“WORLD IS HEALING AGAIN”- Fans react to Girls' Generation’s OT8 group photo on SMTOWN LIVE's merch line-up despite members’ contract termination

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Girl' Generation (Image via Instagram/@girlsgeneration)

The veteran K-pop group Girls' Generation (SNSD) has officially made a surprise appearance in SMTOWN LIVE’s first-ever merchandise book. On January 6, 2025, SM Entertainment announced the release of the book as part of their 30th-anniversary celebrations, sharing the news through their official social media platforms.

Fans were taken by surprise to see the photos of all eight members of Girls' Generation included in the merchandise collection. Given that the group had parted ways with the company several years ago, the inclusion of their images sparked both shock and delight among their devoted fanbase. Expressing this sentiment one fan wrote on X:

"SNSD OT8 TOGETHER?! SUDDENLY THE WORLD IS HEALING AGAIN"

The unexpected gesture quickly became a topic of discussion online, with fans expressing their excitement and appreciation at seeing the legendary girl group honored as part of SM Entertainment’s history.

“THANK U LORD,” a fan expressed their gratitude.
“The original backbone of SM and the entire kpop industry,” a fan claimed.
“I’m not okay, I’m really not. Thought I had to see my ot8 again in 2027 for their 20th year,” a fan stated.
“I am not ready,” a fan said.

Some other fans similarly expressed their enduring love for the group.

“OH MY GOD! MY GIRLS, MY GIRLS,” a fan exclaimed.
“It’s actually insane how all the snsd members are participating in the smtown 30th anniv even if they’re no longer in the company,” a fan wrote.
“GIRLS' GENERATION YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS AND LOVED,” a fan affirmed.

Fans anticipate Girls' Generation's performance at the SMTOWN LIVE 2025

SMTOWN LIVE is a large-scale concert series organized by SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's premier entertainment companies. These concerts bring together artists signed under SM Entertainment. From iconic hits to collaborative stages and exclusive content, SMTOWN LIVE has become a hallmark event for K-pop fans worldwide.

The concerts also feature exclusive merchandise, fan interactions, and sometimes even the release of special albums or music videos, making them a comprehensive celebration of the label's achievements.

In December 2024, SM Entertainment revealed the initial stops for the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 tour. The tour will kick off in Seoul on January 11 and 12, 2025, before heading to Mexico City on May 9, Los Angeles on May 11, and Tokyo on August 9 and 10.

This year's SMTOWN LIVE holds particular significance as it coincides with SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, SM Entertainment announced a special compilation merchandise book featuring photos of both senior and junior artists. Among these artists, Girls’ Generation became a surprise inclusion that thrilled fans, as the group parted ways with SM Entertainment in 2017.

Girls' Generation (SNSD) is one of the most iconic K-pop groups, known for shaping the global K-pop landscape. Debuting on August 5, 2007, under SM Entertainment, they rose to fame with hits like Gee, Genie, and I Got a Boy.

In 2014, member Jessica Jung left the group, citing conflicting priorities between personal business endeavors and group commitments. While the separation was amicable, it marked the start of Girls' Generation's evolution as an 8-member group. In October 2017, SNSD’s contracts with SM Entertainment expired.

Members Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Seohyun chose not to renew their contracts, pursuing individual careers in music, acting, and other fields. The remaining members, Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona renewed their contracts, keeping the group’s name tied to SM Entertainment, even as full-group activities were paused.

Despite pursuing individual paths, Girls' Generation's members have remained committed to their bond. In 2022, they reunited as an 8-member group to release the album Forever 1 for their 15th anniversary.

The inclusion of the group's photos in SM Entertainment’s 30th-anniversary merchandise book hence came as a pleasant surprise to fans. Their presence in the collection highlights the group’s legacy within SM Entertainment’s history, despite their departure from the company years ago.

The other artists that are to be featured in this book are EXO, SHINee, LUCAS, Super Junior, and some more. As SMTOWN LIVE 2025 prepares to tour the globe, fans eagerly anticipate the event and celebrate the influence of SNSD and other SM artists.

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Edited by Sreerupa Das
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