SM, YG, and JYP All Plan to Debut Groups in 2014

The big three are at it again. 2014 will be a year full of fresh, new faces as SM, YG, and JYP plan to debut new groups next year. It is the first time that the big three entertainment companies will be releasing a new rookie group in the same year.

YG Entertainment: Winner

Out of all three companies, YG Entertainment seemed to be the most prepared and open about their new group. Known by many as WINNER, the five member group became known through their previous reality show “WIN: WHO IS NEXT.” Having showcased their talents, as well as revealed their identities, WINNER is an upcoming boy group that had won in a competition between YG trainees. Members Kang Seung Yoon, Lee Seung Hoon, Song Min Ho, Nam Tae Hyun, and Kim Jin Woo are expected to shake the K-pop industry as the group is the first boy group released by YG Entertainment since BIG BANG‘s debut back in 2006. WINNER plans to debut in the first half of 2014.  Currently, WINNER is starring in their own reality show on Mnet titled “WINNER TV.”  Watch episode one below.

JYP Entertainment: Two Boy Groups and One Girl Group

JYP Entertainment announced that they will be debuting three teams next year: vocal group 5Live, a six member girl group, and another boy group. Possible members of the two boy groups have been previously revealed in MNET’s “WIN: WHO IS NEXT,” after competing against YG Entertainment’s trainees. On December 19, a representative of JYP stated, “We will release a six member girl group and two boy group teams. We are preparing the teams’ names and members. We do not know the exact debut date.” 5Live have showcased their vocals in the past, singing “Lovely Girl” for KBS2TV’s “Beautiful Man’s” ost. Also, a member of 5Live appeared on Park Jin Young’s episode of jTBC’s “Hidden Singer.” Listen to 5Live’s “Lovely Girl” below.

SM Entertainment: SM Rookies

Having made 12 member group EXO in to an international sensation, SM Entertainment also plans to release a new group in 2014. Debuting two years after EXO, the rookie group that is expected to debut next year is still a mystery. However, recently, SM has released photos of trainees under the title “SM Rookies,” previewing the identities of possible debuting trainees. A representative of SM commented, “’SM Rookies is a brand that previews future stars. The revealed identities might debut, but not revealed trainees might also debut. We haven’t decided the official debut date for next year. However, we are always planning a rookie group.” Check out some “SM Rookies” videos below.

2014 will be a year of competition in the Korean music industry, with the debut of new groups by the big three entertainment companies. K-Pop fans, we are all in for a ride with the upcoming releases of new songs and groups!