On February 14, 1995, SM Entertainment was founded by the music producer and entrepreneur Lee Soo Man. 30 years later, the agency is celebrating its anniversary with a new album featuring the whole SM family. “2025 SMTOWN : THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE” brings together stars like aespa, NCT, Girls Generation & SHINee in one project and thus offers a cross-section through the history of K-Pop!
- A look at the different versions of 2025 SMTOWN : THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE
- The history of SM Entertainment
THE 2025 SMTOWN ALBUM IS RELEASED ON VALENTINE'S DAY
Because February 14 is, as already mentioned, not only the day of love but also the anniversary of SM Entertainment. SM artists from all generations take part in the album: from H.O.T’s Kangta and Girls Generation to NCT and aespa.
“SMTOWN” refers to the community of artists who are under contract with SM Entertainment. The name is often used for concerts, albums or projects that bring together several SM artists, such as the SMTOWN Live concerts.
The SMTOWN family has already released several joint albums, such as the winter albums “SMCU EXPRESS (2021)” and “SMCU PALACE (2022)”. However, the last one was over 2 years ago. All the more reason for us to be excited about the new project!
Highlight: The new album doesn't only involve artists who are currently under contract with SM Entertainment, but also former members. For example, SHINee’s Onew is part of it, and Girls Generation is represented with all 8 members!
IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENT VERSIONS:
There are 4 different variants that could hardly be more different. This is also reflected in the fans' reactions. While some receive a lot of praise from fans, others are heavily criticized. Find out what that's all about here!
THE FUTURE VER:
This version is very classic, as it offers a photobook and random photocards. The photobook has 104 pages and includes, among other things, a folded poster, a CD and stickers. In addition, every buyer gets a photobook cover set, which lets you personalize the photobook.
The photocards are particularly controversial, because there are 65 possible designs and each album contains only 3. That means every artist - be it SHINee’s Minho, Girls Generation’s Yoona or NCT’s Taeyong - is represented only once. So the chance of pulling your favorite is relatively low. On the other hand, the large selection also increases the excitement. Unlike with most albums, the question isn't just which member you pull, but also which group that member comes from.
Perfect for all fans who cheer on not just one, but several of SM Entertainment's groups!
THE CULTURE VER:
This version leaves nothing to be desired. It consists of a massive 400-page photobook, a 16-page lyric book, a CD, a folded poster, stickers and a photocard set.
The set consists of 16 cards, one from each SM Entertainment artist: H.O.T, BoA, TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, GIRL'S GENERATION, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, WayV, RIIZE, aespa, naevis and Lucas. So your favorites are definitely included!
FAMILY VER. (NEMO ALBUM):
If you love photocards and don't want to leave anything to chance, you should definitely get the Family Version! This is a digital album that offers a folded mini poster, a music QR card and a photocard set.
The photocard set is a dream come true, because it contains no fewer than 65 individual cards, one of every single idol involved in the album. With the QR code on the back, every single card also becomes a motion photocard!
TIME CAPSULE VER. (SMINI):
Finally, there is the TIME CAPSULE version, which looks like a capsule toy on the outside. That is, the kind of capsules you can pull from vending machines and which contain random toys. Fittingly, what you get here is really down to chance.
There are 15 different SMini albums you can find inside: H.O.T, BoA, TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, GIRL'S GENERATION, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, WayV, RIIZE, aespa or naevis.
Each album consists of an SMini case with a ball chain, which contains a music NFC CD. There is also always a colored balloon and a photocard of one of the respective members, as well as a folded mini poster of the SMTOWN family.
If you get the SHINee version, you can pull one of 3 different photocards. With the Girls Generation version, you get one of 8 possible cards. Depending on the number of group members.
Here, too, it's not hard to understand why fans are complaining. It's not possible to order the version of your favorite group; everything depends on luck. Will you try your luck?
ABOUT SM ENTERTAINMENT:
It is often said that SM Entertainment was founded in 1995, but its roots actually go back to 1989, when Lee So Man launched “SM Studio”. At the time, the label focused mainly on artist management and entertainment projects. But in the following years, SM already built a comprehensive in-house system. That means that from the concept to the execution of a project, control remains entirely within the company.
In 1995, “SM Studio” was renamed “SM Entertainment” and, under the new name, began a legendary revolution of the K-Pop industry. It started with the debut of the boy group H.O.T, which is considered the very first idol group. In the following years, SM produced many more artists, all of whom count among the most successful idols of their generation. These include boy groups like H.O.T, TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee EXO & NCT as well as girl groups like Girls Generation, Red Velvet & aespa. Even today, 30 years later, SM is still at the top of the K-Pop industry.
Lee Soo Man is not called the “Father of K-Pop” for nothing, because he not only produced countless hits but also introduced the trainee system, in which talents are selected through castings and then trained intensively for several years. SM was also the first K-Pop entertainment company to expand into foreign music markets and to establish photocards as an extra in albums.
You can find out more about the origins and milestones of SM Entertainment here.
A success story like this is definitely worth celebrating!
Sources: SMTOWN social media channels
