Irene, Seulgi, Karina, and Winter Light Up SMTOWN LIVE With f(x)’s ‘Chu’ Cover in Fukuoka

SM Entertainment’s global concert brand SMTOWN LIVE successfully wrapped up its first-ever shows in Fukuoka, Japan, drawing massive attention as artists across generations came together for special collaboration stages including a highly talked about cover of f(x)’s ‘Chu~♡’ by Irene, Seulgi, Karina, and Winter.

A Multi Generational Celebration of SM Heritage

According to SM Entertainment on February 2, ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025–26 in Fukuoka’ was held on January 31 and February 1 at the Mizuho PayPay Dome. Both nights sold out completely, attracting a total audience of approximately 70,000 fans. The Fukuoka concerts marked the city’s first SMTOWN LIVE events, highlighting the continued global reach of SM’s artist lineup.

The concerts were also broadcast live across 118 movie theaters throughout Japan via live viewing, while the second night was streamed globally through KNTV Japan, Beyond LIVE, and Weverse, allowing fans worldwide often referred to as “Pink Blood” to join the experience in real time.

One of the most striking aspects of the Fukuoka shows was the diversity of the audience. Fans of all ages filled the venue, from longtime supporters of TVXQ to younger fans cheering for newer groups like NCT WISH. Family attendance stood out in particular, with parents and children attending together, each holding different light sticks representing their favorite artists.

A Star-Studded Four-Hour Showcase

The lineup featured a wide range of SM artists, including Kangta, TVXQ, Super Junior, Zhoumi, Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, SHINee’s Minho, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, RIIZE, NCT WISH, Hearts2Hearts, Seunghan & Soul, and SMTR25. Over the course of more than four hours, the artists delivered group, solo, unit, and collaboration stages that reflected SM’s three-decade history.

Fans were treated to classic hits such as Kangta’s ‘Eyes On You,’ TVXQ’s ‘Rising Sun,’ and special Japan-focused performances including the Japanese version of ‘Mirotic,’ NCT Yuta’s ‘Off The Mask,’ and NCT WISH’s ‘Hello Mellow.’ EXO and NCT’s Taeyong, both returning to the SMTOWN LIVE stage after some time, received especially loud cheers.

‘Chu~♡’ Cover Becomes a Highlight Moment

Among the most memorable stages was a surprise collaboration featuring Red Velvet’s Irene and Seulgi alongside aespa’s Karina and Winter. The four artists performed a cover of f(x)’s iconic track ‘Chu~♡,’ delivering a playful and charming performance that immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The stage was praised for its cross-generation symbolism, bringing together artists who represent different eras of SM while paying homage to f(x)’s legacy. Another first-time reveal included a cover of ‘Soda Pop’ by the unit Saja Boys, featuring Jaemin, Jisung, Eunseok, Wonbin, and Sion, further elevating the concert’s excitement.

A Family Finale and What’s Next

To close the night, all participating artists returned to the stage to perform ‘Hope from KWANGYA,’ the signature SMTOWN anthem, greeting fans up close and reinforcing the sense of unity that defines the SM brand.