As 2025 comes to a close, it stands out as a year packed with an unusually large number of K-pop rookie debuts. That momentum shows no signs of slowing in 2026. At the center of attention are the so-called “Big 4” agencies HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment each moving behind the scenes with their own plans to introduce the next generation of idols.
HYBE is expected to debut two girl groups in 2026. The first is a Korea-based girl group currently in preparation. While nothing has been officially confirmed, industry watchers speculate that the group could come from either Pledis or Source Music. For now, the agency has kept details tightly under wraps. In the second half of the year, HYBE plans to launch a four-member girl group in the United States. Building on the success of KATSEYE, which debuted in collaboration with Geffen Records, HYBE is once again partnering with the U.S. label. Lexie, Samara, and Emily who did not make the final KATSEYE lineup have reportedly been confirmed, with one additional member to be selected before the group officially debuts.
SM Entertainment, meanwhile, is focusing on a new boy group. During “SMTOWN LIVE 2025,” the company introduced SMTR25, a multinational team of male trainees, and later opened official social media accounts for the project. SM also announced a reality program produced by Egg Is Coming, titled Reply: High School, which is scheduled to air in the first half of the year. According to statements made during an August 2025 conference call, SM plans to debut two to three teams from SMTR25, with at least one group launching first. However, with undisclosed trainees and some departures from the lineup, the final configuration remains subject to change.
YG Entertainment is also preparing a new boy group. In May 2025, executive producer Yang Hyun Suk revealed that two boy groups and two girl groups were in development, emphasizing his desire to debut at least one boy group in the coming year. While concrete information on the boy group remains scarce, YG has shared more visible hints about a future girl group tentatively titled “Next Monster,” releasing trainee videos of Evelli and Chanya. That said, Yang has stated that the company intends to focus on BABYMONSTER’s growth through the end of next year, suggesting that the girl group’s debut may come later. As always with YG, timelines could shift depending on internal priorities.
JYP Entertainment has yet to clearly announce plans for a new rookie group. Still, speculation is growing. Considering that boy group KickFlip debuted last year and that the agency’s most recent girl group, NMIXX, debuted in 2022, many believe JYP’s next launch is likely to be a girl group. The company’s recent registration of new trademarks has further fueled rumors of an impending debut. However, some analysts suggest these trademarks may be intended for artists under JYP’s subsidiary, INNIT Entertainment, leaving the situation open-ended for now.
As the Year of the Red Horse begins, all eyes are on the Big 4’s next moves. With global fans closely watching, 2026 may well introduce the rookie groups destined to lead K-pop into its next era.
Sources: Naver
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