K-Pop concert SMTOWN LIVE to re-air after setting viewing record

Online Korean concert SMTOWN LIVE 2022 : SMCU EXPRESS@KWANGYA is being re-aired on January 29 after setting a new viewing record after its first broadcast on January 1.

It reached over 51 million streams from 179 regions around the world, including Australia.

It is a compilation of performances from the SM Entertainment roster and took place in the background of SMCU Express Station where artists gathered in a virtual space called Kwangya.

The 40-song setlist included group performances, solo stages and collaborations.

It hosted the world debut performance of GOT The Beat, the first unit of new concept girl group project Girls On Top, which features BoA and members of Girls’ Generation, Red Velvet and aespa.

Other performances were from NCT, Super Junior, WayV, SHINee’s ONEW, EXO’sand KAI.

The concert is being re-listed on the global platform dedicated to Beyond LIVE, from 3pm Korean time.

The strong viewing figures are an indication of greater K-Pop presence on the Australian charts.

SM Entertainment’s ANZ head, Gavin Parry, told TMN the unique experience is not replicated by any label globally.

“Performances of 40 songs by over 20 roster artists show the depth of the label, and the sense of creativity and ambition of SM Entertainment on a global scale,” he said.

Parry pointed out the success in Australia of the Seoul-based nine-piece supergroup NCT 127 who is considered one of K-Pop’s influential trendsetters.

The numbers refer to the longitude coordinate of the South Korean capital.

“In 2021, NCT 127’s third album Sticker came in No. 16 on ARIA Albums Chart,” Parry said.

“NCT 127’s local chart result shows that the group, and more generally K-pop, has become very relevant to the ANZ market.

“We can expect to see many more of SM Entertainment’s artists impacting our charts in 2022.”