K-pop fans speculate former Hybe trainee JJ may be one potential member

SMTR25, a group of 25 male trainees from SM Entertainment, pose after a performance at the
SMTR25, a group of 25 male trainees from SM Entertainment, pose after a performance at the "SM Town Live 2025 in Seoul" concert on Sunday. (SM Entertainment)

SM Entertainment is preparing to launch a new boy band in the second half of this year, according to an industry source on Wednesday.

“From what I know, a new boy band will debut under SM Entertainment this year. The exact date for their debut is unknown, but considering the preparation time, which usually takes about five months, there’s a strong possibility the group will debut in the second half,” the source told The Korea Herald, under condition of anonymity.

Among fans, a former Hybe trainee known by the stage name JJ is at the center of speculation as one of the potential members for SM Entertainment’s new group.

The 19-year-old Japanese American appeared as part of the SMTR25 group at SM Entertainment’s recent 30th-anniversary “SMTown Live 2025 in Seoul” concerts, held Saturday and Sunday. The SMTR25 team, comprising 25 male trainees, performed SHINee’s “Lucifer” and EXO’s “Growl” during the two-day event, without the trainees' names being revealed. JJ’s face was shown prominently in close-up shots multiple times on screens at the concert venue during the group's performance.

JJ first gained public attention through Hybe’s YouTube series “Trainee A” in 2021, which documented the debut process of a new boy band. He was one of seven confirmed finalists, alongside Leo, Sangwon, James, Jihoon, Inhyuk and Jo Woo-chan, but reportedly joined SM Entertainment after failing to debut under Hybe.

SM Entertainment declined to comment on the matter.

So far, the K-pop powerhouse has not officially announced plans to debut a new boy band, as it is currently focused on introducing its new girl group, Heart2Heart, next month.

SM Entertainment co-CEO Tak Young-jun previously revealed in February 2023 that the company plans to launch two new K-pop groups every year under its multiproduction center and label system.

“SM Entertainment originally planned to introduce a new boy band last year, but likely postponed it to time it with the company’s 30th anniversary this year,” the source said.

“If the group had debuted last November, their debut might have been overshadowed by the company’s preparations for its world tour celebrating the 30th-anniversary concert this month. The timing seems to have been adjusted strategically.”