As Lee Soo-man’s non-compete clause with SM Entertainment nears its expiration, interest is growing regarding his comeback.
Industry sources reported on the 3rd that A2O Entertainment, founded by the former executive producer, plans to launch a new boy group in South Korea during the first half of this year.
Lee’s non-compete clause will conclude at the end of this month. During the management dispute between HYBE and SM Entertainment in February 2023, Lee sold his shares in SM to HYBE. As part of this agreement, Lee committed to abstain from producing music domestically for three years.
After leaving SM and pausing his domestic activities, Lee established A2O Entertainment through his personal company, Blooming Grace, based in Singapore in 2024. He also launched the girl group A2OMAY targeting the Chinese and U.S. markets.
Meanwhile, Lee founded SM in 1995 and produced numerous popular idols. He left SM during the management conflict spearheaded by HYBE and Kakao in 2023.
Currently, A2O Entertainment’s team includes producer Yoo Young-jin, who has worked with Lee since his SM days, and his niece, Girls’ Generation’s Sunny, who also serves as a producer.
