The Star48 Network Today
The STAR48 entertainment ecosystem — which encompasses SNH48 and its sister groups BEJ48, GNZ48, SHY48, and CKG48 — continues to evolve as China's domestic entertainment landscape shifts and matures. While the group has experienced the natural ebbs and flows that come with operating a large-scale idol system over more than a decade, it remains a significant and active presence in Chinese idol culture.
Here is an overview of notable developments and ongoing activity across the Star48 network heading into 2025.
New Generation Recruitment and Training
STAR48 has continued its regular recruitment cycle, bringing in new trainee cohorts through auditions held across China. New generations keep the group's roster fresh and give rising fans new members to support. The apprentice (研究生, Yánjiūshēng) system — where new recruits train and perform in a lower tier before being promoted to official team membership — remains an important pipeline for identifying and developing future stars.
For fans, watching new apprentices grow into established members is one of the most rewarding long-term aspects of following the group.
Theater Activity Continues
The SNH48 Theater in Shanghai continues to host regular team performances. Both veteran members and newer faces take the stage regularly, maintaining the theater tradition that defines the group's identity. Fans can check performance schedules through the official SNH48 app, which is the primary booking and information platform for domestic attendees.
Live streaming of theater performances on platforms such as Bilibili and the SNH48 official app allows international fans and those outside Shanghai to follow along in real time.
Subunit and Music Activity
Subunit activity under the Star48 banner has remained a key part of the group's music output. Both established subunits and newer project units continue to release music, participate in variety programming, and build their own identities within the broader ecosystem. Fans are encouraged to follow official STAR48 social media channels on Weibo and Bilibili for announcement of new releases and MVs.
Annual Events to Watch For
The SNH48 calendar has several recurring annual highlights that fans should be aware of:
- General Election (summer): The annual fan-voted ranking event and concert — the biggest date in the SNH48 year.
- Request Hour: A fan-voted song ranking concert, typically held in the first half of the year.
- Graduation concerts: Members who announce graduation hold farewell concerts — these are announced on official channels and tend to sell out quickly.
- New stage premieres: When a team debuts a new stage setlist, premiere performances are special events worth watching.
Staying Up to Date
The best ways to stay current with SNH48 and the Star48 network:
- Official Weibo: @SNH48官方微博 for announcements, photos, and news.
- Bilibili: Official channel for MVs, live streams, and performance archives.
- SNH48 Official App: For theater schedules, voting, and exclusive content.
- Fan communities: International fan forums and Discord servers often translate and summarise news for non-Chinese-speaking fans.
SNH48 Info will continue to cover significant developments across the Star48 network — bookmark this site and check back regularly for updates, analysis, and fan guides.