SMTOWN Live 2025: A Controversial Remake Stage Announcement
As excitement builds for the upcoming SMTOWN Live 2025 concert scheduled for January 11-12 in Seoul, SM Entertainment has unveiled an intriguing yet contentious aspect of the event: a special stage where artists will perform reimagined versions of songs originally created by their senior and junior colleagues. This initiative aims to celebrate the legacy of its artists, including a poignant solo track from the late SHINee member Jonghyun.
Teaser Posters Reveal Participating Idols
The announcement sparked considerable buzz within the fan community, with teaser posters showcasing the idols slated to perform and hinting at which songs they might be revamping. Among these is a solo piece by Jonghyun, stirring a mix of nostalgia and anticipation among fans, particularly the devoted Shawols (SHINee’s fans).
Fan Reactions: Excitement versus Skepticism
While many fans expressed enthusiasm for the performances, a significant portion voiced their discontent. Critics argue that SM Entertainment’s intentions appear insincere, questioning the company’s treatment of Jonghyun’s legacy in the years since his tragic passing in 2017. Some cited the label’s historical underrepresentation of his work, highlighting their frustration over the lack of album reprints and acknowledgment of his contributions.
So sm is going to remake a whole jonghyun song and release it officially on an album celebrating a company that won’t reprint his albums, won’t acknowledge him more than twice a year, and won’t release his concerts but now that they can make money off of him they remember his art
— dija (@meowqxng) January 8, 2025
Concerns Over Jonghyun’s Legacy
Fans further lamented the disconnection between the concert’s concept and Jonghyun’s enduring legacy. Many stated that having his music remade by others could dilute its significance, transforming it into just another SM Entertainment artist’s song instead of a tribute to the original creator.
I wouldn’t care if they performed a cover during the concert by why would you remake a jonghyun song who asked for this
— Grapefruit (@selenekjh) January 7, 2025
Moreover, the dissatisfaction among fans extends to SM Entertainment’s failure to release official recordings and footage of Jonghyun’s prior concerts. Complaints arise from the agency acknowledging him only on specific days during the year—his birthday and the anniversary of his death—leading to skepticism about their genuine commitment to honoring his memory.
SM doesn’t give Jonghyun any attention, they purposely hold back content, and only recognize him two days out of the year. But now you want others to REMAKE his SELFWRITTEN& PRODUCED songs for their anniversary? give me a break, if you want to attract kpopies do anything but that
— m∞ri¹⁵ – Kaitian (@jonghyunoutdid) January 7, 2025
Awaiting SM Entertainment’s Response
As criticism mounts, many in the Shawol community are eager for SM Entertainment’s official response to these concerns. The tension between honoring Jonghyun’s artistic influence and the commercial motivations behind this upcoming concert remains palpable.
For more details and updates, check out the article on KpopStarz.
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