Aespa‘s younger sister is coming out... SM to debut a new female group in 2025 [Official]

SM Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as SM) announced its third quarter performance.

On the 5th, they announced that they recorded ▲Sales of 242.2 billion won and ▲Operating profit of 13.3 billion won on a consolidated basis for the third quarter of this year. Sales decreased by 9.0% and operating profit decreased by 73.6% compared to the same period last year. Sales were affected by a decrease in album sales and a decrease in sales of major affiliates, while operating profit decreased due to a decrease in sales of affiliates and the production costs of the broadcast program for SM’s first British boy group, ‘DEAR ALICE’.

On a separate basis, sales in the third quarter were 172.1 billion won and operating profit was 27.1 billion won, decreasing 8.8% and 43.6%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Due to the base effect of high new album sales the previous year, album/music source sales decreased compared to the same period last year, but concert sales increased through the expansion of performances and internalization of the performance business, and concert-linked MD (planned products) increased, leading to an increase in MD sales. Net income for the period decreased by 56.8% year-on-year to 16 billion won.

SM has active promotions planned for its artist lineup in the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year. In particular, a new female group, the first in five years since aespa, is scheduled to debut in the first quarter of next year. This is based on the IP expansion roadmap of SM 3.0, and will introduce NEW IPs that will continue the successful launch of RIIZE, NCT WISH, the global IP expansion project British boy group ‘Dear Alice’, and the first virtual artist nævis. Full-scale promotions are scheduled to proceed along with the release of a single in the first quarter of next year.

In addition, aespa also received much love for their mini album ‘Whiplash’ released on October 21st, following the release of each member‘s solo single at the concert. They are continuing their unrivaled #1 streak with a series of hits this year, led by ‘Supernova’. In November, SHINee Minho’s first full-length album will be released on the 4th, as well as NCT DREAM‘s fourth full-length album.

Following the release of TVXQ’s Japanese full-length album and their 20th-anniversary Japanese debut concert tour, NCT Wish‘s Japanese full-length album and NCT Yuta’s Japanese mini-album will also be released. Red Velvet‘s Irene’s first solo debut album, Taeyeon and WayV‘s mini-albums, and the Navis single are also scheduled to be released.

SM is preparing various 30th anniversary commemorative projects, including the SMTOWN LIVE concert, a joint performance by SM artists, and the SMTOWN album in the first quarter of next year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its founding. NCT Mark’s first full-length album, EXO Kai‘s mini-album, and Red Velvet Seulgi, NCT Wish, and NCT Ten’s mini-albums have also been announced. Kai is scheduled to be discharged in February 2025.

Jeong Hee-yeon, Donga.com reporter shine2562@donga.com