AKB48 are setting up a new sister group in Shanghai after they broke all ties with their former group SNH48.

SNH48 is an interesting case in the idol world. They set up their own groups BEJ48 and GNZ48 which were not approved by AKB48 and ended up being cut off from the Japanese branch after violating a contract.

Most companies would just move on, but it seems like AKB48 are taking another chance and will establish their own group once more. Unfortunately we’ll have to wait a bit since auditions for the new Shanghai sister group will be held at the end of the year.

More details are soon to be released (including the group name, members, and more) so make sure to stay tuned!