SM Entertainment celebrated its 30th anniversary in spectacular fashion during the SMTOWN Live 2025 concert in Seoul. Over two days, fans witnessed the dazzling performances of idols from past and present generations, culminating in the long-awaited debut of SM’s new pre-debut team, SMTR25.
The group of 25 male trainees graced the stage with an electrifying performance, showcasing their talents through covers of iconic hits like SHINee’s Lucifer and EXO’s Growl. While SM Entertainment has yet to disclose detailed profiles of the members, fans quickly identified several familiar faces, including former HYBE trainee JJ.
JJ: From HYBE to SM Entertainment
JJ, a Japanese-American performer, is no stranger to the limelight. He trained under HYBE’s Big Hit Music in March 2021 and was on the verge of debuting with Trainee A, a group once touted as the next BTS brother group. However, JJ parted ways with HYBE in 2023, leaving fans wondering about his next move.
Speculations about JJ’s association with SM Entertainment began in February 2024 when he was spotted alongside other SM trainees. His official appearance with SMTR25 at SMTOWN Live confirmed these rumors, sparking excitement among fans who have followed his journey.
Other Trainees Add to the Buzz
In addition to JJ, several other trainees with notable histories were recognized. Japanese trainees Kassho and Haruta, known for their participation in the NCT Universe: Lastart audition program, are now confirmed members of SMTR25. This program previously created the NCT sub-unit NCT Wish, adding credibility to their inclusion.
Thai trainees Charlie, Fifa, and Pipo also drew attention. These three had formerly trained under YGMM, a collaboration between YG Entertainment and Thailand’s GMM Grammy. Their polished stage presence added to the group’s dynamic performance.
Fans are already speculating about the future of SMTR25 and its potential impact on the K-pop industry. Social media has been flooded with videos of their debut performance, generating millions of views within hours.
Anticipation Builds for SMTR25
As SM Entertainment expands its roster of talent, the addition of trainees like JJ and others with diverse backgrounds demonstrates the company’s commitment to global reach and innovation. With the group’s introduction, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about SMTR25, including debut plans and potential unit concepts.
SMTOWN Live 2025 not only celebrated three decades of SM Entertainment’s legacy but also set the stage for its future. For fans and industry watchers alike, SMTR25 is shaping up to be a pre-debut team to watch.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.