The “SMTOWN LIVE 2025″concert, hosted at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on January 11 and 12, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment. This momentous event attracted an enthusiastic crowd of fans eager to show their support for their beloved SM artists.
Costume Reuse: A Familiar Sight
During the performances, a sense of nostalgia resonated with attendees as several artists donned outfits that were strikingly reminiscent of costumes from past events. Although fans found it challenging to pinpoint the specific performances these looks were drawn from, the resemblance was undeniable.
For instance, NCT Dream revisited their striking black-and-white ensembles from the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour held in the U.S. last December. They also brought back costumes from their promotion of H.O.T’s “Candy”remake. Similarly, RIIZE wore outfits from their “Boom Boom Bass”showcase, and NCT 127 sported padded vests that were first seen during last year’s SBS Gayo Daejeon stage.
The reuse of costumes sparked a mixed bag of responses among fans. While some appreciated the nostalgic return of outfits they had previously adored, others expressed disappointment. Many fans yearned for fresh, unique stagewear for such a landmark concert. Comments like, “Reusing again?,” “It’s the 30th anniversary—couldn’t they have prepared new outfits?” and “I wanted to see sparkling new clothes” highlighted the discontent among a portion of the audience.
Behind the Choice: Practicality and Sustainability
Beneath the surface of costume reuse lies a more profound rationale. Leeteuk of Super Junior addressed these concerns during a live broadcast on January 12, noting that the concert’s budget was restricted. The financial pressures meant that creating entirely new costumes could detract from the artists’ activity fees. To address these challenges sustainably, the team opted for costume reuse, aiming to minimize waste while preserving resources. Leeteuk emphasized that while repeated use might feel inappropriate, it prevents wastage and counters criticism aimed at stylists. This explanation resonated with many fans, who expressed understanding of the situation.
Moreover, one informed netizen highlighted the significant costs associated with costume production and the necessity of considering environmental factors. They referenced SM Entertainment’s extensive 3,540-square-meter costume warehouse, which was featured in KBS2’s “Boss in the Mirror” last October. This facility houses an impressive collection of over 110,000 outfits previously worn by various idols, including BoA and aespa. Reflecting on this, a fan shared, “After seeing the collection, I believe that reusing outfits in a reasonable manner is viable and environmentally responsible. However, I hope they avoid reusing less popular pieces.”
Looking ahead, the “SMTOWN LIVE 2025″concert, which captivated 40,000 fans over the two days, is set to continue its global tour starting in May, bringing the excitement of K-pop to international audiences.
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