “Chase”, “CALL BACK”
As part of SHINee – one of K-pop’s most iconic and influential groups – MINHO is already pop royalty. But his solo work brings something different: brooding, cinematic tracks that lean into emotional restraint and clean vocal delivery. A multihyphenate idol with credits in acting, sports, and variety, MINHO’s newly announced appearance at SMTOWN London is a rare chance to see one of K-pop’s most enduring figures flex his individual artistry.
EXO’s SUHO, CHANYEOL & KAI
Key tracks: KAI – “ROVER” / SUHO – “Let’s Love” / CHANYEOL – “Black Out”
Three pillars of the EXO empire, each with a distinct solo signature. One of SM’s most globally successful acts, EXO helped define the sound and spectacle of third-gen K-pop with their sharp choreography, powerhouse vocals, and cinematic world-building. SUHO brings refinement – a theatrical, vocal-forward Britpop style that leans into drama, introspection, and elegant restraint. CHANYEOL blends grit with warmth, shifting between rap-driven swagger and shoegaze-tinged indie pop-rock, anchored by a textured, genre-bending sound. And then there’s KAI – a fashion-forward performance visionary whose hypnotic choreography and sleek, bass-heavy tracks have cemented him as one of K-pop’s most alluring soloists.
Red Velvet
Key tracks: “Red Flavor”, “Bad Boy”, “Feel My Rhythm”
No one navigates duality like the beloved girl group Red Velvet. With one foot in candy-coated pop and the other in noir-toned R&B, they’ve mastered the balance between commercial appeal and conceptual artistry. Their live set will likely be a study in contrast: velvet vocals, dreamy aesthetics, and razor-sharp execution.
NCT 127
Key tracks: “Kick It”, “Cherry Bomb”
One of the core sub-units of SM’s boundary-pushing boy group, NCT (“Neo Culture Technology”) is designed to be limitless through sub-units based in different cities, languages, and musical styles. Within that, NCT 127 stands out as the most aggressive, experimental, and endlessly inventive. Known for labyrinthine beats, explosive choreography, and a high-concept universe, this Seoul-based sub-unit is the most unpredictable in the best way possible. Expect noise, chaos, and a full-body experience.
NCT DREAM
Key tracks: “Glitch Mode”, “ISTJ”
What started as SM’s “youth unit” has matured into a sonic force. NCT DREAM has evolved past coming-of-age anthems and into rhythmic, genre-jumping pop that still carries emotional heft. There’s a playful edge to their live energy, but don’t underestimate their vocal and performance finesse – this is a group built to scale.
WayV
Key tracks: “Love Talk”, “Moonwalk”
The China-based unit of NCT is polished, sultry, and sonically fluid. WayV is where SM’s styling and global ambition converge – delivering multilingual gems laced with genre-fluid beats, soft falsettos, and smooth, R&B-rooted choreo. They’re visual kings, but it’s their versatility that keeps fans locked in.
aespa
Key tracks: “Next Level”, “Spicy”, “Whiplash”
aespa doesn’t perform music so much as they embody a concept. With digital avatars, an evolving AI mythos, and a hyper-futuristic visual identity, the critically acclaimed quartet is SM’s boldest attempt at pop’s next frontier. But they’re not all gloss and gimmick. Beneath the tech-laced veneer lies pristine vocals, intricate choreography, and genre-defying production that fuses hyperpop, bass-heavy dance, and Y2K nostalgia. If Blade Runner collided with a girl group, it might look – and sound – like aespa.
RIIZE
Key tracks: “Get A Guitar”, “Impossible”
RIIZE may be newer to SM’s lineage, but they’re already making noise for doing things differently. Rather than leaning into maximalism, their style is refreshingly stripped-back: emotional pop, clean melodies, and nostalgic charm that nods to early 2000s radio hits. Their vocal focus and emotional clarity nod to the SM lineage, but their sound feels like a new chapter.
NCT WISH
Key tracks: “WISH”, “Hands Up”
They’re fresh out of the gate, but NCT WISH arrives with legacy in their bones. Mentored by K-pop legend and SM royalty BoA, the group brings a more classic pop sensibility to the NCTverse. Expect shiny hooks, synchronised routines, and an approachable, fan-ready charm that harks back to early-gen idol eras.
nævis
Key track: “Done”
Once a mysterious AI sidekick in aespa’s lore, nævis is now stepping into her own spotlight. As SM’s first full-fledged virtual artist, she represents the bleeding edge of pop culture experimentation: a hybrid of music, tech, and virtual identity. Having already graced the stage on tour with aespa earlier this year, nævis is a prototype for what pop could become, and the future-thinking SM’s most ambitious project yet.
Hearts2Hearts
Key track: “The Chase”
A sleek and sophisticated girl group debut from SM in 2025, Hearts2Hearts is already turning heads. Home to Carmen, K-pop’s first Indonesian idol, Hearts2Hearts’ debut single “The Chase” features production from UK R&B trio FLO, signalling a clear intention to blend Western pop influences with classic K-pop stylings. With new music on the way, Hearts2Hearts are fresh, polished, and ready to run.
dearALICE
Key track: “Ariana”
SM’s first-ever British group – and possibly their most audacious experiment in localisation. Documented through the BBC series Made in Korea, dearALICE underwent SM’s rigorous idol training system in Seoul, while cameras captured unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to SM Entertainment’s creative machinery, offering a rare look into the company that helped shape K-pop’s global rise. With a debut single that hit Number 3 on the UK Charts, this hometown set marks a full-circle moment for dearALICE, and signals an intriguing new chapter in SM’s cross-cultural evolution.
SMTR25 (Next-gen trainees)
Not a group – yet. SMTR25 is a glimpse at the company’s future: handpicked trainees rumoured to debut in upcoming line-ups. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be an idol before the lights hit the stage, this showcase offers an early look at SM’s next evolution.
Words – Hasan Beyaz
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