The heart-fluttering moment has arrived! SM Entertainment’s (hereinafter SM) male trainee team, SMTR25, is finally taking off the veil with their new reality program, “Respond High School,” marking the official start of their exciting SMTR25 debut journey.
A Nostalgic Trip Through K-Culture’s Golden Eras
Premiering on February 13th, Mnet’s “Respond High School” is set to take viewers on an enchanting time-slip reality show where the members of SMTR25 enroll in the fictional ‘Woojung High School.’ Here, they’ll embark on a unique quest to discover the secrets to their debut, immersing themselves in K-culture from the 1990s through the 2010s. This captivating program has already garnered immense attention, not just for the trainees themselves, but also for the special creative collaboration between SM and Eggiscoming, promising a truly immersive narrative.
The Search for Their Own Narrative of Debut
SM has officially announced that a major new boy group is set to debut this year, fueling widespread curiosity about who these new faces will be. With SMTR25 pre-emptively teased as potential candidates, the anticipation for their grand entertainment debut is soaring, promising a spectacle of talent and a deep dive into their personal stories.
Meet the Dream Weavers: SMTR25‘s Talented Lineup
The global fandom is already buzzing with excitement over the announced members. The group features familiar faces like Hamin and Nicholas, who first captivated hearts in the ‘THE CULTURE’ brand film celebrating SM’s 30th anniversary in January 2025. They gained immense popularity, even earning affectionate nicknames from fans.
From Stage Presence to Daily Charms
Joining them are Hanbi, Songha, Daniel, Hyunjun, Kassho, Justin, Haruta, Kachin, and Tata, who have already left a strong impression with their powerful performances. These members showcased their artistry at events like ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025,’ ‘2025 TIMA,’ and ‘2025 KGMA,’ delivering a special tribute performance for SM’s 30th anniversary and an intense cover of EXO’s ‘Wolf (늑대와 미녀)’.
Unveiling Fresh Faces: The Full SMTR25 Roster
Adding to the excitement, trainees who have never been publicly revealed before — Jaewon, Woolin, Sadaharu, and Charlie — will also join the cast, bringing the total number of SMTR25 members to 15! Through “Respond High School,” these aspiring idols will not only showcase their charisma on stage but also reveal their genuine, youthful charm, heartfelt teamwork, and heartwarming daily lives at the dormitory and school. This program will be a pivotal step in their journey towards debut, allowing fans to witness every precious moment.
Where to Catch This Emotional Journey
The premiere of “Respond High School” will air on February 13th at 8:20 PM KST via Mnet and Mnet Plus. International fans can also join the journey:
- 🇹🇭 Thailand: True Visions and True Visions Now
- 🇯🇵 Japan: Abema TV and KNTV
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan: Friday Video
- 🇺🇸🇪🇺🇦🇺 Middle East, Americas/Europe (excluding Russia), Oceania: Kocowa
- 🌍 Global (excluding Korea, China, Japan, Thailand): We TV
The emotional depth promised by this reality show, allowing us to witness their growth and camaraderie, is truly what makes K-pop so special. It feels like we’re embarking on this poignant journey with them, supporting every step towards their dreams.
Editor: Hana Lee 🎬
