Tracking pre-debut rumors and news of SM’s new boy group “M1, [소년천지] Boys Heaven, or Land of Boys″ (EXO)

As far back as 2009 netizens were speculating on which of SM’s rookie boys would be in the rumored group [reported by AllKpop 091122]

The 소년천지 name as dubbed by fans was from the idea that the group would essentially be the male version of Girls Generation, because of the temporary title “M1″ that SM gave both groups in their early days.

As far back as 2009 Kim Jongin and Kim Junmyeon were rightfully identified as candidates for SM’s new boy group. Kim Jongin recognized from TVXQ’s Ha Ha Ha Song and by Shinee fans as “Taemin’s friend.”

100404 Kim Jongin (SM Trainee) seen near SM Building with friend Lee Taemin of Shinee

110130 SM Entertainment announces plans to debut new male group

110322 Practice photo of SM Entertainment’s upcoming boy group “M1″ leaked!

110512 Lee Soo Man speaks of his plans for SM’s new male group during a talk at Stanford University (starts at 33:23)

Funnily, according to LSM, the original lineup of EXO were 7 in EXO-K and 5 in EXO-M. As seen in the very early leaked pre-debut images of EXO, it appears Jongin always had his place as the face of the group.

111012 Lee Soo Man on his system of management, upcoming groups M1 & M2, and his dreams

‘The entertainment industry is essentially about making the right choices; choosing the best singer, choosing the best staff, choosing the best music. Knowing this, Lee Soo Man handles each decision with extreme patience. before making a choice, he looks over almost an excessive amount of options, but if he thinks that there is no answer, he will cleanly give it up. there have been many occurrences of ‘sunken costs’ that could not be recovered, but Lee Soo Man doesn’t seem to care. Rather than risking his neck for a product that is ‘so-so’, he is willing to invest the time and money until the best comes out. Taking this into consideration, Lee Soo Man introduced the topic of his upcoming group. SM Entertainment’s new group will be made up of two sub groups who have the same concept. One group will promote in Korea, while the other group will promote with the same song in China. The groups are currently referred to as “M1’ and ‘M2′. In order to find the perfect title song for these two groups, SM held an event called ‘Music Camp’ in Denmark and Norway in August. The event drew 50 composers from all over the world, who came to compose a song for SM Entertainment over 3 to 6 days. SM Entertainment showed the composers M1 and M2, and once they explain the concept they wanted and the rhythm they seeked, the composers were free to come up with their own songs. Even though they held this event twice already, SM Entertainment still hasn’t been able to pick a suitable title song for M1 and M2.’

EXO were definitely well planned, with much heart, mind, blood, sweat and tears. Finally SM debuted the name of their new group in a legendary way on:

111220 SM released “FROM EXO PLANET” Countdown

Counting down to the announcement of the first member, main dancer, and face of the group: KAI, officially named after the Chinese word 开 - to open a door

Kai's Predebut Audition [x]