South Korean entertainment behemoth SM Entertainment has revealed boy group debut plans for 2026.
The agency has announced it will be widening its market beyond Korea by launching Japanese, Thai and Chinese boy group units – tapping into local music markets through Warner Music Japan and Universal Music Group, Thailand with True, and China with Tencent Music Entertainment.
The first unit of their newest K-pop boy group SMTR25 will launch this year, with promotional strategy including the SMTR25 trainees gaining pre-debut buzz through social media, the 30th SMTOWN LIVE tour, and a Reply High School variety show all in early 2026 before their official debut later this year.
While fans have expressed some concerns over SM’s history with managing their non-Korean talents, the reactions to SM’s future plans has mostly been ones of excitement as fans look forward to fresh talent and opportunities to expand global music.
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