As K-pop’s global popularity continues to grow, major entertainment agencies are actively seeking the next generation of world-class stars.
After the global success of BTS, BLACKPINK and Stray Kids, the question remains: will a new international K-pop icon emerge this year?
YG Entertainment launches a “special audition”
YG Entertainment is looking for artists who will follow in the footsteps of BIGBANG and BLACKPINK.
Yang Hyun Suk, executive producer of YG, announced a “special audition” in which he will personally review all candidates, from document screening to final selection.
“You have to create your own thing. That’s how you become a star. Can’t you become that kind of person?”
— Yang Hyun Suk, executive producer, YG Entertainment
With a long history of discovering global superstars such as G-Dragon and Jennie, Yang aims to use his experience and intuition to identify the next artist who can captivate audiences around the world.
SM Entertainment Confirms New Boy Group for 2026
SM Entertainment has officially confirmed the debut of a new boy group in 2026.
“A boy group is expected to debut in 2026. Members of SMTR25 will also be considered…”
– Tak Young Jun, Co-CEO, SM Entertainment
Before finalizing the debut lineup, SM introduced its trainee team “SMTR25” to the public through a variety reality show. The program features the participation of 15 male trainees from multiple countries, including those previously revealed through SM content and concerts, as well as previously unreleased trainees.
Set in a fictional school setting, the show allows trainees to experience cultural themes from the 1990s to the 2010s. While the program is not directly tied to the final debut lineup, it is expected to serve as an indicator of each trainee’s popularity and audience appeal.
HYBE will launch the sister group of KATSEYE
HYBE is also preparing to debut a sister group that will follow global girl group KATSEYE, whose members were finalists for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards.
Three members from the audition program”Dream Academy” have already been confirmed for the new group. The search for the final fourth member will begin through a second Korea-US joint audition project, which will be officially launched on the 24th.
Competition is expected to be intense. Around 14,000 applicants gathered for one remaining spot, signaling stiff competition among aspiring next-generation K-pop stars.
As YG, SM and HYBE accelerate their plans, the industry enters another crucial inflection point. With the global market as the main stage, the race to discover the next K-pop phenomenon has officially begun.
Will 2026 introduce the world to the next BTS or BLACKPINK? The spotlight is now on the trainees preparing to become protagonists.
Sources: naver
