SM Entertainment’s male trainee team, SMTR25, is getting their first taste of variety television with the new Mnet show, “Reply High School.” The program follows the 15 trainees as they navigate a school setting in pursuit of their debut.
“Reply High School” is structured as a time-slip growth variety show, with classes inspired by the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. The trainees will experience the culture and everyday life of each era as they work towards their dreams. The show aims to capture the trainees in their “rawest form,” rather than as polished idols.
The series is already generating buzz with surprise appearances from SM Entertainment’s senior artists. Super Junior’s Kyuhyun reacted with curiosity upon learning SMTR25 had previously performed at SMTOWN, while Heechul joked about the youngest trainee being born in 2008, noting that Super Junior’s youngest member, Kyuhyun, was born in 1988. TVXQ’s Changmin similarly joined the trainees in a classroom setting, hinting at an unexpected dynamic between senior and junior artists.
The trainees are also facing some initial challenges adjusting to the variety show format. The teaser shows some trainees unknowingly turning their backs to the camera and others falling silent mid-filming, prompting trainee Hamin to ask, “No one is responding at all. Is this okay?”
On March 13, it was announced that SMTR25 will host the ‘Woojeong High Joint Sports Festival’ alongside Super Junior, as reported by The Chosun Ilbo. This collaboration highlights the mentorship aspect of the show and the passing of the torch within SM Entertainment.
The main teaser for “Reply High School” was released on January 26, 2026, according to Soompi and NewsBreak. The show is currently streaming, with new episodes updating every Friday.
