SM Entertainment is set to commemorate its 30th anniversary with the release of the highly anticipated 2025 SMTOWN album, titled 2025 SMTOWN: THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE.
The album, which represents SM’s legacy and forward-looking vision, will be unveiled on February 14th at 6 PM KST on various music platforms. This release not only celebrates three decades of innovation in the K-pop industry but also marks the first group album in over two years since 2022 Winter SMTOWN: SMCU PALACE in December 2022. Unsurprisingly, this announcement has generated significant excitement among fans worldwide.
The album boasts an impressive 17 tracks that blend nostalgia with innovation, showcasing SM’s influence on K-pop’s past, present, and future. The title track, “Thank You,” serves as a heartfelt anthem celebrating the unity and evolution of SM artists. Adding to the allure, the album features remakes of some of SM’s most iconic songs, reinterpreted by senior and junior artists to reflect their unique musical styles while paying tribute to SM’s rich heritage.
Key Highlights of the Remakes:
- Kangta offers a soulful rendition of S.E.S.’s “Just A Feeling.”
- BoA, known as SM’s “Queen of K-pop,” emotionally revives SHINee Jonghyun’s “End of a Day,” creating a poignant homage.
- TVXQ reimagines Red Velvet’s haunting hit “Psycho,” infusing it with their signature vocal depth.
- Super Junior delivers a heartfelt reinterpretation of Shinhwa’s “I Pray 4 U.”
- Girls’ Generation transforms CSJH The Grace’s “Passion (My Everything)” with their timeless charm.
- EXO energizes H.O.T.’s dynamic anthem “Too Ji (Git It Up).”
- aespa redefines f(x)’s “Rum Pum Pum Pum” with their futuristic sound.
- WayV brings new life to SHINee’s beloved classic “Juliette.”
- RISE, SM’s newest group, honors TVXQ’s debut track “Hug,” introducing it to a new generation.
- NCT 127 reinterprets Hyun Jin Young’s emotive ballad “You in Vague Memory.”
- NCT DREAM adds youthful energy to EXO’s “Love Me Right.”
These remakes bridge generational divides, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a fresh perspective on SM’s musical legacy.
In addition to its core artists, SM’s specialized labels have lent their unique expertise to this project. ScreaM Records, the company’s electronic music label, has reimagined SHINee’s “View,” while SM Classics, dedicated to classical and jazz interpretations, presents a refined version of BoA’s “My Name.” These collaborations further highlight SM’s versatility and dedication to genre-blending artistry, ensuring a diverse and captivating listening experience.
To build anticipation, SM pre-released RISE’s cover of “Hug“ on January 8th, followed by a teaser of the title track and selected songs at the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 Seoul concert held on January 11-12. The event showcased the music video for the title track and received an overwhelmingly positive response from both local and international fans. This strategic preview underscores SM’s ability to captivate global audiences while setting the stage for the album’s release.
A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation
The 2025 SMTOWN: THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE is more than an album; it is a celebration of SM’s groundbreaking contributions to K-pop over the past 30 years. By blending timeless classics with innovative reinterpretations, the album underscores SM’s role as a cultural pioneer while reflecting its commitment to evolving with the times. Through this release, SM aims to showcase its unparalleled musical heritage and reinforce its influence across generations.
The album is now available for pre-order at both online and offline music stores, making it a must-have for fans eager to experience SM’s past, present, and future in one comprehensive collection. As the release date approaches, expectations continue to soar for this landmark project that promises to solidify SM’s place in K-pop history.