SM to Debut 8-Member Girl Group Hearts2Hearts in February? Karina-look-alike Member
SM Announces 8-Member Girl Group
During the “SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in SEOUL” concert held on January 12 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, a teaser video for the new girl group was revealed just before the closing performance of “Hope from KWANGYA.”
According to SM Entertainment, the group will be called Hearts2Hearts, consisting of 8 members. This marks SM’s 1st new girl group in approximately 4 years and 3 months since aespa debuted in November 2020.
Meanwhile, alongside the performances of former and current SM artists, 25 male SM trainees also appeared on the event’s stage, raising anticipation
New Girl Group’s 1st Member Revealed?
Previously, ahead of SM Entertainment‘s 30th anniversary concert, the agency unveiled a special video, featuring a never-seen-before girl. This girl, believed to be a trainee and possible member of SM’s new girl group, has since drawn massive attention.
Many netizens were awe-struck by the visuals of the girl, who is possible the 1st member revealed in SM’s new girl group. Most find striking similarities between the girl and aespa’s Karina, praising both of their appearances.
Below are some comments from netizens:
- She seriously reminds me of Karina before her debut
- She seems like a combination of TWICE’s Nayeon and Karina
- My first impression is that she looks like Karina
- There’s just some Karina-like feeling about her
- I see Karina, Nayeon, and BLACKPINK’s Jennie combined
Previous Disappointment
Meanwhile, known for producing some of the most visually stunning idols, SM Entertainment set high expectations for the visual lineup of their new group.
However, previously leaked images of the rumored trainees have sparked mixed reactions, with some netizens expressing disappointment that the visuals do not match their expectations.
SM Entertainment has a legacy of debuting idols who are often praised for both their talent and appearance. Groups like Girls’ Generation, Red Velvet, and aespa all featured members with standout looks that became a part of their appeal. For the new girl group, many expected a continuation of this trend. However, early reveals have left some questioning the company’s choice in emphasizing personality and performance over the traditionally celebrated visual aspects.
Below are some comments from netizens:
- Not lying, if it wasn’t for the SM label, they could easily pass as a rookie group from a smaller company without it feeling weird.
- Anyway, it’s still a long way before they debut… It’s not even certain if they’ll debut at all.
- Big companies usually take years after rumors of a new group start circulating before the group actually debuts, haha. These kids will probably debut in at least 2-3 years.
- But they’ll get more training and management until then, right? And with big agencies, it’s never guaranteed. Even the debut lineup can change up until the last moment, so someone completely new could end up debuting, haha.
- When aespa debuted, people were saying the same kind of things in the comments, but now when you look at them, they’re undeniably idols. Things can change after getting some camera magic.
- SM’s got no sense anymore. They should’ve added someone who looks more like a high schooler, but instead, they put someone who looks 25.
- There’s no wow factor… It just feels like they’re taking average kids, getting them plastic surgery and on a diet, then debuting them. Have they given up on finding real natural beauties?
