Pledis Entertainment announces plans for 17-member boy band

After School (top), NU'EST (middle), HELLOVENUS (bottom) [Pledis Entertainment]

Korean talenthouse Pledis Entertainment has announced their plans to introduce a 17-member boy band to the local music scene, according to the firm on Thursday. Through a phone interview with 10Asia, a rep with Pledis explained that they are currently in the audition process of bringing together 17 boys to form the group which will pursue their activities under the tentative name 'Seventeen.' "After the boys make their official debut, we also have plans to divide them into three different units so that they can promote themselves in Korea, China and Japan," the official continued to say. However, the official added that nothing has been finalized including the date of their official debut. Pledis Entertainment is the home of girl group After School, songstress Son Dambi and five-member boy band NU'EST. The agency will reveal their new female idol group named HELLOVENUS next month. ※ Any copying, republication or redistribution of 10Asia's content is expressly prohibited without prior consent of 10Asia. Copyright infringement is subject to criminal and civil penalties.10 아시아 Reporter : Han Yeo-Wool sixteen@10 아시아 Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@<ⓒ즐거움의 공장 "10 아시아" (10.asiae.co.kr) 무단전재 배포금지>