SM artists push back upcoming Japan concert

SM Entertainment artists at "SMTOWN LIVE in TOKYO" held in Japan on January 25 and 26, 2011. [SM Entertainment]

A concert featuring all of SM Entertainment's artists, originally set to take place at the prestigious Tokyo Dome in Japan next month, has been postponed until further notice.

Through a message on its official Japanese website, SM announced Wednesday that they will push back the "SMTOWN LIVE in TOKYO SPECIAL EDITION" concert, scheduled for April 9 and 10, in consideration of Japan being engaged in various post-quake recovery efforts.

SM also said they plan to notify fans of the refund policy and revised schedule on their Japanese and mobile website as soon as they are decided on, while adding their artists and actors are "praying for the fast recovery and stability of quake-stricken areas."

SM has already donated one billion won, equivalent to about 890,000 U.S. dollars, to the Asian nation grappling with the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that has left at least 21,000 people dead or missing and thousands homeless.

SM, founded by former singer Lee Soo-man in 1995, is one of the most influential entertainment agencies in Korea alongside YG and JYP Entertainment, well known for raising popular singers that date back to the times of H.O.T. and S.E.S. in the late 90s.

They currently manage the careers of some of the most successful K-pop artists including TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee and f(x).

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Jessica Kim jesskim@