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| ▲This image, provided by SM Entertainment, shows K-pop girl group aespa. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- As SM Entertainment marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, the industry giant behind acts from H.O.T. to aespa plans to celebrate its legacy of shaping the K-pop industry. Meanwhile, BTS and BLACKPINK are set to stage full-group comebacks, with SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids continuing the global K-pop wave through world tours.
◇ SM Entertainment Celebrates 30 Years of Pillaring K-Pop
On February 14, 2025, SM Entertainment will officially commemorate its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1995 by former executive producer Lee Soo-man with an initial capital of 50 million won, SM reshaped the South Korean music scene, beginning with the debut of H.O.T. in 1996. The group’s massive success introduced the first generation of K-pop idols, followed by other trailblazers like S.E.S. and Shinhwa.
SM’s influence extended internationally with BoA, who became the first Korean artist to top Japan’s Oricon weekly chart, opening the door for K-pop’s expansion in Japan. Subsequent acts like TVXQ, Super Junior, and Girls’ Generation dominated the second generation of K-pop, while EXO’s debut in 2012 heralded the third generation, earning them the title of "million-seller" artists. aespa, introduced in 2020, continues to anchor SM’s presence in the fourth-generation K-pop market with hits like Next Level and Supernova.
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| ▲ This image, provided by SM Entertainment on Oct. 14, 2024, shows K-pop diva Boa performing at her solo concert "BoA : One's Own" held in Seoul, Oct. 12-13, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Over three decades, SM has pioneered numerous industry standards, including systematic training, international collaborations, and digital innovations. For instance, the term “Hallyu” (Korean Wave) originated from H.O.T.’s Beijing concert in 2000, as reported by local Chinese media. SM also introduced iconic practices such as colored balloon fandoms, centralized concert lightstick controls, and online-only concerts.
Music critic Lim Hee-yoon remarked, "Through songwriting camps and international A&R systems, SM transcended the limitations of relying solely on domestic talent, creating polished music that appeals globally."
To celebrate, SM will host SMTOWN LIVE 2025 on January 11–12 at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome. The lineup features current artists like BoA, TVXQ, and aespa, as well as former stars such as Tony An of H.O.T., Bada of S.E.S., and Hwanhee of Fly to the Sky.
The agency also plans to release commemorative content, including an SM Town album, a K-pop orchestra concert in collaboration with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and a 30th-anniversary brand film. Additionally, SM will debut a new girl group in early 2025, marking its first such launch since aespa.
As SM celebrates its milestone, BTS and BLACKPINK are set to draw global attention with their highly anticipated comebacks. BTS is expected to return as a full group following their members’ military service commitments, while BLACKPINK’s reunion promises to reignite their global influence.
SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids will further propel the K-pop phenomenon with world tours and fresh releases, ensuring the genre’s continued prominence in 2025.
◇ BTS and BLACKPINK’s Full-Group Comebacks Highlight 2025 K-Pop Outlook
In 2025, K-pop megastars BTS and BLACKPINK are expected to make a strong return as full groups, reigniting excitement among fans worldwide. With other leading acts such as SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, and IVE also planning major activities, the new year is set to fuel another wave of global K-pop fever.
BTS is poised for a significant milestone as five members currently serving in the military are set to complete their duties by June 2025. The group’s reunion marks the 10th anniversary of their The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series, a pivotal chapter in their career. Fans, collectively known as ARMY, are eagerly awaiting new music and messages from the reunited seven-member ensemble.
However, industry insiders suggest that the production timeline for a new album may extend into 2026, given the complexities of post-service reintegration and music production.
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| ▲ K-pop boy group BTS is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
BLACKPINK is gearing up for a comeback with a new album and another world tour. After renewing their contracts with YG Entertainment for team activities in December 2024, Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa are expected to return to the spotlight.
According to sources, the group may start producing their new album in spring 2025, with a potential summer release followed by a global tour. YG Entertainment’s executive producer Yang Hyun-suk confirmed in July that “2025 will be a year of active promotions for many of our artists, including BLACKPINK’s comeback and world tour.”
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| ▲ This image, provided by Dick Clark Productions, shows K-pop boy group Stray Kids perform the American Music Awards (AMA) 50th Anniversary Special, held in Los Angeles on Oct. 6, 2024, local time. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Stray Kids, with six consecutive No. 1 entries on the Billboard 200, are set to continue their stadium-scale world tours. Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN, celebrating their 10th debut anniversary, will also engage in extensive international promotions.
Leading fourth-generation girl group IVE will release their third mini-album, IVE EMPATHY, on February 3, 2025, aiming to reclaim the momentum after a quieter 2024.
Music critic Jung Min-jae notes, “BLACKPINK has demonstrated strong solo success, and their collective brand power has only grown. Their team comeback could produce another smash hit.”
Regarding BTS, Jung commented, “While their commercial impact post-military service seems assured, lingering uncertainties around their label could pose risks.”
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| ▲ South Korean girl band BLACKPINK are seen ahead of the State Banquet for the state visit to Britain by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee at Buckingham Palace in London on Nov. 21, 2023. (Pool Photo via AP) (Yonhap) |
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