SM's British Boy Group dearALICE to Pre-Release Debut Track in Korea–A New Direction for K-pop?

A British boy group trained under K-pop’s finest?

SM Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment are turning heads with the debut of their first British boy group, dearALICE, a groundbreaking collaboration with UK entertainment company MOON & BACK Media. The group will be making waves by pre-releasing their debut single 'Ariana' on the popular Korean music show M Countdown on 16th, ahead of its official global release in February.

Comprising five talented members—James Sharp, Reese Carter, Dexter Greenwood, Blaise Noon, and Oliver Quinn—dearALICE is the product of SM’s legendary K-pop training system. Though they hail from overseas, the group has undergone rigorous training, fusing SM’s expertise with international appeal, positioning them as a potential leader of a new global trend.

Their debut single 'Ariana' is an electrifying electro-pop dance track that explores the complex emotions of longing for an unattainable woman. The song was first unveiled to fans at the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 concert held at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, where it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Adding to the anticipation, 'Ariana' was produced by the acclaimed hitmaker Siba, who has worked with global icons like Rita Ora, Ed Sheeran, and Major Lazer. With such a powerhouse behind the track, expectations are soaring.

Even before their official debut, dearALICE has already garnered significant attention. Their six-part TV series, 'Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience', aired on BBC One, offering viewers an intimate look at the group’s journey to stardom. The series’ original soundtrack album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Official Soundtrack Albums Chart in November, underscoring their pre-debut buzz.

As dearALICE gears up for the February release of 'Ariana', their pre-release performances and international exposure are setting the stage for a truly global launch. All eyes are now on this British K-pop group to see if they can redefine the boundaries of K-pop and ignite a new wave of global influence.

Stay tuned—dearALICE is just getting started!