SM Entertainment is preparing for the debut of three rookie groups this year.
On May 24th, SM Entertainment released the video “SM 3.0: NEW IP 2023” on its official YouTube channel, announcing the strategies for three new IP teams: a new subunit under NCT scheduled to debut in 2023, a new boy group, and a new girl group.
New NCT Subunit: Launching in collaboration with Japanese media + pre-debut reality show
CFO Jang Cheol Hyuk stated, “As the team we are currently preparing for is the last chapter of infinite expansion, we want to create a differentiated team that is more in line with the concept of regional affiliation.“
To achieve this, SM plans to increase the number of Japanese members and collaborate with Japanese media companies to share the member selection and team launching process with fans worldwide.
They will also reveal two trainees of Korean and Japanese nationality as new SM rookies and form the team by adding members selected through a pre-debut reality show.
CFO Jang expressed, “We hope for great expectations for the new NCT unit that will actively engage in activities in Japan, Korea, and around the world.”
Regarding the already revealed SM rookies, they added, “Due to health reasons, Shohei unfortunately cannot join the ‘new NCT unit.’ SM plans to support Shohei’s personal activities.“
New Boy Group: Sungchan, Shotaro, Eunseok, Seunghan + New Korean and American members
In particular, CFO Jang introduced the second debut lineup, which will be SM’s “new boy group”, and raised expectations by stating, “Sungchan and Shotaro will debut as members of the new boy group, leaving NCT. They will be joined by SM rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. This new boy group, composed of members with Korean and American nationalities, will become SM’s NEW IP and open the era of ‘SM 3.0’ together.“
This decision was made after sufficient discussions with the members and the musical direction of each team. They urged fans worldwide to continue supporting Sungchan, Shotaro, Eunseok, and Seunghan on their new path.
New Girl Group: Aiming for debut in the fourth quarter of 2023 + multi-member composition
Regarding the third debut lineup, SM’s “new girl group,” they stated, “We are preparing a girl group with the goal of debuting in the fourth quarter of 2023 after various evaluations. We hope that this team will showcase diverse talents and charms and become a part of ‘SM 3.0’ together. We ask for your expectations and support.“
CFO Jang stated, “Although there have been some delays compared to the debut plan announced through ‘SM 3.0′ in February, it is a decision made to present the best appearance. We ask for your understanding, and we are preparing good music and content for all SM artists’ activities scheduled for this year. We look forward to your continued support and high expectations.“
Source: Daum.
