Time to shine, aspiring K-pop idols! Are you the one that SM Entertainment is looking for? See more details to know how you can be the next "Ace and face of SM"!
On Jan. 16, SM Entertainment announced that they will hold an audition for a new boy group (SMNBG), which is open for all K-pop idol aspirants around the world.
In particular, the agency giant that produced legends H.O.T, Shinhwa, S.E.S, and many more, and home to prominent acts TVXQ, BoA, Super Junior, SHINee, EXO, NCT, f(x), Red Velvet, etc., dropped the details for their global audition 2021.
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The audition, which will be held online, will only accept applications from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15. The final trainer lineup will be determined on March 31.
SMNBG: Details for Applications, Requirements, and Deadlines
According to the leading and pioneer entertainment agency, any content that can show your potential as an artist, such as singing, dancing, and personal talent, can be submitted through a self-taken video that includes a short introduction.
So, muster the confidence, use your inspiration, your strengths, or any information that will highlight your personality and idol-worthy credibilities if you're dreaming to become the next big thing in the K-pop arena!
Take note, only male aspirants born on/between 2002 to 2008 can apply, and take into account that you aren't signed under any contract with any entertainment agency.
Applicants who passed the first round will proceed to the second screening round. The first-round passers will be notified individually on Feb. 28.
For the second round, an on-site audition will happen that will be held until March 15 (if necessary, on branches or headquarters of SM in the USA, Japan, and China, etc. but if there's no region available for a second passer, a video audition can be submitted instead).
The final successful candidates that will be announced on March 31 (to individual passers) will be given the opportunity to debut as members of SM's new boy group, which is expected to attract enthusiastic participation.
See more details HERE!
SM Entertainment Comeback Lineup 2021
As SM Entertainment is currently preparing for a new SM boy band, its existing K-pop groups and artists are, one by one, announcing their comebacks and releases this year.
This January, K-pop icons Kangta, TVXQ Yunho, and EXO Baekhyun will release new music. On Friday, Kangta already kicked off his SMStation track, "Cough Syrup," while Yunho will release his second solo mini-album "Noir" on Jan. 18.
He will be followed by EXO Baekhyun, who will drop his first, self-titled Japanese solo mini-album on Jan. 20.
Then, 2021's love month will never be so good as the "Hallyu Kings" Super Junior will be returning with their 10th full album, "The Renaissance," on Feb. 16. NCT 127 is also set to showcase their caliber as one of K-pop's powerhouse today in the Japanese market with "Loveholic" on Feb. 17.
And yes, the much-anticipated comeback of SHINee will also take place (finally!) in the same month. Official comeback date remains kept under wraps. Their major return was hinted at through SMTOWN LIVE Concert on Jan.1.
As for the SM Entertainment girl groups, SM CEO already confirmed that Red Velvet will be returning this year, but details are still confidential.
Currently, these are the only groups with confirmed comebacks, but the attention of K-pop fans are also focused on EXO if they will be coming back as a group as well now that Xiumin is back from the military and D.O. willl be officially discharged on Jan. 25.
Baekhyun, on a recent V Live, hinted at something to look forward to the group, while Kai told EXO-Ls (EXO's fan club) that "we will greet everyone with a more mature and cool side in 2021" during his thank you speech after EXO won the Bonsang "Best Album" award at the recent Golden Disc Awards.
Meanwhile, Aespa, SM Entertainment's new and dynamic girl group, is also picking the interest of music enthusiasts. Their fans, called Mys, are curious about the kind of music they will be releasing after their successful debut in November 2020.
Lastly, Sones remain hopeful that the "Nation's Girl Group" Girls' Generation will finall make their long-awaited return this year. Their last comeback was in 2017.
On Jan. 16, SNSD's leader Taeyeon uploaded a screenshot of her streaming their song, "Lips," and Sones were set abuzz. Soon enough, "SNSD" trended on Twitter, and fans once again felt the hope to experience a full group comeback.
Whose comeback are you most excited about? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
READ MORE: These are the Main Visual Idols from SM Entertainment — Who’s Your Favorite?
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Written by Eunice Dawson
