Past Meets Future: Welcome to ‘Reply High School’
There’s a new classroom in town—but instead of textbooks, it’s packed with dance practices, vocal lessons, and a whole lot of K-pop dreams. SM Entertainment is teaming up with production house Egg is Coming for its first trainee-focused reality show, ‘Reply High School’, set to premiere in the first half of 2026.
Meet the 15 Soon-to-Be Idols
The show will spotlight 15 trainees from SM’s highly-anticipated SMTR25 initiative, including both known and previously unrevealed members. Get ready to learn the names: Nicholas, Kashou, Justin, Hyunjun, Woolin, Hanbi, Sungha, Kachin, Sadaharu, Tata, Daniel, Haruta, Hamin, Charlie, and Jaewon. Yep, it’s a global lineup—including Japanese members—hailing from SM’s ever-expanding multicultural trainee program.
These rookies aren’t just here to play—they’re here to debut. The show will divide them into three classrooms, each themed around a different decade: the ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s. Think of it like K-pop Hogwarts, if each era came with its own beat, fashion, and cultural vibes. Talk about an education in retro cool.
SMTR25: Rookie Status, Superstar Buzz
This isn’t the first time these guys hit the stage. SMTR25 created buzz earlier in 2024 during the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 concert in Seoul where the group made their surprise debut in honor of SM’s 30th anniversary. Since then, they’ve lit up global stages from Mexico City and L.A. to London and Tokyo. They also made headlines in the SBS special ‘K-POP The Beginning: SMTOWN 30’, leading fans to call them the “future of SM.”
The All-Star Team Behind the Cameras
‘Reply High School’ brings together top-tier creatives from the Korean variety world. Producer Shin Hyo-jung, known for her work on SEVENTEEN’s hit shows ‘NANA bnb’ and ‘Nana Tour’, teams up with esteemed writer Kim Dae-joo to ensure both laughs and life lessons.
Coming in 2026: Global Streams, Global Dreams
Set for broadcast on a global streaming platform, ‘Reply High School’ promises a heartwarming blend of nostalgia, growth, and fierce K-pop hustle. Whether you’re a seasoned stan or a casual viewer, this time-traveling trainee tale might just be your next binge.
So—will these boys pass the final test and officially debut as SM’s next big act? Stay tuned.
