After 13 years, SMTOWN finally returned to Bangkok for the final leg of its “The Culture, The Future” tour, celebrating the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s pioneering agencies that has shaped generations of idols and helped define the global Hallyu wave.
Held at the Rajamangala National Stadium, the concert was a tribute to three decades of music, innovation, and fandom. As the tour’s only stop in Southeast Asia, the event drew fans from across the region, giving many a rare opportunity to experience SM’s journey in person.
“The Culture, The Future” celebrated SM Entertainment’s rich history while looking ahead, honoring the culture it cultivated over the years and reaffirming its role in shaping K-pop’s next era. SEA Wave Magazine wouldn’t miss the chance to be part of this, so here’s a recap of “The Culture, The Future” in Bangkok and how we celebrated hearts’ month in SMTOWN.
Hyoyeon (Girl’s Generation)
Hyoyeon, a member of Girls’ Generation and a defining figure of K-pop’s second generation, lit up the stage with her undeniable charisma. Her performance of “Retro Romance,” “Second,” and “Dessert” highlighted her dynamic presence in the industry.
Even decades into her career, Hyoyeon continues to show why she remains one of K-pop’s most influential artists. Her journey reflects the dedication it takes to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry, and her influence extends off-stage through mentorship, collaboration, and the example she sets for younger generations.
Minho (SHINee)
Another household name, Minho captivated the stadium with “Call Back,” “Tempo,” and “Something About You.”
As a member of SHINee and now a soloist, Minho helped shape SM’s second generation with his versatility and dedication. Time has only strengthened his presence, proving that true star power lies not only in talent but in the genuine character he brings to everything he does, whether supporting his fellow artists, inspiring those around him, or leaving a lasting impact on the industry as a whole.
EXO
One of the most anticipated stages of the night, EXO’s return as a group was met with deafening cheers across Rajamangala Stadium. They performed a nostalgic set of “I’m Home,” “Don’t Go,” “Peter Pan,” and “Crown,” leaving fans in awe, many holding back tears as they sang along.
Exo is one of SM’s most influential third-generation groups and has played a pivotal role in K-pop’s global rise. Their return serves as a powerful inspiration for new generations of idols to uphold and carry forward the legacy they have built by embodying the dedication and artistry that define true K-pop icons.
Red Velvet
Red Velvet lit up the stage with “Bad Boy,” “Red Flavor,” and their rendition of “Run Devil Run,” paying tribute to Girls’ Generation’s legacy—another SM girl group which helped shape the K-pop landscape.
Red Velvet has solidified their reputation as artists who balance sophistication with versatility and set a high standard for performance quality and artistic identity. The group embodies SM’s commitment to cultivating groups that are both innovative and enduring while inspiring future generations of idols to pursue artistry with creativity and authenticity.
NCT 127
Amidst the absence of Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo, who are serving in the military, NCT 127 brought their distinct energy as they weaved together a spectacle that captivated the stadium from start to finish. Their skill and synchronicity continue to set the standard for performance excellence in K-pop.
Performing “2 Baddies,” “Fact Check,” and “Walk,” each member’s presence shone while the group maintained its signature intensity. NCT 127’s mastery on stage exemplifies SM Entertainment’s commitment to precision, artistry, and live performance. Their SMTOWN in Bangkok performance further proves why they are rightly dubbed the “Gods of Performance.”
NCT Dream
NCT Dream took the center stage with “Beat It Up,” “Chiller,” “Hot Sauce,” and “Hello Future,” showcasing how much they’ve matured as performers. Growing from their teenage idol persona, NCT Dream now stand as artists with a strong sense of identity within the NCT brand.
Their journey has solidified their role not only within SM Entertainment but also in the wider K-pop landscape as they emerge as a cornerstone group that represents both continuity and the future of the industry. NCT Dream continue to push creative boundaries, evolving from their youthful debut into mature artists whose growth and artistry set a standard for what it means to thrive in K-pop.
WAYV
With their performances of “Give Me That,” “Eternal White,” “Ice Tea,” and “Big Bands,” WAYV held the Rajamangala Stadium spellbound with their charisma.
As NCT’s global unit, WayV bridges cultures and appeals to a global audience while upholding the company’s signature standards. Their multilingual versatility allows them to move across different markets, strengthening their global resonance. They reflect SM Entertainment’s global vision of expanding their reach without losing artistic depth while confidently establishing their own distinct identity beyond borders.
Aespa
On the SMTOWN in Bangkok stage, Aespa brought “Dirty Work,” “Rich Man,” “Supernova,” and “Whiplash” to life and highlighted their signature futuristic concept and cutting-edge performance style.
As a group, Aespa marks their presence in the next era of K-pop, where innovation, individuality, and boundary-pushing artistry redefine the essence of being a K-pop idol. They are a testament to SM Entertainment’s evolution that merges the legacy of excellence with the limitless possibilities of the industry’s next generation.
