Photo Credit: SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment’s classical and jazz label SM Classics has concluded its first-ever K-pop orchestra concert in celebration of SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary. Here’s the latest.
SM Classics Live 2025 with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra was held on February 14 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall and on February 15 at Lotte Concert Hall. The concert features orchestral renditions of SM’s hit songs by the Seoul Philharmonic—the first live classical concert of its kind featuring K-pop hits. The Seoul Philharmonic is one of Asia’s top orchestras, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
The live show celebrated the K-pop pioneer label SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary, in addition to highlighting SM Classics’ journey in orchestrating SM’s signature tracks since its launch in 2020. The concert began with an opening narration by SHINee’s MINHO, followed by “Welcome to SMCU Palace” to symbolize a grand entry into the classical music world.
The event featured a seamless blend of songs by SM artists—from BoA, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, and RIIZE. Also featured during the performance were pieces from classical masters including Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Elgar, and Rachmaninoff. The 83-member orchestra’s performance transcended time and genre, offering the audiences a unique and deeply moving experience.
The February 14 performance featured immersive visual effects, elevating the audience experience. On February 15, Red Velvet’s Wendy took the stage with Conductor Yuwon Kim and the Seoul Philharmonic for a special collaboration, delivering moving performances of “Like Water,” “When This Rain Stops,” and “Vermillion.” The concert concluded with a special orchestral arrangement of “Hope” featuring elements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
“We have long anticipated the opportunity to present SM Classics in a live orchestral setting,” says SM Classics CEO Jay JungJae. “With this successful debut, we look forward to bringing SM Classics performances to audiences worldwide.”
“It has been a privilege to showcase the results of our five-year collaboration with SM Entertainment,” adds Seoul Philharmonic CEO Jung Jae-wal. “We are proud to deliver a concert that both classical and K-pop fans can enjoy.”
SM Classics plans to expand its concert and sheet music licensing business to further share its original orchestral works with global audiences.