SM Entertainment has confirmed plans to introduce a new girl group in early 2025, marking its first girl group debut since aespa in 2020. The announcement came alongside the company’s Q3 financial report for 2024, where details about SM’s upcoming artist lineup were also shared. As excitement builds among fans, netizens have taken to social media to express their anticipation and speculate about what the new group will bring to the K-pop landscape.

SM’s Long-Awaited Girl Group Debut

SM’s last girl group, aespa, debuted in 2020 and quickly rose to prominence with hits like “Next Level” and this year’s “Supernova.” The upcoming girl group is expected to debut in Q1 of 2025, five years after aespa, ensuring a distinct generational gap that could foster unique fan bases while minimizing direct competition between the groups.

Jang Cheol Hyuk, Co-CEO of SM Entertainment, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its artist lineup through both veteran artists and new talents, stating:

“SM is not only continuing to nurture its well-loved veteran artists but also steadily building an artist IP that spans all generations of K-pop through new artist debuts. The debut of the new girl group next year will further solidify our artist lineup.”

SM’s legacy in managing girl groups is robust, with iconic acts like S.E.S., Girls’ Generation, Red Velvet, and aespa having made significant marks both in Korea and internationally. Each group has brought a unique image and concept to the industry, which has only increased the public’s curiosity about what concept SM’s newest girl group will adopt.

Netizens React with Anticipation and Curiosity

The announcement has sparked a wave of interest and discussion online, especially from fans who have followed SM’s previous girl groups. Many Korean netizens are reflecting on aespa’s milestone and speculating on the future concept of the new group. Responses range from excitement about the new generation to nostalgia for aespa’s debut five years ago. Some netizen comments include:

• “It feels weird that aespa debuted five years ago.”
• “It seems aespa debuted not too long but I can’t believe it’s been five years.”
• “It’s about time they launched a new girl group since there’s only two years left for aespa’s exclusive contracts.”
• “I’m looking forward to the new girl group. I hope it’s real this time.”
• “What concept would they debut with? I can’t wait until next year.”
• “Debut 2025… hmm… would they be able to debut? I wonder what concept they’ll take on.”
• “I can’t believe it’s already the fifth generation for girl groups.”
• “I want to see the innocent youthful concept too. No more KWANGYA concept…”
• “I thought aespa would forever be the Maknae of SM…”
• “Wow, it feels like aespa debuted not too long ago but it’s already five years for them too?”
• “aespa’s celebrating their 4th anniversary so they would be in their fifth year next year.”
• “The time flies.”

SM’s Lineup for 2024-2025: What Fans Can Expect

Alongside the new girl group’s debut, SM Entertainment revealed other projects lined up for the remainder of 2024 and early 2025. The lineup includes activities from popular groups like aespa, TVXQ, and NCT, as well as solo releases from Irene, Mark, Kai, and Seulgi. These releases are expected to keep fans engaged while they wait for the new girl group’s debut.

The precise lineup of trainees for the upcoming girl group remains undisclosed, though previous speculation included Na Ha Eun, known for her popular YouTube channel “Awesome Haeun.” However, it has been reported that she is no longer part of SM, leading fans to wonder who will ultimately be part of the new team.

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