To anyone born in 2006-2007 who want to be an idol, SM has made a really shocking decision

SM Entertainment announced a special program.

On April 12th, a notice was posted on SMTOWN‘s official SNS to recruit participants for an after-school program provided by SM Universe (SMU).

This is an after-school program hosted by “2022 Pre-SM Universe” where SMU will provide eight weeks of basic production, vocals, models, acting, and English education. It is expected to be an opportunity to experience SMU’s own educational direction and curriculum in advance and to confirm one’s possibility of becoming a global artist.

In particular, this program is free of charge for social contribution. However, there is an age limit. Currently, only students born in 2006-2007, who are in the 3rd grade of middle school to 1st grade of high school, are eligible. Until April 20th, SMU will receive registration documents, and student auditions and parent interviews will be held only for those who passed the document round.

If one is selected as part of the chosen candidates on April 28th, they can attend and receive the training program at the SM building five times a week from Monday to Friday for eight weeks from May 9th to July 1st.

As SM Entertainment has created many leading idol groups such as Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, and aespa, it is by far the best entertainment agency for those who want to become idols. It is expected that a huge number of people will apply for this SMU after-school program.

Since such information was published, it’s receiving enthusiastic responses from netizens. In particular, there are considerable responses that the age limit is regrettable.

However, most seem positive about this new casting program of SM Entertainment, saying:

• This is a good plan. They’ll just have to cast people who have good skill and stand out in the program.
• If it goes well, it will be a win-win for both those who dream of becoming idols and SM.
• Considering the fact that it’s a free educational course of 140 hours, it will be a full-fledged class. I hope those who need it can take part in that class.
• It seems like a better way for both the company and the applicants than the traditional way of directly recruiting trainees. The agency can pick out potential trainees while the applicant can experience the training in advance before giving their decision instead of stepping into the training system with unsure skills.
• A great opportunity for students who want to be idols.