SMNGG is coming! On SNS, K-pop fans raise their expectations after rumors that the label will finally debut Southeast Asian members! Here's what we know so far. 

Earlier in 2023, SM Entertainment announced that they are preparing for the debut of its new girl group targeted to be introduced in 2024. 

Since then, they have been teasing the members through social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok, such as showing their eyes and backs.

Although the members are yet to be revealed, it is expected that the group will have either 5 to 9 members and one of them is speculated to be Na Ha Eun.

Born in 2009, she became known in the entertainment scene first as a famous Korean dancer who started her career at the age of 4.

Recently, two more members were speculated to be determined by fans and netizens, and they are foreign members!

In particular,  on June 29th & 30th, aespa held their second world tour starting a two-day concert in Seoul, and SM artists and officials showed support for the quartet by attending the event. 

SM FEMALE TRAINEES IN AESPA'S CONCERT! pic.twitter.com/G6YMVmUwqk

— SR24G SOON (@SMNGG23) June 29, 2024

ALSO READ: Rumored SM Trainee Garners Praise for Her Visuals: 'She looks like Song Hye Kyo...'

Ten prospective SMNGG trainees also showed up and although they were wearing their masks, keen-eyed netters managed to recognize the trainees. 

One of them is said to be an Indonesian trainee named Carmen, who was born in  2006. She joined around 2022 and 2023. 

Another is Sherlisa, a Thai-Chinese trainee born in 2005 who also joined around 2023 or 2023. On X, she was already being lauded after her pre-debut videos circulated, where she showed off her impressive dance skills. 

[rumor] #smngg

this trainee is apparently rumored to be Carmen, an indonesian born in 2006, she joined between 2022-2023! pic.twitter.com/iPSgAoMuX7

— SR24G SOON (@SMNGG23) June 30, 2024

[info] #smngg

this trainee who attended aespa's concert is SHERLISA, a thai-chinese born in 2005, she joined SM between 2022-2023!

(cont.) her dance teacher in her previous dance academy just posted this photo on his instagram! pic.twitter.com/bNPkY5xuZr

— SR24G SOON (@SMNGG23) June 30, 2024

#SHERLISA

She's supposed to be a Thai, probably left SM a few months ago, but recently her IG account seems to have been deactivated, and this was the video she posted on IG. It seems like shes already returned to SM.#SMNGG #SMNGGiscoming pic.twitter.com/Rkxy4Lr2V5

— ki (@rookieski_) March 24, 2023

Although little information is known about them, there is a high anticipation that they will join SM's new girl group scheduled to debut this year. 

If they are able to join SR24G, they will become the first Southeast Asians to debut under SM Entertainment among girl groups.

Although SNSD, Red Velvet, and aespa, have foreign members from the US and Japan, SM is yet to debut a female idol from Southeast Asia. 

However, they are also curious if they will debut in SMNGG or debut in another SM girl group based in Southeast Asia. 

240611 #SMTR

[🐰] Busan Workshop for 2 days and 1 night was fun in May. 🩵
The game and schedule I prepared were all fun, and you even complimented me for being SM's Na Young-seok...!! I was proud of you too ☺ ️
Hope it will remain as a happy memory and our wishes come true! pic.twitter.com/EI4SVP3xHz

— ki (@rookieski_) June 11, 2024

Earlier in 2022, SM announced the launch of its Southeast Asia HQ in Singapore which aims to expand its presence in the region.
On June 1, they also started an audition for that girl group, aiming to select members born from 2005 to 2011, regardless of nationality. 

Meanwhile, fans will be able to confirm if Carmen and Sherlisa will join the upcoming girl group once SM announces its official date, which is expected to be around July to September. 

According to their plan, PRISM will handle SMNGG, the same center that is promoting and releasing albums for SHINee and WayV.

READ MORE: Na Haeun Left SM Entertainment? Rumor Arises Ahead of New Girl Group's Debut

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz