SM Classics Wraps Up Successful First Overseas Concert in Tokyo, K-Pop Orchestra Embarks on Global Journey

SM Classics, the classical and jazz label under SM Entertainment, successfully concluded its 'SM CLASSICS LIVE 2025 in TOKYO' event on September 15th at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A, showcasing the burgeoning potential of K-pop orchestras.

This concert marked the first international stop for the 'SM CLASSICS LIVE 2025/26 Season' and holds significant meaning as the inaugural global stage appearance for SM Classics' original intellectual property.

The performance commenced with 'Welcome To SMCU PALACE,' building momentum with orchestral renditions of hit songs such as Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor,' NCT U's 'Make A Wish,' BoA's 'Tree,' EXO's 'Growl,' aespa's 'Black Mamba,' and TVXQ!'s 'Rising Sun.'

Super Junior's Ryeowook delivered a soulful performance of 'The Little Prince' and 'No Need To Do Anything,' while Leeteuk engaged the audience with insightful and entertaining commentary. The concert reached its climax with powerful orchestral arrangements of SHINee's 'Sherlock,' NCT's 'Golden Age,' and Girls' Generation's 'Into The New World.'

Ryeowook debuted orchestral versions of 'The Little Prince' and 'Dorothy' specifically for his Japanese fans. Both Leeteuk and Ryeowook expressed their awe at the unique power and emotional depth of SM Classics' music, finding the experience deeply meaningful.

The 'New Japan Philharmonic,' an orchestra established in 1972, collaborated with conductor Hideaki Matsumura, known for his work with leading orchestras, to present SM's representative songs in full orchestral arrangements.

'SM CLASSICS LIVE,' a pioneering K-pop orchestral concert series that began in February, has been receiving global attention and plans to connect with music fans worldwide through upcoming performances in Vienna, Austria, in February 2026, following its successful runs in Seoul and Tokyo. SM Classics is actively expanding its reach by launching its performance and sheet music IP licensing business.

SM Classics is a specialized label dedicated to classical and jazz music, established by SM Entertainment. The label is known for its innovative approach, including reinterpreting existing SM artist tracks into classical and jazz formats. It is anticipated to contribute to the popularization of classical music through future collaborations with various artists.