Like many of its artists in the past, SM has introduced trainees to the public through the SM Rookies project before their official debut. Several well-known idols from groups such as NCT, aespa, and RIIZE were previously revealed through the program before launching their careers.
Last year, the agency unveiled a new lineup of trainees under the name SMTR25, short for SM Rookies 2025, as part of the preparation for its upcoming boy group.
Recently, the trainees have been appearing on a reality show titled Reply High School, which aims to help fans become more familiar with the members ahead of their official debut.
In a recent episode, a conversation between trainee Songha, believed to be a confirmed member of the future group, and Nicholas, who has often been considered a potential center or face of the team, drew significant attention.
During their talk, Nicholas shared that he hopes to pursue a career as an actor. When Songha asked whether he still wanted to become an idol, Nicholas responded that he would prefer to focus solely on acting.
Although there has been no official confirmation from SM Entertainment, many viewers interpreted the conversation as a sign that Nicholas may no longer debut with the SMTR25 lineup. The possibility has left fans feeling both saddened and supportive, with many expressing hope that he will succeed regardless of the path he ultimately chooses.
Sources: X
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