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| ▲This photo, captured image from SM town concert, shows group photos of "SM town Live 2022" at Tokyo Dome. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, captured image from SM town concert, shows "SM town Live 2022" at Tokyo Dome. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo shows fans who are entering "SM town Live 2022" at Tokyo Dome. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, captured image from SM town concert, shows performance photo of "SM town Live 2022" at Tokyo Dome. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, August 30 (Yonhap) -- Fans who have been dreading for K-Pop have gathered from all over Japan to “SM town Live 2022” concert, which SM Entertainment held in 3 years at Tokyo Dome, Japan.
Aug. 28 2 p.m. Lots of fans have already flocked near Tokyo dome two hours before the concert.
K-pop fans all around Japan have gathered to watch SM town concert, which was held offline in three years since the spread of COVID-19 in 2019.
SM Entertainment singers including Kangta, BoA, Max Changmin, Super Junior, SNSD Taeyeon and Hyo-yeon, SHINee, Red Velvet, NCT, Aespa have gathered.
Fans waited in line happily by putting stickers of their favorite artists such as TVXQ, Super Junior, or NCT or carrying hand fans with their names on.
Some recorded screens outside the Tokyo Dome once videos of singers appeared.
Torimoto brothers, who came from Nara prefecture 500km away from Tokyo, said, “We stayed at Internet cafe once we arrived in Tokyo by late-night bus,” adding, “I am fan of TVXQ and NCT, and I feel like crying because it has been a long time since the concert was held.”
Tarukawa couple who live in Tokyo said, “We both like TVXQ, NCT, and Aespa,” adding, “We have been watching SM town concert online for few years, but I am excited to see it in Tokyo Dome.”
Hanawa and Yamamoto, who are elementary friends, said, “We both like TVXQ, so we have been going to live concerts together since 10 years ago,” adding, “we are thankful that they come to Japan to perform even in this kind (COVID-19) of situation.”
Fans from various age groups, in their 10s to 50s, have flocked to the concert, showing long popularity of K-pop in Japan.
Although inside the concert area was different than how it was before COVID-19, the energy of fans was the same.
Although fans could not scream, they supported their artists by shaking cheering
poles or by clapping.
Once the concert began, Hyo-yeon sang remix version of SNSD’s hit song “Genie,” receiving great applause.
Super Junior stirred fans hearts by greeting in Korean and Japanese and by singing hit songs including “SORRY, SORRY” with dance moves.
BoA said, “I am so happy to meet you guys through SM town in three years,” adding, “I did my 20th Anniversary Special Live in Japan last May, and I thank every one of you guys who give us consistent support and love.”
SM Entertainment executive producer Lee Soo man directed and led the stage.
The concert ended by all singers singing H.O.T’s hit song “Hope” together.
Fans waved their hands with both happy and sad faces, and hoped for the next concert.
SM Entertainment have announced that tickets of Tokyo Dome concert for three days, Aug. 27-29. were all sold out and 150 thousand fans have watched.
(This article is translated from Korean to English by Jiwon Woo.)
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