On June 10th, the idols of SM Entertainment held a press conference right after their “SM Town Live in Paris” concert and expressed their thoughts on completing their first European concert.
Super Junior’s Leeteuk began, “It feels like just yesterday that I was listening to Jordy Lemoineand feeling entranced by his music, but now here I am exporting our own culture. I hope to write an amazing piece of history.”
TVXQ’s Yunho continued, “After seeing everyone shout ‘SM Town’, I realized that this was the flare of K-Pop culture. I’m glad that we’re able to kick it off to a great start. It still makes my heart beat.”
SNSD’s Sooyoung added, “I almost cried when I saw that fans had written ‘Thank you’ on the Korean flag. I was surprised to see them singing along to our songs, but what surprised me the most was that they even knew the cheer chants used by our Korean fans.”
f(x)’s Victoria said, “I was so proud to see everyone in the audience waving their own country’s flag.”
When asked why he thought K-Pop was so popular, Leeteuk replied, “SM has always worked to globalize our music, such as working with foreign choreographers and whatnot. I think we’re also loved for our physical and visual aspects as well. There’s a saying in Korea that the start is just half of the work, so I’m anticipating the future of Hallyu. If France wants me, I’m even willing to move here.”
On June 9th, a new episode of SBS’s “Midnight TV Entertainment” revealed the power of the increasingly global Hallyu wave that has been sweeping Europe.
K-pop has been making a large presence in France this year: on April 20th, around fifty fans from France visited Korea for SHINee’s fan meeting, confirming the group’s global popularity. Furthermore,SMTOWN Live, the first international idol group collaboration concert took place in Paris today.
When the news was revealed earlier this year, European fans went wild, with tickets selling out in a mere 15 minutes. The reactions to the announcement were explosive as interviewed fans commented, “I’m so happy! K-pop is finally here in France!“, “I am so going to get 2 tickets. I’ll die if I don’t get them”, and “It’s a dream come true. I can’t wait for it“.
“Midnight TV Entertainment” also revealed footage of a demonstration by approximately 300 fans that took place in front of the Louvre. These fans, who weren’t able to purchase tickets, performed dances from Super Junior’s “Sorry, Sorry” to TVXQ’s “Mirotic“, demonstrating the popularity of Korean idols in Europe. In response to the demand of fans in Europe and at this demonstration, a second tour date was announced soon thereafter.
The episode also reveals footage of TVXQ, SNSD, SHINee and f(x) leaving for Paris.
Fans in Europe are very excited about “SM Town Live in Paris,” held at the Le Zenith de Paris.
The show is currently live and SMTOWN has a special treat for the fans who couldn’t attend as performances from the show are being uploaded to SMTOWN’s official YouTube page! Check them out below.
f(x) LA chA TA:
SHINee Replay:
Super Junior Don’t Don
TVXQ Before U Go
SNSD Genie
First Day comes to an end
