SMTR25 Trainees to Star in Pre-Debut Variety Show “Reply High School”

SM Entertainment introduces SMTR25’s first reality show Reply High School.
The 15 trainees explore 1990s–2010s K-culture in a time-slip setting.
Set to air in early 2026, the show sparks both excitement and debate.

SM Entertainment’s upcoming boy trainee team SMTR25 is about to take a big step forward in their pre-debut journey. On September 17, the agency officially announced that the 15-member lineup will headline their first solo reality-variety program, Reply High School, in collaboration with production house eggiscoming. The news quickly lit up social media, with fans both excited and curious about what the project will mean for the future of SM’s next-generation idols.

A School-Themed Time-Slip Journey

Reply High School is described as a growth variety show with a time-slip concept. The 15 participants, including familiar SMTR25 members and previously unrevealed trainees, will “attend” a fictional high school where classes are themed around the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. Each class will allow them to experience the culture, music, and emotions of different K-pop eras while training toward their dream debut.

The program is spearheaded by producer Shin Hyo Jung and writer Kim Dae Joo, both known for their work on SEVENTEEN’s popular reality formats (NANA bnb and NANA TOUR). With their proven track record of blending heartwarming stories and humor, fans are expecting a refreshing take on the trainee survival and pre-debut genre.

SMTR25 itself was first introduced in January 2025 during the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 concert in Seoul, part of SM Entertainment’s 30th-anniversary celebration. Since then, the group has joined company tours in Mexico City, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo, giving them early international exposure even before their official debut.

Mixed Reactions: Anticipation and Debate Among Fans

On X, reactions to the announcement were swift and varied. Many expressed excitement at finally learning the names and personalities of all 15 trainees through the show. Others, however, raised concerns about whether all of them would eventually debut or if SM would repeat the selective elimination approach of the past.

“Will all of them debut? If there’s still an elimination and not everyone debuts, I don’t want to watch because it’ll be too sad 😭😭😭”

“It’s not confirmed yet… remember back then, some SM Rookies didn’t debut even though they were already well-known.”

Some also pointed out how unusual it is compared to earlier K-pop generations, where trainees were kept hidden until right before debut:

“Anybody else remember when groups would debut and we barely knew anything about the members? The fact that trainees are getting full on reality/variety shows now is insane.”

Meanwhile, long-time SM fans reminded others that this isn’t entirely new. Past rookie teams like NCT’s pre-debut lineup and even SM Rookies also had exposure through variety programs, music shows, and performances—though never in such a polished, full-scale reality series.

Still, not all comments were supportive. A few users criticized SM Entertainment for heavily spotlighting their male trainees while giving fewer opportunities to female counterparts:

“Many new fans are shocked by how much activity SMTR25 is getting. But this is actually normal treatment for male trainees at SM. Just don’t expect the same for the girls.”

And another comment, bluntly:

“Their pre-debut already feels like a legend. They’re still trainees but already have so many shows, countless cover stages, and now even a variety program. Meanwhile, for the girls, not even proper introductions are given. This is SM being dumb.”

According to official reports, Reply High School is scheduled to air in the first half of 2026. With its nostalgic school setting, multi-era concept, and the sheer size of the lineup, the show is expected to draw significant attention both domestically and globally. For fans, it’s not just about entertainment—it’s also a chance to connect with the personalities of each trainee before the group’s official debut lineup is finalized.

Whether SMTR25 debuts as a whole or splits into multiple sub-units, one thing is certain: Reply High School will be a crucial chapter in shaping the group’s identity and testing their popularity. For now, fans are preparing to follow the boys’ journey closely, ready to cheer (and perhaps worry) as they navigate the uncertain but exciting road to debut.

Sources: Soompi, X (formerly twitter)