SM Entertainment’s Rumoured Co-Ed Group Ft Aespa Karina, EXO Kai, And More Has Fans Divided. Here’s Why!
Some fans were excited by the idea but others weren't quite happy about it.

Co-ed K-pop groups are rare, but The Black Label’s ALLDAY PROJECT has caught the attention with their hit songs and powerful performances. Recently, rumours about SM Entertainment forming a co-ed group created a stir on the internet. It all began when rumours about a new project featuring aespa’s Karina, EXO’s Kai, Red Velvet’s Seulgi, NCT’s Taeyong, and NCT’s Mark surfaced. Fans were divided, with some who were excited by the idea and others who weren’t quite happy about it. For more details, read on to know.
The rumour started with a post on X. It claimed that SM Entertainment was planning a co-ed group to debut in 2026, featuring a star-studded lineup like Karina, Kai, Seulgi, Taeyong and Mark. The lineup seemed like a dream team for many fans, as they already started imagining them performing together and stealing everyone’s hearts.
| Rumors claim SM Entertainment is preparing a 5-member co-ed project group set to debut in 2026
— pow⭑.ᐟ (@baesweb) August 28, 2025
The alleged lineup includes:
– Karina (aespa)
– Seulgi (Red Velvet)
– Kai (EXO)
– Taeyong (NCT)
– Mark (NCT) pic.twitter.com/AHvncCdCzX
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However, not everyone was on board. Some fans questioned the reason behind the group. They pointed out the busy schedules of these artists. Karina and Seulgi are already busy with their group projects, while Kai is busy with his solo projects. Not to forget, Taeyong and Mark are already tied to multiple subunits. Hence, fans are worried that adding a new group could make it extra exhausting for them.
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On the other hand, some described it as fans’ imagination. They stated that no official statement was made.
Still, the idea of a co-ed group has made fans curious. Also, ALLDAY PROJECT’s success was an example that mixed-gender groups could work and hence the thought of these artists collaborating excited those who wanted something new in K-pop.
What are your thoughts on the rumoured group?
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First Published: August 29, 2025 6:15 PM