Fans are heartbroken, but supportive.
Koreaboo
18 minutes ago
As with previous groups, SM Entertainment has often introduced trainees before their official debuts through SM Rookies. In recent years, members of NCT, aespa, and RIIZE were all part of SM Rookies before making their official debuts.
The newest set of rookies were revealed last year as SMTR25, short for SM Rookies 2025, ahead of the debut of SM’s next boy group.
Lately, to better introduce fans, SMTR25 have participated in a reality show called Reply High School.
| WeTV
In the latest episode, a conversation between Songha, believed to already be a confirmed member of the upcoming group, and Nicholas, who has been considered to be the possible center and face of the group, revealed that plans may be different than anticipated.
Songha | SM Entertainment Nicholas | SM Entertainment
Nicholas reveals that he wants to be an actor, and when Songha asks if he wants to be an idol, Nicholas says that he wants to only do acting.
While it has not been confirmed, many see this as Nicholas dropping from SMTR25’s possibly members of the upcoming boy group. Many have reacted with mixed feelings, expressing sadness but support in his choices.
(20 y.o songha and nicholas)
songha: “jump. let’s go boldly for the jump!”
nicholas: “oh! (yes)”
songha: “i’ll hold you!”
nicholas: “i’ll trust you!”
(21 y.o songha and nicholas)
songha: “you, an idol… “
nicholas: “not gonna do it? i thought a lot when about to say it ‘i… pic.twitter.com/pD9BaJSAxg
— 𝐍𝐢𝐜🍀 (@itsnicholla) March 13, 2026
For what it’s worth, I’m honestly grateful we got to hear it from Nick himself. Not through SM, not through a family member, not through some handwritten note that could’ve been written by anyone. I’m glad he had the chance to share it in his own words. Truly wishing him the best… pic.twitter.com/PaHdtcmta7
— Hyunjun HQ (@HyunjunHQ) March 13, 2026
Honestly, I’ll support whatever path you choose. If acting is where your passion is, I truly hope you succeed there.
It still hurts though, because I really loved you in SMTR25 and your bond with the SMTR brothers. Stay happy always, Chio-ya 😭🤍#NICHOLAS #SMTR25 pic.twitter.com/csOOvXlAK6
— coco (nangisin nicholas) (@yoriijorii) March 13, 2026
My eyes filled with tears hearing their conversation 😭🥺 nicholas I hope you will reach what really you want, I will definitely support whatever it is 🩵#SMTR25 pic.twitter.com/W7a3FIFQLN
— 🦈 (@24HANB) March 13, 2026