SM Entertainment has announced plans to launch a new girl group in 2025. 

Considering the impact that SM's girl groups have had in the past, anticipation is naturally high for this upcoming group. However, it remains uncertain whether the debut will proceed as scheduled as the girl group debut has been delayed several times before.

On November 5, SM Entertainment released its operating performance for Q3 of 2024, along with its artist lineup for Q4 and Q1 of next year. While groups like aespa, TVXQ, and NCT, as well as solo albums from idols like Irene, Mark, Kai, and Seulgi, are generating interest, the highlight is undoubtedly the new girl group set to debut in Q1 of 2025.

Co-CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk stated, "SM is not only continuing to nurture its well-loved veteran artists but also steadily building an artist IP that spans all generations of K-pop through new artist debuts. The debut of the new girl group next year will further solidify our artist lineup." 

This new group will debut five years after aespa, which launched in 2020. The interval is long enough that they won’t overlap too closely, creating synergies between their respective fan bases without competing too directly. For SM, it’s also an ideal time to introduce a new group.

SM has an undeniable legacy as a powerhouse in idol management, spanning both boy groups and girl groups. Their girl groups, in particular—S.E.S., Girls' Generation, Red Velvet, and aespa—have achieved success beyond expectations. Each group has a distinct image and concept that resonates in both the Korean and global markets, contributing significantly to the growth of the K-pop industry. aespa, the most active group currently, made a strong impact again this year with their mega-hit song "Supernova."

Naturally, fans are highly curious about who will make up the new girl group. Previously, Na Ha Eun, who gained attention by becoming an SM trainee after running the popular YouTube channel 'Awesome Haeun,' was speculated to be part of the debut lineup, but it has since been reported that she has left SM.

Korean netizens responded:

"It feels weird that aespa debuted five years ago."

"It seems aespa debuted not too long but I can't believe it's been five years."

"It's about time they launched a new girl group since there's only two years left for aespa's exclusive contracts."

"I'm looking forward to the new girl group. I hope it's real this time."

"What concept would they debut with? I can't wait until next year."

"Debut 2025... hmm... would they be able to debut? I wonder what concept they'll take on."

"I can't believe it's already the fifth generation for girl groups."

"I want to see the innocent youthful concept too. No more KWANGYA concept..."

"I thought aespa would forever be the Maknae of SM..."

"Wow, it feels like aespa debuted not too long ago but it's already five years for them too?"

"aespa's celebrating their 4th anniversary so they would be in their fifth year next year."

"Their fifth year??? The time flies."

SEE ALSO: aespa's 'Whiplash' reaches 100 million Spotify streams