Netizens recently found out that earlier this year, South Korean record label giant SM Entertainment had patented the name "Boys' Generation."
Koreaboo noted that observers initially speculated that SM's move might be only to prevent other agency to group a name so close to their highly popular titan girl group Girls' Generation and perhaps cash in on the popularity of the already established group.
However, the netizen who found out about the patent pointed out that if that is the real reason, then the record label could have done it seven years ago when the group debuted.
According to the report, the patent was just finalized June this year. This has lead to speculations that the agency might be launching a new male idol group anytime soon.
The news about the patent was confirmed by public records.
SM Entertainment debuted two new groups this year, Red Velvet and Beat Burger. Koreaboo mentioned that "Boys' Generation" might very well be the future name of SM Rookies who are still under training and yet to debut despite them being featured in their senior label mates' projects.
The agency has been embroiled with several controversies this year, including the exit of two Chinese members of their high profile male megagroup EXO. Kris (Wu Yifan left the group in May after filing a lawsuit against SM. Luhan did the same in October. The two idols are currently in China promoting as solo artists.
Another issue that made headlines was Jessica Jung's alleged kick out from Girls' Generation. Following the news, it was reported that SM Entertainment suffered a major drop in stock prices.
Despite this, the agency saw success in the recent solo debut of Super Junior members Zhoumi and Kyuhyun. Both debuts were positively received by fans.
SM Entertainment has not yet spoken about the news on the new patent.
Join the Conversation