SM Entertainment is one of the most artistically respected companies when it comes to K-pop, and their roster of talent has withstood the test of time as being some of the biggest heavy-hitters in the industry. From the first-generation icon BoA, to the always influential Girls Generation, or the unstoppable magnitude of NCT, SM’s complete team of artists have made it a point to annually celebrate the ending of the year – and the promise of starting something new. 

This year, the concert revived some of their monumental acts and put together something that effortlessly shifted the dynamic of K-pop, making the ground-breaking event an unmissable display of perfection (and the most live-streamed concert to date). From its blockbuster-worthy introduction including planets brought to life through a pastel vision, to the idea of having your virtual passport stamped to enter the SMCU’s imaginative world of Kwangya – SM remains the true embodiment of a visual-centric company with a taste for all forms of art.

Over the course of one night bridging 2021 and 2022, the widely successful music event presented a fine selection of artists who have each risen to some of the most top-tier achievements in every generation of K-pop since its conception. Embracing the nostalgic factor of reunions, and the birth of a concept so rich with hope for the future – SM had potent magic prepared to captive audiences. Here are some of the most memorable highlights of the annual SM concert.

The Reinvention of K-pop Royalty

The groundbreaking debut of SM’s iconic lineup of Girls On Top (GOT) took the stage, becoming an unfathomably early contender for song-of-the-year, and we’re only in January.

With four generations of artists included, (BoA, Taeyeon, Hyo, Seulgi, Wendy, Karina, and Winter) the group becomes the first all-star roster of women to come out of K-pop, with consumate force in vocals, choreography, visuals, and stage presence. The debut of the group will easily go down in industry history as one of the prominent moments in music for ambition, as well as overall execution. 

Solo Supremacy 

Another all-important piece of SM’s label comes with the prospect of solo endeavors, and the evening showcased some of their most decorated artists to date.

There was the refreshing “Weekend” moment from Taeyeon that offered up one of the year’s best tracks, and the sensuality of contemporary R&B in Kai’s “Peaches” that showed various dynamics in sound and delivery. The solo performances from Wendy and Kangta pursued more heartfelt significance and artistry – whereas Joy enhanced the vibe with feel-good notoriety, completing a wide scope of sounds and styles. 

Versatility of NCT

NCT remains one of the most unique ideas within the SM world, consisting of 23 members with ever-adaptable skillsets.

The creation of the group led to several incarnations, and the SM Town Live concert brought on enough of the group’s variation to give a concert-worthy performance each and every time. We then witness a peek at their dazzling cinematography and contrasting styles in “Favorite (Vampire)”, and later a colorful performance from NCT Dream, further adding to that respect for conceptual variation. That, along with several members’ inclusions on other collaborations throughout the night like WayV, added a dose of depth to the inclusivity of NCT as artists. 

The Comfort of Classic SM

In a time where nostalgia is a massive factor in K-pop (the Brave Girls resurgence is evidence of that power), we’re starting to see the return of artists we know and love. However, SM has always made the active choice to maintain their artists long-term – so these reunions feel as if they have taken the necessary steps to respect the notion of legacy.

The concert brought back collective members of TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, BoA, and more to highlight the generational importance that SM is prepared to celebrate for decades to come. Seeing these groups perform recent tracks on conversely timeless hits enlivened the stage with comfortable, timeless staples from textured artists.

Essential Collaborations 

SM has always had a gift at pairing talent, through forming groups, choosing soloists, and collaborating (via Station or otherwise) with the concert being an opportune moment to demonstrate that capability.

The night brought spectacular pairings such as Taeyeon and Key with pastels, florals, memorable guitar presence, and uncanny falsetto arrangements. Taeyeon’s verse perfectly complements Key’s style with a beautiful harmony formed between the two as another massive highlight for the entirety of the concert. The union of NCT members Jeno, Hendery, YangYang, Taeyong, and aespa‘s Giselle was also vital in kicking up the energy for a charismatic performance of “Zoo” that has the ability to become a substantial 2022 hit.

Check out SM’s official YouTube channel for select concert moments and information about their upcoming releases!