RIIZE
RIIZE captivated the crowd at Rajamangala Stadium with “Fame,” “Boom Boom Bass,” “Love 119,” and “Bag Bad Back,” showcasing their growth and expanding their creative range.
Three years into their career, RIIZE has made waves with their unique sound that resonates across generations. Beyond commercial success, they have built momentum hinting at an even greater impact and proving that the current generation of SM idols can honor tradition while boldly defining whole new global possibilities.
NCT Wish
The latest and final addition to the NCT brand, NCT WISH quickly proved why they rightfully belong in the NCT lineup. Performing fan favorites like “Color,” “Wish,” “Steady,” and “PopPop,” they easily captivated the massive crowd with their youthful energy and bright stage presence.
Through their wishful charm, NCT WISH forged a unique identity within the broader NCT universe, highlighting SM’s ability to build diverse yet cohesive units and showed that even newer groups can make a significant artistic impact.
Hearts2Hearts
Hearts2Hearts confidently took the SMTOWN Bangkok centerstage with their songs “Focus,” “The Chase,” “Pretty Please,” and “Style,” proving that even as rookies, they’re more than ready for stages of this scale.
As SM’s newest group, Hearts2Hearts enter a legacy built by four generations of SM idols while steadily shaping their own identity within the company. With their talent, they are poised to leave a lasting mark in the next wave of K-pop fans.
Xnghan&Xoul
Stepping onto the stage with “Waste No Time” and “Heavenly Blue,” Seunghan was met with an overwhelming wave of cheers from the audience. Now a soloist exploring a more personal, introspective musical direction, he shared the stage with Xoul (Yul and Kyohong), making the performance feel fuller and more dynamic.
Even in the massive Rajamangala National Stadium, Seunghan shone brightly in the center. As he moves forward in his solo career, he stands as a figure of resilience, reinvention, and an artist stepping confidently into his own spotlight.
SMTR25
SMTR25, SM’s newest generation of idol trainees, performed a nostalgic tribute featuring songs spanning all generations of SM groups. Carrying forward the company’s artistry and innovation, the trainees proved they are the next chapter in SM’s legacy of excellence.
As heirs of SM’s history, SMTR25 rises as a symbol that the company’s influence will continue to resonate, shaping the industry and inspiring fans for years to come.
Yuta, Taeyong, and Ten
Yuta, Taeyong, and Ten each delivered solo performances that showcased their individual artistry. Yuta performed “Off the Mask,” while Taeyong took the stage with “Shalala.” Ten, the first Thai idol in SM, performed “Bambola” and “Stunner,” marking a milestone in both his career and the company’s history.
Though all three are integral members of NCT, their solo stages underscored SM’s philosophy of nurturing individuality within a collective framework and balancing personal artistry with group synergy.
Collaboration Stage
The collaboration performances were another highlight of the SMTOWN in Bangkok.
Various members of NCT units, alongside Giselle of Aespa, brought back “Zoo” stage with energy and excitement. Irene and Seulgi of Red Velvet, together with Karina and Winter of Aespa, performed “Chu~♡,” a signature song by f(x), one of SM’s iconic girl groups. “Soda Pop” from the hit movie K-pop Demon Hunters was performed by Jaemin, Jisung, and Sion of NCT and Eunseok and Wonbin of RIIZE. NCT U also made a comeback performance of their hit song “Misfit.”
Watching artists from different units and generations come together on stage showed just how versatile and connected SM’s performers are, proof of how the company nurtures a world where artists can interact with one another and shine together.
Legacy, Continuity, and Hope
While Kangta, TVXQ, and Super Junior, the foundational older-generation groups who helped shape K-pop into a global phenomenon, weren’t part of this SMTOWN concert, their impact was still deeply felt.
SMTOWN Bangkok this year featured more of SM’s newer groups than the edition held 13 years ago, continuing the thread of SM’s evolving legacy and reflecting the concert’s theme, The Culture, The Future.
Beyond the artists on stage, many performers who were once part of SM are no longer with the company. Even so, their contributions continue to influence SM’s music, performances, and culture. Their legacy lives on in the artistry of current idols, forming the foundation that newer generations build upon. The new artists continue to carry SM’s trademark combination of innovation, skill, and creativity forward.
The final song of the night, “Hope from KWANGYA,” became a symbolic closing of a chapter spanning three decades and a launch into SM’s next era. SMTOWN fans, dubbed as PinkBloods, cheered while carrying the collective memory of 30 years and honoring a legacy that continues to evolve.
SMTOWN Bangkok served as a reminder that SM Entertainment’s influence is both historical and forward-looking: a mix of memory, culture, and promise to the industry.
As SM enters its 3.0 era, the concert cemented that the company’s artistry, innovation, and devotion to fans remain as vital as ever, ready to inspire the next generation while celebrating the legacy of the past.