A concert featuring some of the world's biggest K-pop stars has been moved from Allianz Stadium in Twickenham to The O2 Arena in Greenwich.

'SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in London' is an annual show that brings together artists from the South Korean entertainment agency SM Entertainment.

This year's concert marks the event's 30th anniversary, and for the first time, organisers are bringing it to London.

However, just a month before the concert, SM Entertainment announced a venue change, citing fan experience as the reason.

The O2 Arena, they said, offers better accessibility and protection from unpredictable weather.

In a statement, organisers said: "As we prepare for the historic SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in London, our top priority is to provide every fan with the best possible concert experience.

"After thorough and careful discussions, we have made the decision to relocate the concert to The O2 Arena, one of the UK's leading indoor venues renowned for its world-class facilities and exceptional concert environment.

"This venue change allows us to offer an even more enhanced experience, with improved accessibility, protection from weather conditions, and immersive viewing from every seat.

"We are committed to providing the perfect setting for fans to enjoy SMTOWN artists in the most unforgettable way.

"We would also like to sincerely thank Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for their incredible support throughout this journey.

"We hold the venue in the highest regard and deeply appreciate the cooperation and enthusiasm they've shown during this transition.

"The concert will proceed as scheduled on 28 June at 6:00pm (GMT).

"Tickets already purchased will be automatically reassigned without the need to rebook. Updated seat information will be available in approximately two weeks."

'SM TOWN LIVE 2025 LONDON' would have been the first time the concert is performed in the capital (credit: Cesar Medina).

As of 2024, SM Entertainment has sold an estimated 60 million albums (physical, Korean, and Japanese releases combined) across all its artists.

Some of SM's most iconic acts – including TVXQ, HYOYEON from Girls' Generation, and NCT 127 – were due to perform at the Twickenham venue, which has a capacity of up to 55,000.

The last-minute change has surprised and disappointed some fans who were expecting to attend the first-ever K-pop concert at Allianz Stadium.

One user on social media said: "Whoever decided that Twickenham was the right venue to book for this is delusional.

"They really overestimated how many people would be willing to pay a month's rent for a concert where only groups who debuted in the last five years are performing with a full line-up."

Another commented: "LOL at them saying the new venue is 'even better and weatherproof' – as if they just noticed the rugby stadium was outdoors!

"I live in London, nowhere near Twickenham, and got a £30 ticket, so this works out better for me. But I do wonder if they'll drop more discounted tickets or offer refunds to people who aren't happy with the change."

A third added: "Saying it's for weather control is diabolical.

"They should at least allow people to change seats, especially if they're being moved higher up. Refunds seem unlikely, since technically the date and city haven't changed.

"Still, it's frustrating for anyone who booked accommodation near Twickenham and now has to travel to the other side of London."

Allianz Stadium and the RFU have been approached for comment.

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