SM Entertainment’s Controversial Venue For “SMTOWN In London” Hit With Backlash
SM Entertainment recently unveiled more details about the upcoming SMTOWN stop in London, but instead of excitement, the announcement has sparked major frustration among fans.
The legendary K-Pop company previously confirmed that SMTOWN would be touring multiple cities worldwide — including Los Angeles, Mexico City, and London. While ticket sales have already begun for the LA and Mexico stops, SM has now disclosed the London venue and part of the lineup set to perform.
Upcoming🎉 : SMTOWN LIVE 2025 TOUR
📍 SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in SEOUL
📅 2025.01.11(SAT) – 01.12(SUN)📍 SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in MEXICO CITY
📅 2025.05.09(FRI)📍 SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in L.A.
📅 2025.05.11(SUN)📍LIVE STREAMING
📅 2025.01.11(SAT) – 01.12(SUN)
🎫 Weverse Shop | Beyond LIVE… pic.twitter.com/Y0rNAwYBKc— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) December 17, 2024
So far, the confirmed artists include EXO’s Suho and Chanyeol, NCT subunits (NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, and WayV), and RIIZE. More names are expected to be added, but the current lineup has already received mixed reactions.
SMTOWN Live 2025 in London has announced the 1st Lineup! 🇬🇧🚨
EXO (SUHO, Chanyeol)
NCT (NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, WayV)
RIIZE
More to be announced!📍Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
📆 28 JUN pic.twitter.com/eBomCXGn1b— Kpop Concerts Europe (@kpopconcertseu) February 10, 2025
The biggest issue fans have with the London stop so far is the choice of venue. SM Entertainment has selected Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, a location far from central London.
The unexpected location has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for international fans who may struggle to find nearby accommodations and entertainment. UK-based fans are also voicing their disappointment, as the stadium’s location is seen as inconvenient for those traveling from within the country.
SM is pissing me off with this SMTOWN in London… Why did they book a 82k capacity stadium when they can’t even sold out smaller venues in LA and Mexico city ?? And why is the stadium so far from the center… It’s really not convenient for foreigners who don’t know London… FCK pic.twitter.com/P2uix0tveV
— Maï 🎀🐱ྀི || fuck SM – semi ia (@eyo_listen_up) February 10, 2025
Another major concern is the stadium’s capacity. With an estimated 82,000 seats (with 50,000 alleged as the capacity for concerts), many believe this is an overly ambitious choice for a K-Pop company concert. Fans worry that the large venue could lead to poor viewing experiences, as certain sections may offer limited visibility of the stage. Others speculate that the event might be canceled altogether if ticket sales fail to meet expectations.
im not even gonna get excited for SMTown London… watch it get cancelled. they will never fill that stadium, and knowing SM, the prices are gonna be insane, so no one’s gonna attend…..I’ll still buy my ticket, but I’ll only book the flight and hotel the day before! learned my…
— RAMI (@oohyeolie) February 10, 2025
sm is a little bit too confident with that smtown show in london, huge ass venue with barely anyone coming like they really think dreamies will always sell out everything for them well with that treatment they’re getting, making every fan pissed off…..good luck with that
— 햇 (@ilovedonghyeok) February 10, 2025
I think (and hope) SMTOWN London will flop because :
1. it's in the UK and not everyone in Europe have a passeport
2. it's in a 50k stadium
3. it's far from London
4. based on other concerts, it will be VERY expensive
All of that to see few minutes our favs… well… pic.twitter.com/6xdoKfQ7CL— Maï 🎀🐱ྀི || fuck SM – semi ia (@eyo_listen_up) February 10, 2025
Ticket prices have yet to be revealed, but SM’s pricing for previous stops in LA, Mexico, and even Seoul has faced criticism. Some believe high ticket costs are a key factor behind slow sales for the other concerts. As a result, many are fearing the prices will be yet another reason to not attend the highly anticipated concert.
As backlash continues to grow, fans are waiting to see if SM Entertainment will acknowledge their concerns or make any changes before ticket sales begin.
