The stage, featuring Super Junior's Ryeowook, transformed various K-Pop tracks into new orchestral sounds.
This event successfully highlighted the potential fusion of K-Pop and classical music.
On February 16, 2026, the Vienna Concert House transformed into a unique stage celebrating K-Pop. The event titled 'WIENER SYMPHONIKER X K-POP (SM CLASSICS LIVE 2026 with WIENER SYMPHONIKER)' featured the Vienna Symphony reinterpreting popular tracks from EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, and aespa with a classic orchestral sound that captivated attendees.
Under the baton of National Symphony Orchestra conductor Kim Yoo-won, the collaboration with the Vienna Symphony showcased a fresh interpretation of SM Entertainment's renowned IPs. Notably, Super Junior's Ryeowook took the stage as a special guest, enchanting the audience with his solo tracks 'The Little Prince' and 'It's okay.' The concert kicked off with Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor,' followed by a repertoire of beloved K-Pop hits transformed into orchestral masterpieces.
SM Classics, having redefined K-Pop through classical techniques, is exploring new opportunities within the European classical music scene in collaboration with the cultural management agency WCN. This initiative is seen as a pivotal milestone for K-Pop to establish itself as a formidable presence in the global classical landscape.
The concert serves as a striking example of how K-Pop can merge with classical music. The cheerful tunes of K-Pop intermingled with intricate orchestration provided the audience with a completely new experience. This suggests that K-Pop is establishing itself as a genre with artistic depth, beyond being mere popular music.
Ryeowook's solo performances were pivotal moments showcasing the artistic capabilities of K-Pop artists. His voice shined within the classic sound, receiving admiration and encouragement from fans. This clearly conveys the message that K-Pop artists can explore potential across various genres.
SM Classics' strategic approach marks an essential step towards the globalization of K-Pop. Based on their success in the European market, it is hoped that orchestral versions of K-Pop will gain wider appeal, opening up new business opportunities in the process.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
