Back on April 12, SM Entertainment announced its 2022 'Pre-SM Universe' program. 

The program's details are as follows:

"The 2022 Pre-SM Universe program is an after school education program provided by SM Universe (SMU), and features 8-weeks of training in basic music producing, vocal lessons, modeling lessons, acting lessons, as well as English language lessons. It is an opportunity for students to experience the unique educational direction and curriculum of SMU, and also test one's potential for becoming a global artist! Note: The Pre-SMU program is a social service program that is free for all participants."

Other specific details include:

Program features: Music producing, vocal lessons, modeling lessons, acting lessons, English language lessons

Participants: Students in their 3rd year of middle school - 1st year of high school (born in 2006-2007)

Dates: Mondays through Fridays from May 9 through July 1, 2022 (5 days a week for 8 weeks)

Time: 6:30 - 10 PM KST

Location: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Apgujeong-ro 423 (SM Building)

Applications will be received on April 20 via the program's website. Students will undergo in-person auditions as well as parent meetings from April 22~25, and the finalists will be announced on April 28. 

In fact, many netizens believe that the 'Pre-SM Universe' program may be a new type of "audition" for SM Entertainment to discover talents. In the past, SM Entertainment was known for holding its 'Saturday Open Auditions', a public audition open to any participants. 

Netizens are commenting,

"They're going to cast kids who stand out during these programs, aren't they? I see what you're doing there, SM."

"If it's free, even if you don't get cast at the end it's such a good opportunity."

"That sounds fun. Too bad old people can't try out TT."

"It's free... That large corporation class."

"SM always figures out the strangest ways to do things."

"Can you guys make one for adults too."

"If you have to audition for it, that's totally the same thing as just auditioning for SM kekekekeke. If they find kids with potential of course they're going to sweep them up."

"OMG now you have to do a job interview to become a K-Pop idol..."

"Auditions and parent meetings? This is just another way of saying 'SM auditions'."

"This sounds like the best way to find the talented ones who haven't been going to lessons already, the blank slate that SM likes to work with."

"The age group is so specific. I wonder if they are looking for that certain age group for a certain team?"

And more. What do you think of the netizens' reactions to SM Entertainment's new 'Pre-SM Universe' program?