South Korea’s SM Entertainment Is Hosting Its First Global Girl Group Audition

SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s major entertainment companies and the powerhouse behind a slew of K-pop superstars including Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, Shinee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, SuperM, and Aespa, among others, just announced their first-ever global girl group audition—a groundbreaking opportunity—the “2024 SM New Girl Group Audition (SMNGG),”—aims to find the next generation of female artists from all around the world.

As stated in the official press release, auditions are open to female-identified (she/they) applicants from any part of the world born between 2005 and 2011.

So, if you love music and are blessed with great vocals and performing skills, this could be your ticket to K-pop and a chance to make it in the music industry.

This audition is apparently, SM Entertainment’s quest for a new sound via a dynamic new girl group that resonates with audiences around the world. Getting talent from various backgrounds and nationalities is the company’s effort to create a group that reflects the global nature of the K-pop industry—the cultural richness and inclusivity of the K-pop community.

The preliminary online submission procedure requires applicants to upload self-introduction, singing, and dancing videos. For the vocal and dance segments, candidates must select any of the specified songs.

After qualifying through the first round, the chosen candidates will be required to attend an in-person second-round audition. Each selected person will receive an individual notification with the precise date and location. To guarantee that the best candidates get to the next round of selection, this is yet another critical stage in assessing their talents and potential which also serves to check if they’re prepared for the cutthroat world of K-pop and are compatible with the genre’s high standards.

The burgeoning global fan base of K-pop has increased the need for new musical talent. I think SM Entertainment is putting itself in a strategic position with this audition to leverage the interest people have in K-pop worldwide while continuing to expand its name in the international music scene. 

A testament to the agency’s outlook for K-pop’s future, the “2024 SM New Girl Group Audition (SMNGG)” goes beyond a talent search. Redefining the parameters for what makes a girl group and paving the path for a new era of new talents in music, SM Entertainment is poised to tear down barriers and embrace diversity. Their willingness to promote diversity, cross-cultural exchange, and a global appeal underscores the K-pop industry’s transition to a more connected and diverse music landscape.

For more details on the audition, click here.