SM·Inspire Hosts Arena Backstage Tour for 32 Teens to Fulfill Their Stage Dreams

SM Entertainment and the Inspire Entertainment Resort in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, collaborated to launch a cultural and artistic community service program for teenagers. On March 23, Inspire organized an “Arena Backstage Tour” at its arena for participants who attended SM Entertainment’s flagship community service program, the “Smile Music Festival.”

A total of 32 people participated in this tour, including graduates from past Smile Music Festival vocal, dance, and band teams, as well as university student video supporters. Guided by Inspire’s professional performance staff, the participants experienced the backstage areas that are typically inaccessible to the general public. The tour route included the dressing rooms and locker rooms used by global artists, along with advanced stage equipment and audio systems—key components of concert production.

The participants listened to explanations about the concert production process and operational systems while viewing the stage from the audience seats. This experience allowed them to gain a comprehensive understanding of actual concert environments beyond simple watching. At the end of the tour, they took commemorative photos at the “Wall of Fame,” which displays signatures from artists who have performed at Inspire Arena, further strengthening their aspirations to become musicians.

The Smile Music Festival, launched in 2015, aims to support teenagers in nurturing their dreams through music. Participants receive structured training, mentorship from SM Entertainment artists, workshops, and the opportunity to perform in a final show. Special emphasis is placed on giving priority to teenagers from low-income families and areas with limited access to education, thereby improving their access to cultural and artistic education. Ongoing support is also provided after program completion to help them pursue careers and gain work experience.

This program holds additional significance as it represents a community service initiative driven by the partnership between SM Entertainment, known for its global content competitiveness, and Inspire, which boasts large-scale concert infrastructure. Both parties plan to continue offering various hands-on experience opportunities for teenagers who aspire to work in the music and performance industries.