SM Entertainment Idol Appears to Leave Group, Sparking Fan Heartbreak
Nicholas shocks fans by saying he wants to quit idol path for acting!
The controversy started during the latest Reply High School episode featuring SMTR25 trainees.
Nicholas, who was seen as a strong candidate for center and face of SM’s next boy group, revealed he only wants to focus on acting.
When fellow trainee Songha, believed to be confirmed for the group, asked if he wants to be an idol, Nicholas admitted he doesn’t.
This has fans worried Nicholas might drop out from the soon-to-debut group entirely.
Nicholas said he wants to be an actor and not an idol when asked by Songha.
Fans on Twitter showed mixed emotions—heartbroken but supportive.
“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… ”
— 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…”
— 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″
— 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”
— (@24HANB) March 13, 2026
SM Entertainment has not commented yet on Nicholas’ future with SMTR25 or the upcoming boy group.
Nicholas’ decision comes as shock since SM Rookies have traditionally debuted as idols with groups like NCT and aespa before.
Fans remain hopeful but emotional about what this means for the future of SM’s new generation.