For the 2nd half of 2024, SM Entertainment unveiled its artists' comeback & debut lineup that Pink Bloods should anticipate!
On August 7, SM released its second quarter report revealing its consolidated sales of $184M ( ₩253.9 billion) and operating profit of $18M (₩24.7 billion).
This sale is a 5.9% increase compared to last year thanks to its increase in album sales and concerts, but operating profit decreased by 30.7% due to increased content production cost a s operating loss at a subsidiary.
With this result, SM plans to maximize the activities of its artists in the second half of this year, releasing its music preview lineup for the 3rd and 4th quarters.
Many SM boy groups will be active in the 3rd quarter (July to September). The forerunner is NCT 127, who recently dropped its 6th full album, "WALK" on July 15. It will be followed by a mini-album from its member, Jaehyun.
Its Japan-based sub-unit NCT WISH, who just dropped the Korean version of its single, "Songbird," on July 1, also heralds the release of its mini-album.
In addition, NCT DREAM will unveil an English single along with WayV's Japanese mini-album. RIIZE, the first boy group outside NCT, will be returning to the entertainment scene with a Korean and Japanese single.
ALSO READ: SM Entertainment Debut, Comeback Lineup (Q3, 2024): Irene, Chanyeol, Naevis, More!
Meanwhile, SM is also preparing for star-studded solo comebacks. SNSD Taeyeon already kicked off with its single, "Heaven" on July 8. She will be succeeded by co-member Hyoyeon, who will release a single.
More artists will join the 3rd quarter comebacks such as SHINee Key, who is planning to release a mini-album after its single, "Tongue Tied" in June as well as Super Junior Sungmin who will unveil his new single.
After 12 years, EXO Chanyeol will finally make his solo debut with a mini-album in August, while virtual artist naevis's worldview will also be introduced this month.
Moreover, SM's first British boy group, DEAR ALICE, produced in collaboration with British entertainment company MOON &BACK, will make their local debut in August through the BBC's TV series, "Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience."
In the fourth quarter then, aespa, who just made its 2024 hits, "Supernova" and "Armageddon" will greet MYs again with a new mini-album. Their junior girl group will also debut this year, which exact date is yet to be determined.
Among soloists, SHINee Minho will drop his first full album, while Super Junior Yesung, SNSD Taeyeon, and Red Velvet Irene will have their respective mini-albums. NCT Mark will also have his solo single in the 4th quarter.
Regarding NCT, its sub-unit NCT DREAM will have another full album release, along with NCT WISH's studio album in Japan and WayV's mini-album.
Lastly, the "Emperor of K-pop" TVXQ! is expected to dominate Japan again with its upcoming full album.
Additionally, a five-member "Trot Idol" consisting of former Mr. Trot contestants, K-pop trainees, and actors with talent and flair will be formed in the fourth quarter of this year, and their growth story will be revealed through Korean and Japanese TV programs.
After the TV program ends, they plan to hold a nationwide tour concert. They are also aiming to debut a new male group next year.
Co-CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk said:
"We are expanding the music genre to classical, R&B, and trot, and expanding our IP not only in Asia, including Japan and China but also in the English-speaking world. We will realize IP expansion through various formats, such as a multi-production system and internal and external labels."
READ MORE: Members of SM's Upcoming British Boy Group Revealed — Here Are K-Netz' Reactions
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz