Overseasidol.com — SNH48 has officially announced a major new system ahead of its highly anticipated 2026 Annual General Election.
According to the newly released rules, the bottom 10 percent of members in each team will be demoted to trainee status following the final results of this year’s competition.
The announcement immediately sparked intense discussions among fans of the Chinese idol franchise, with many believing the new regulation will significantly increase competition within the group.
Based on the official statement, the evaluation will be determined by the final scores from the “2026 SNH48 GROUP Annual Youth Festival”.
Members who rank in the lowest 10 percent of their respective teams will return to trainee status and continue training alongside newly recruited members.
However, the management clarified that rookie members participating in the annual election for the first time will be exempt from this demotion system.
The 2026 event carries the theme “Dreams, Sweat, and Persistence” and is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Suzhou, China.
Meanwhile, the official voting and score-counting period will run from May 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM until August 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
The newly introduced system is seen as a bold move that reflects the increasingly competitive nature of China’s idol industry.
While some fans have expressed concern over the potential pressure placed on members, others believe the system could motivate idols to improve their performance and dedication.
SNH48 GROUP remains one of the largest idol franchises in Asia, with multiple sister groups and a massive fanbase across the region.
Its annual general election is considered one of the most important events of the year, influencing member popularity, promotional opportunities, and center positions for future projects.
