SM Entertainment is set to debut 3 new rookie groups in 2023!
On the 24th, SM Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as SM) released a video titled “SM 3.0: NEW IP 2023” on their official YouTube channel. In the video, SM announced their NEW IP strategies for three teams: a new team within NCT, a rookie boy group, and a rookie girl group, all scheduled to debut in 2023.
First, the new team within NCT: Collaboration with Japanese media + Pre-debut reality show
CEO Jung Cheol-hyeok stated, “The team we are currently preparing is the final chapter of infinite expansion, so we aim to create a differentiated team that aligns well with the concept of regional roots.”
To achieve this, SM will increase the number of Japanese members and collaborate with Japanese media companies to share the process of member selection and team launching with fans worldwide. They also introduced two trainees of Korean and Japanese nationalities as new SMROOKIES, in addition to the members selected through a pre-debut reality show. CEO Jung expressed his hope for the new team to actively promote in Japan and other countries, saying, “We look forward to the new team’s activities in various regions, including Japan.”
2: rookie boy group: Sungchan, Shotaro, Eunsuk, Seunghan + Members of Korean and American nationalities
CEO Jung also introduced the second NEW IP, the “rookie boy group,” in the video, saying, “Sungchan and Shotaro will debut as members of a rookie boy group, separate from NCT, and will be joined by SMROOKIES Eunsuk and Seunghan.
With members from Korea and the United States, this rookie boy group will become SM’s NEW IP and open the era of ‘SM 3.0’ together.” The decision was made after considering the identity of the previously introduced ‘NCT’s new team,’ the launching method through the pre-debut reality show, and the members’ emotions and the group’s musical direction. CEO Jung expressed his unwavering support and called for fans worldwide to show their continuous support for Sungchan, Shotaro, Eunsuk, and Seunghan as they embark on a new path.
3: rookie girl group: Debut goal in the fourth quarter of 2023 + Multi-member lineup
Regarding the third NEW IP, the “rookie girl group,” CEO Jung stated, “We are preparing a team with a multi-member lineup aiming to debut in the fourth quarter of 2023 after undergoing various evaluations. We hope that this team, which includes trainees showcased in the March 2023 public evaluation, will become a NEW IP that accompanies ‘SM 3.0’ by demonstrating diverse talents and charms.”
CEO Jung mentioned that although some parts of the NEW IP debut plan announced in February as part of “SM 3.0” have been postponed, it was a decision made to present the best performances, and he asked for fans’ understanding. He concluded, “We are preparing good music and content for all SM artists’ activities scheduled for this year, so we ask for your continued support and expectations.”
In recent news, both Shotaro and Sungchan announced their departure from NCT and it was announced they will be joining the upcoming boy group mentioned above.
What upcoming rookie group from SM are you most excited about?
Source: (A)
