dearALICE Ultimate Guide: The SM-Trained UK Boy Band
dearALICE explained: the British boy band trained by SM Entertainment, their BBC origin story, music so far, and what James's departure means.
The News First
On July 9, member James (James Sharp) announced in a heartfelt Instagram letter that he is leaving dearALICE, writing that he felt it was the right time to move on. Media reports indicate the group will continue as four — and that James’s vocals, recorded before his departure, will still appear on the upcoming EP — though the companies haven’t issued a separate statement on the lineup’s future. We’ll update this guide as official word arrives.
If you’re just discovering the group through this news, here’s the full picture.
Who Are dearALICE?
dearALICE is a British boy band built the K-pop way: formed through a partnership between SM Entertainment and UK production company Moon&Back Media (announced in November 2023), with the member selection and a 100-day K-pop bootcamp in Seoul documented in the six-part BBC One series Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience (aired August 2024).
After a first live appearance at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul, they officially debuted on February 21, 2025 with the single “Ariana.”
Members
Debut lineup: Blaise Noon, Dexter Greenwood, James Sharp, Olly Quinn, and Reese Carter. Following James’s departure (July 2026), the group is reported to be continuing with Blaise, Dexter, Olly, and Reese.
Music So Far
- “Ariana” (Feb 21, 2025) — debut single
- “Sweet” (May 23, 2025)
- bitterSWEETsummer (Jun 27, 2025) — first EP, 7 tracks including “Save Us”
- “Body On” (feat. SWEET REVENGE x Enola Bedard) (Jun 26, 2026) — their latest
How to Follow
- Fandom name: ACEZ (announced February 2025, ace-of-spades logo)
- YouTube: official dearALICE channel
- Watch Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience (BBC) for the origin story
FAQ
When did dearALICE debut? February 21, 2025, with “Ariana,” after being formed through the SM Entertainment × Moon&Back partnership and the BBC series.
Is dearALICE a K-pop group? They’re a British group trained and produced in the K-pop system — a “K-pop methodology, UK members” experiment, and one of the most watched global K-pop crossover projects.
Is James still in dearALICE? No — he announced his departure on July 9, 2026. Reports say his pre-recorded vocals will still feature on the next EP, with the group continuing as four.