Review of SM’s 30th Anniversary Concert: "A Five-Hour Showcase Focused Only on the Future, Ignoring the Past"

SM Entertainment’s SMTOWN LIVE 2025 concert, held to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary, has garnered mixed reviews.

Over its five-hour runtime, legendary groups that built SM’s legacy were notably absent, and the heavy emphasis on future-oriented performances left the setlist feeling imbalanced.

■ Missing Legends‍

One of the most glaring omissions was the absence of full-group performances by Girls’ Generation and SHINee.

As cornerstone acts that elevated SM to its current status, their exclusion left a significant void in what should have been a celebration of SM’s history.

Taeyeon’s statement about her willingness to perform but lack of support from the agency has further raised questions about SM’s management of its legacy.

■ Unbalanced Setlist‍

The concert’s setlist was criticized for disrupting the flow of the show.

While TVXQ delivered a powerful opening with Rising Sun, the momentum was lost when trainees took the stage immediately afterward.

Super Junior’s decision to perform lesser-known tracks from their debut era, rather than their popular hits, also diminished audience engagement.

■ Overexposure of Rookies‍

A total of 25 trainees performed across three separate segments, and stages featuring the British boy group Dear Alice and virtual idol Naevis were also included.

While the intention to showcase a future-oriented concept is understandable, it ultimately interrupted the concert’s rhythm and heightened audience fatigue.

■ Lee Soo-man’s Absence‍

Former executive producer Lee Soo-man was invited to the event but did not attend.

His statement that he only learned of the invitation through media reports has fueled speculation about ongoing discord with the current management.

This has led to criticism that SM is failing to properly honor and manage its cultural heritage.

■ Highlights Amidst the Criticism‍

Some performances, such as BoA’s Hurricane Venus and aespa’s hit medley, successfully energized the audience.

However, the positive momentum from these stages was often disrupted by the inclusion of trainee and rookie group performances.

While the 30th-anniversary concert may have succeeded in presenting SM’s vision for the future, it fell short in celebrating the company’s rich history and traditions.

The absence of stages by legendary groups left fans deeply disappointed.

Industry observers view the concert as a symbolic representation of SM’s current management direction.

While the focus on future potential over past glories is understandable, critics caution against allowing this strategy to dilute the company’s identity and cultural value.