SM Entertainment Confirms 2026 Boy Group Debut From SMTR25 Trainees
SM Entertainment announced plans to debut a new boy group in 2026, drawing mixed reactions from fans who expressed both excitement and concern about the agency's management of existing artists.
The announcement came January 20 through SM's "SM NEXT 3.0" strategy video on YouTube. Co-CEO Tak Young-jun confirmed members will be selected from SMTR25, the multinational trainee group that first appeared at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul this January.
Fan Response: Enthusiasm Mixed With Worry
Online communities immediately flooded with reactions. While some fans posted enthusiastic comments like "hurry up and debut the new male idols," others questioned SM's capacity to manage more groups.
Existing artist fandoms voiced specific concerns. RIIZE fans requested the agency "take care of RIIZE first," while others emphasized Hearts2Hearts needs more attention. Fans also mentioned veteran acts including Super Junior, Girls' Generation, Red Velvet, and SHINee require proper activity management.
Reality Show to Introduce New Group
The debut group will be revealed through "Reply High School," a reality show set to air globally in the first half of 2026. The show features 15 participants from SMTR25, divided into classes themed around the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s.
Producer Shin Hyo-jung and writer Kim Dae-joo, known for SEVENTEEN's "NANA TOUR" series, are leading production. The show is being developed in partnership with Egg is Coming.
SMTR25 has performed at SMTOWN concerts in Mexico City, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo since their January debut. According to SM's August 2025 conference call, 2-3 groups will eventually debut from the 25-member trainee pool, with one group launching in 2026.
SM NEXT 3.0 Strategy
The boy group announcement was part of SM's broader restructuring plan. The "Multi-Creative" system will replace the current multi-production structure, assigning creators flexibly based on each artist's vision rather than maintaining fixed teams.
SM also announced plans for a global group in partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment, Thailand's True Corp, and potential Japanese partners.
Legal Action Against Malicious Content
In a separate January 20 statement, SM announced criminal charges against individuals spreading malicious posts about its artists. The company promised quarterly updates to fans regarding lawsuit status starting in 2026.
The timing comes as SM navigates a transitional period following departures of founder Lee Soo-man, composer Yoo Young-jin, and soloist BoA, who produced NCT WISH. These exits have prompted questions about SM's future creative direction.
SM's most recent boy group, RIIZE, debuted in September 2023 and sold over one million albums in their first week. Hearts2Hearts, the company's newest girl group, debuted in February 2025.
