SMTOWN is the umbrella brand under which artists from SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's leading entertainment companies founded in 1995 by Lee Soo-man, unite for collaborative projects, primarily concerts and albums. The SMTOWN LIVE initiative began in 2008, evolving into world tours that have visited key cities in Asia, America, and Europe, establishing itself as a must-see event for K-Pop followers. These concerts are known for their spectacular production, innovative stages, and the unique opportunity to see multiple renowned groups and soloists sharing the same stage, performing both their own hits and special collaborations. Iconic artists such as Kangta, BoA, TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, and RIIZE are part of this musical family.
In addition to concerts, SMTOWN has released themed albums, especially during the summer and winter seasons, offering original songs and collaborations between different generations of the agency's artists. These musical projects reinforce the 'SM family' concept and allow fans to enjoy unexpected artistic combinations. Previously, SMTOWN also had a physical presence through SMTOWN@coexartium in Seoul, a cultural complex that included a museum, theater, and store, offering an immersive experience into the SM Entertainment universe. Although this physical space is no longer operational in the same form, the SMTOWN brand continues to thrive through its global tours, online content, and the official SMTOWN &STORE.
A comprehensive guide to immersing yourself in the SMTOWN universe begins with its iconic "SMTOWN LIVE" concerts. These events are true K-Pop festivals featuring most of SM Entertainment's active artists. To attend, it's crucial to keep an eye on official tour announcements on the SMTOWN website and its social media channels. Tickets often sell out quickly, so be prepared to purchase them as soon as they go on sale through official channels. These concerts offer a unique opportunity to see individual performances by your favorite groups like TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, RIIZE, and also special collaborations between different artists and generations.
Musically, SMTOWN offers a rich discography of collaborative albums. Look for seasonal albums like "SMCU EXPRESS" or the classic winter and summer releases, where you'll find songs performed by unique combinations of artists. These albums are an excellent way to discover new facets of your idols.
For fans interested in merchandise, SMTOWN &STORE is the official store where albums, lightsticks, apparel, and other collectibles can be purchased. Previously, the SMTOWN Museum in Seoul offered a deep dive into artists' histories, though it's no longer operational, keeping an eye out for future exhibitions or pop-up museums could be rewarding. Finally, following SMTOWN's official accounts on platforms like YouTube and other social media will keep you informed about the latest music videos, behind-the-scenes content, and important announcements, ensuring you don't miss any news from this iconic K-Pop family.