SM Entertainment Expected to Debut 3 Japanese Groups in Early 2025 — Fans React

Following NCT Wish, SM Entertainment is also expected to debut more groups based in Japan under a new production center in the country!

Recently, Stream Media Corporation led by Masahiko Yamada, its Director and Head of Corporate Planning revealed its fiscal report ending December 2024.

Aside from discussing its first quarter financial results, Yamada also mentioned its performance after its merger with SM Entertainment Japan in August 2020 and how SM artists' concerts contributed to their positive growth.

"...They have had a very positive impact on our performance, Although these are difficult to reflect in business plans, our considerable efforts as a company have paid off in this area."

Among the topics Director Yamada discussed, what drew the attention of SM stans the most was his answer related to SM Japan's new IPs.

Here, Stream Media hinted that aside from K-pop groups who also debuted in Japan, they are planning to create their original IPs in the local market.

"Until now, in the entertainment business, we have been using the method of bringing in the best-selling IP that debuted in Korea, but we believe that we need to go beyond that and create our own original IP. We are preparing to release an original IP in Japan."

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Regarding the preparation, Yamada claimed that they have been preparing for these groups for more than 2 years and this 2024, they are furnishing the preparation and aim to debut them either at the end of this year or in early 2025.

"Of course, we would like to debut them within this year, but it is not that easy, so we are preparing several teams that will be active from the end of the year or the beginning of next year while working on exposure.

This is having a slight impact on our business performance, but we are making steady preparations."

More details about the groups and members will be given before this year ends but so far SM is preparing for the debut of about three teams.

These groups are expected to be managed by a new center created mainly for its Japan original IPs which will be launched in 2025.

Upon the news, Pink Bloods (SM artists stans) expressed divided opinions over it. Some fans are excited since they are rooting for a lot of SM trainees to debut in either of the three groups.

On the flip side, some K-pop fans of existing SM acts were frustrated that the label will launch new groups, despite mistreatment controversies involving its other groups. Netters demand SM to focus first on its current groups and address their concerns.

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz