SMTR25 Reality Show "Reply High School" Sets 2026 Debut - SM Entertainment Partners with Top Producers
SM Entertainment's rising trainee group SMTR25 will star in their first solo reality show, marking a major milestone in their pre-debut journey. The K-pop giant has teamed up with Egg is Coming to produce "Reply High School," a time-slip variety show featuring 15 multinational trainees.
What Makes "Reply High School" Special
The show puts a fresh spin on the classic survival format. Instead of eliminations, 15 trainees will live together in a school setting divided into three era-themed classes: 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. Each group will experience the culture, fashion, and music of their assigned decade while preparing for debut.
The 15 Cast Members:
90s Class: Nicholas (USA), Kassho (Japan), Justin (Japan), Hyunjun (Korea), Woolin (Korea)
2000s Class: Hanbi (Korea), Songha (Korea), Kachin (Thailand), Sadaharu (Japan), Tata (Thailand)
2010s Class: Daniel (Korea), Haruta (Japan), Hamin (Korea), Charlie (Thailand/UK), Jaewon (Korea)
The diverse lineup showcases SM's commitment to building global acts, with trainees representing six different countries.
Behind the Cameras
The production brings together industry heavyweights. Producer Shin Hyo Jung and writer Kim Dae Joo, the creative team behind SEVENTEEN's hit shows "Nana Tour" and "Nana bnb," are leading the project. Their track record with successful idol content makes this collaboration particularly exciting for fans.
Egg is Coming, the production company founded by entertainment veteran Lee Woo-jung, has been behind some of Korea's most popular variety shows. The company regularly works with legendary producer Na Young-seok, known for creating "2 Days & 1 Night" and "Grandpas Over Flowers."
SMTR25's Journey So Far
SMTR25 first caught attention during SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary celebration at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul this January. The 25-member trainee group performed covers of SHINee's "Lucifer" and EXO's "Growl," immediately generating buzz online.
Since then, they've appeared at SMTOWN concerts in Mexico City, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo. The group was also featured on SBS's "K-POP The Beginning: SMTOWN 30" as the next generation of K-pop stars.
According to SM's management, SMTR25 will eventually split into 2-3 separate debut groups starting in 2026. So far, only 11 of the 25 trainees have been officially introduced to the public.
When and Where to Watch
"Reply High School" is scheduled to air globally in the first half of 2026. The show will be available on multiple international platforms, though specific streaming services haven't been announced yet.
Fans can already participate through the Mnet Plus app's "Class Name Voting" campaign, which runs until September 20, 2025. Voters help choose official names for each decade-themed class.
What This Means for K-pop
The show represents SM Entertainment's evolved approach to introducing new artists. Rather than traditional survival shows with harsh eliminations, "Reply High School" focuses on growth and collaboration. This shift reflects changing industry trends toward more positive trainee content.
The nostalgic concept also taps into Korea's fascination with different eras, similar to the popular "Reply" drama series. By having trainees experience past decades of K-pop culture, the show creates educational entertainment that appeals to multiple generations.
With SMTR25's official debut expected in 2026, "Reply High School" serves as both entertainment and an extended introduction period for future fans. The show's global release strategy also signals SM's continued push into international markets.
For K-pop fans, this represents a rare behind-the-scenes look at how SM develops its trainees before debut. The company's reputation for producing global superstars like BTS's competitors EXO, NCT, and aespa makes SMTR25's journey particularly worth following.
