SM Trainees SMTR25 Participate in Mnet Variety Show Featuring Generation Comparisons from 1990s to 2010s

The 15 trainees from SM Entertainment who are set to make their Debut, known as SMTR25, appeared on Mnet’s variety show “Reply High School.” The program showcased decades of cultural differences between the 1990s and 2010s through a time-travel format, generating laughter among viewers from different generations.

Mnet’s “Reply High School” premiered on February 13. Directed by Shin Hyo-jeong, Jang Eun-jeong, and Park Ye-seo-min, the show airs every week at 8:20 p.m. The members of SMTR25 consist of 15 trainees including Song Ha, Hyun-jun, Justin, Woo-rin, Hamin, and Nicole.

The plot of the first episode is simple yet effective. The 15 members enroll in a fictional school called “Ujeong High” and experience the cultures of the 1990s and 2010s firsthand. As they are scattered across different eras, they begin their school days amid confusion due to unfamiliar classroom settings.

The core entertainment value of the show lies in the members’ reactions as they adapt to each era. The members from the 1990s group were puzzled by the term “direct-administered city” marked on a map. When another member suggested asking ChatGPT, they playfully responded with “What is that?” to firmly stick to their fictional time setting. Their disappointment upon seeing the meal menu—saying, “I thought it was seasoned chicken but it turned out to be fried catfish”—generated empathy across generations.

A key highlight of the show is how the members’ reactions to school life change completely depending on the era. The 1990s group expresses regret about having to go to school on Saturdays, while the 00s group gets excited because Saturdays are free days (“play Saturdays”). The 10s group tries hard to understand subject names shortened into abbreviations, vividly illustrating the essence of generational differences.

During the scene where they move into the dormitory, the members show their competitive spirit by playing games to secure the best spots.