On August 29, rumors began circulating about a potential new co-ed group under SM Entertainment, which could include notable artists such as NCT‘s Mark, EXO’s Kai, Red Velvet‘s Seulgi, aespa‘s Karina, and NCT‘s Taeyong. Expected to possibly debut in 2026, this speculation sparked significant buzz and mixed reactions across social media platforms. The news immediately drew attention from fans eager to see how Red Velvet’s Seulgi in co-ed group dynamics would unfold.
While many supporters expressed excitement over this proposed collaboration among SM’s top idols, others voiced concerns about the choice of members and the repetitive use of already active artists in multiple projects.
Fan Reactions Reveal Mixed Feelings About the Lineup
The discussion surrounding this rumored co-ed group revealed divided opinions among fans and netizens. Some welcomed the innovative move toward forming a mixed-gender group, viewing it as a fresh step for SM Entertainment. Others, however, criticized the move, arguing that the idols selected are already heavily involved in various groups and subunits, which risks making the new lineup feel redundant.
Concerns were particularly raised about workload management, with fans pointing out that NCT’s Mark is currently part of four different groups. Critics worry adding another group might lead to overexertion and exhaustion for the artists involved. One fan articulated this frustration on Twitter:
“its always the same people man we want ningning we want jaehyun we want joy we want suho damn!”
—Netizen
This sentiment was echoed by multiple others who felt the idol pool was being overused rather than showcasing new or less-prominent talent.
Conversely, several fans maintained optimism, keen to discover what unique style and performances such a co-ed group would present if the rumors prove accurate.
The Evolution and Influence of SM Entertainment in K-Pop
SM Entertainment, founded by South Korean music producer Lee Soo-man in 1989, has played a pivotal role in shaping the K-pop industry. Initially established as SM Studio, the agency grew into one of South Korea’s largest and most influential entertainment companies. Its rigorous idol training program, focusing on singing, dancing, and performance skills, has set an industry standard emulated by many competitors.
Since debuting their first artist, solo rapper Hyun Jin-young, in 1990, SM Entertainment has launched numerous successful groups and soloists, all of which have made significant impacts at different times. This extensive history places the company in a unique position of influence over K-pop’s evolving trends and group formats.
Current Roster of Active Groups and Soloists Under SM Entertainment
At present, SM Entertainment manages nine active groups alongside several subunits and solo acts. The stable includes iconic names such as TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, and newer acts like aespa and RIIZE. Notably, Red Velvet and NCT operate multiple subunits, expanding the agency‘s reach. The full list of active groups encompasses:
- TVXQ (2004)
- Super Junior (2005)
- L.S.S.
- Girls’ Generation (2007)
- Oh!GG
- SHINee (2008)
- EXO (2012)
- EXO-SC
- Red Velvet (2014)
- Irene & Seulgi
- NCT (2016)
- NCT U
- NCT 127
- NCT DREAM
- WayV
- NCT DoJaeJung
- NCT WISH
- aespa (2020)
- RIIZE (2023)
- Hearts2Hearts (2025)
- DearALICE (2025)
Alongside group activities, SM Entertainment also supports several soloists who either debuted independently or branched out from group activities. These include artists like BoA, YoonA, Yesung, Joy, Ryeowook, Max Changmin, Kai, and others, all contributing to the label’s ongoing success and fame.
What the Rumored Co-Ed Group Could Mean for the Industry
This rumored co-ed group, if it materializes, would represent another pioneering step for SM Entertainment, which has regularly experimented with new formats within the K-pop realm. Combining established idols such as Red Velvet’s Seulgi and EXO’s Kai alongside other SM talents could offer fans fresh creative possibilities and performances.
However, the debate over member selection and idol workload signals the challenges faced by agencies managing large rosters. Balancing innovation with sustainability remains crucial as fans watch closely how SM Entertainment navigates these developments.
As anticipation builds toward a potential 2026 debut, fans continue to express both hope and caution regarding how this project might shape the future of K-pop group configurations.
