SM Entertainment Idols’ “KPop Demon Hunters” Cover Triggers Angry Reactions
SM Entertainment idols shocked fans during SMTOWN in Fukuoka with a special performance of the viral song from KPop Demon Hunters.
The stage featured NCT DREAM’s Jaemin and Jisung, RIIZE’s Eunseok and Wonbin, and NCT WISH’s Sion performing a cover of “Soda Pop” for the very first time.
시히ㅋㅋㅋ발 시온 원빈 지성 은석 재민 소다팝 옴 pic.twitter.com/ZXZTUE1xTb
— 🫑 (@onnnnsi) January 31, 2026
Despite SMTOWN touring South Korea, the US, Europe, and other countries, the “Soda Pop” cover was only performed at today’s Japan concert.
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Female stars Red Velvet‘s Irene, Seulgi, and aespa‘s Karina, Winter also surprised fans by performing a unique cover of f(x)’s Chu for the first time.
KARINA, WINTER, IRENE AND SEULGI COVER CHU BY FX!!pic.twitter.com/ZH23SJmQx9
— Karina♡ (@ujiminphoria) January 31, 2026
The decision to debut these covers exclusively in Japan sparked anger among Korean fans, many of whom expressed frustration online over the lack of a Korean stage.
- “Why are Saja Boys making a comeback in Japan? They should be performing in Korea.”
- “Why is this being shown for the first time in Japan? SM, seriously—”
- “Why are they performing this in Japan?”
- “Why Japan? Show it in Korea.”
- “SM is so annoying. Show it in Korea.”
- “Why is this happening in Japan…”
