SM Entertainment artists perform onstage at SM Town Live in L.A
The renowned Korean entertainment giant SM Entertainment lit up Southern California earlier this month with an unforgettable celebration at Dignity Health Sports Park. Commemorating its 30th anniversary, the company delivered a breathtaking showcase of its brightest K-Pop stars, drawing thousands of fans who braved the soaring summer heat for a chance to witness their idols live.
As a pillar of Korea’s revered “big three” K-Pop agencies, SM Entertainment pulled no punches for its SMTown Live concert returning to California for the first time in over a decade since its last appearance in Anaheim. The milestone event brought together legendary acts and next-generation talent in a dazzling display of unity and artistry.
The day began with a flurry of excitement as fans with special access tickets arrived early to walk the red carpet and interact with stars. In charming moments that delighted attendees, several idols paused to snap selfies, greet supporters, and even tease upcoming projects. The performance lineup was a dream for longtime enthusiasts, featuring powerhouses like TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee’s Key and Minho, EXO’s Suho, Chanyeol and Kai, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, Riize, Hearts2Hearts, and SMTR25. NCT Wish, however, was regrettably absent due to visa challenges.
The energy surged with each performance, reaching a fever pitch when aespa took the stage. With electrifying renditions of “Whiplash” and “Next Level,” they captivated the crowd—and Winter’s promise of new music on the horizon only added to the buzz. “We’re about to release music very, very soon, so please stay tuned,” she told The Hollywood Reporter, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation.
For Riize, the performance held special meaning. “It’s our first time in L.A. for SMTown, and it’s rare to come here together as one family,” Anton reflected. The group energized the crowd with tracks from their debut album Odyssey, offering a glimpse into their rising potential.
Veteran duo TVXQ invoked nostalgia with their iconic hit “Mirotic,” uniting the audience in a powerful chorus. “We want this performance to be a place where senior and junior groups can share synergy,” Changmin shared, embodying the evening’s spirit of generational harmony.
Red Velvet delighted fans with a surprise throwback to 2018’s “Bad Boy.” The trio shared their excitement with THR, noting how meaningful it was to perform a fan-favorite in Los Angeles after such a long hiatus.
Adding a fresh twist to the night was Hearts2Hearts, SM’s newest rising stars, still glowing from their debut performance at Wango Tango just days before. For the eight-member ensemble, this was their first appearance in L.A., and the enthusiasm was palpable as they looked ahead to their careers taking flight.
The evening culminated in a heartwarming finale titled “Hope from Kwangya,” uniting every artist on stage in a moving farewell to the fans. It was a fitting end to a night that celebrated history, legacy, and the future of K-Pop under one dazzling banner.
Looking ahead, SM Entertainment’s global celebration continues. The next SMTown Live is set to take place in London on June 28, with another major concert lined up in Japan this August ensuring the legacy marches on.
