SM Entertainment launches '2026 SM GLOBAL AUDITION' for aspiring artists, starting in Busan and expanding globally across 21 regions.
December/1/2025 18:42
Korea's major entertainment agency SM Entertainment (hereafter, SM) will hold a large-scale global audition to discover next-generation artists, titled '2026 SM GLOBAL AUDITION.' The '2026 SM GLOBAL AUDITION' will kick off on January 10, 2026, in Busan, South Korea, and will tour Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Jeju Island, culminating in the final auditions in Seoul. Following this, the audition will expand throughout Asia, including Bangkok, Japan (Fukuoka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka), and China (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Zhengzhou, Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu), and will eventually reach 21 regions worldwide, including the USA (Los Angeles, New Jersey) and Australia (Sydney, Brisbane). Applications are now open on the SM audition official website, and anyone born between 2007 and 2015 can apply regardless of nationality or gender. Applications for the USA and Australia regions are expected to open on March 23, 2025. The 'SM GLOBAL AUDITION,' which started in 2006, is known for its long history and tradition, having produced many artists currently active worldwide, including Wendy and Joy from Red Velvet, Johnny, Yuta, Ten, Mark, Renjun, Kun, Yangyang, and Riku from NCT, and Carmen from Hearts2Hearts. It attracts attention not only from aspiring K-POP stars but also from fans both domestically and internationally. Further details and updates about the '2026 SM GLOBAL AUDITION' will be announced on the official SM audition website and Instagram account. Audition name: '2026 SM GLOBAL AUDITION' Application period: Starts at 12 PM on December 1, 2025, until three days before each regional event. Application method: Pre-registration on the official website (the official site has been renewed and differs from last year). Eligibility: Anyone born between 2007 and 2015 can apply. Audition schedule: Fukuoka → March 20 (Friday, holiday), Tokyo → March 22 (Sunday), Nagoya → March 28 (Saturday), Osaka → March 29 (Sunday). Related links: SM audition official website, SM audition official Instagram.
Related Articles
ASND, Wendy of Red Velvet’s agency, announced that it will take strong legal action against malicious posts and sexual harassment. The agency said harmful comments, false information, defamation, and sexualized remarks about the artist’s body or appearance are clear violations, and it will keep collecting evidence and respond firmly.
Joy from Red Velvet disclosed her enjoyable date with Rei from IVE, where they spent time together doing a body test and reminiscing about their recent visit to a crane game store. Joy expressed her desire to help Rei, who has had limited experiences due to her trainee life, enjoy new adventures. Rei has previously shared her admiration for Joy, stating that watching Red Velvet inspired her to pursue her idol dreams.
Red Velvet’s Irene appeared on Lee Young-ji’s YouTube channel and showed a tipsy, charming side that fans found adorable. However, some overseas viewers raised concerns about her having durian with alcohol, noting possible health risks. Studies suggest durian may hinder alcohol breakdown, though the danger depends on many factors.
2PM’s Jun. K will unveil a collaboration song with Red Velvet’s Wendy. The digital single “Your Lips (Feat. WENDY)” and its title track will be released on the 17th through music streaming sites. JYP has been sharing teaser videos, and the song will drop at 6 p.m.
On the afternoon of the 29th, the CARLYN flagship store opened in Donggyo-dong, Mapo District, Seoul, attended by celebrities including BTOB's Sungjae, IVE's Iso, Red Velvet's Wendy, and Thai actors Emmy & Bonnie. Sungjae expressed admiration for Lee Dong-wook, his co-star in 'Goblin', and Iso from IVE made a cute appearance at the opening event.
Joy of Red Velvet recently shared photos from her trip to Japan on Instagram, featuring her in a leopard print cami and black cardigan. The photos highlight her impressive visuals. Previously, she and her boyfriend CRUSH posted pictures from Japan on the same day, sparking interest. They confirmed their relationship in August 2021 after collaborating on a song in 2020.
NCT's Doyoung serves as a life ambassador for the 'Destiny Guardian Project,' donating 100 million won to aid suicide prevention for military personnel and their families. He emphasizes hope and resilience, aiming to reduce suicide rates by 1,000 by 2026. The foundation plans effective support measures, highlighting the importance of mental health.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, fashion media JJ is releasing a special edition featuring NCT's Yuta on the cover. Pre-orders are available until May 31, 2026, on the Kokode Books website. The edition includes exclusive interviews, event reports from JJ50th Anniversary Fest 2026, and special features with past models Anna Umemiya and Rika.
During his appearance as a special MC on KBS's 'The Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears,' NCT's Taeyong confidently stated he believes he ranks first among SM's visuals. When asked if he could surpass seniors like EXO and TVXQ, he humorously replied that he would contact them individually later, making the audience laugh.
At the Seoul Jazz Festival, Te Young and Hee Chan delivered an electrifying 60-minute performance, featuring solo songs and a special unit stage. Hee Chan opened with 'Camera Lights' and showcased tracks from his debut album, while Te Young energized the crowd with songs from his first full album 'WYLD'. They expressed joy in performing together and ended with an encore of 'PADO'.
