SM to Launch a Large New Boy Group This Year

SM Entertainment (hereinafter SM) has revealed its new strategy for 2026.

On the 20th, SM released a total of two videos through its official YouTube channel, announcing its vision to evolve into a 'Multi-Creative' system centered on 'people' and 'artists' based on the 'SM 3.0' system established over the past three years. They also presented key agendas that will lead the company's future, including IP strategy, business and global strategy, and management and investment strategy. The announcement was made by co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun, along with Lee Seong-soo, CAO (Chief A&R Officer), who explained the company's future direction to shareholders and fans.

Notably, the strategy for launching a new boy group in 2026 stands out. SM officially confirmed the debut of a new boy group in 2026, stating, "A boy group will debut in 2026. The members of the male trainee team SMTR25 will also be included, and they will be gradually introduced through the entertainment program 〈Reply 1988〉 that aired earlier this year."

Co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun stated in the video, "SM NEXT 3.0 combines the musical essence that SM does best with technology, platforms, and people-centered creative innovation to achieve boundary-less expansion," and expressed their ambition to prove their position as a global leading company through substantial growth and investment.