According to Maeil Business Star Today on October 10, Lee Soo-man is currently actively recruiting idol trainees and producers across the country. Although it is not a large-scale public audition, Lee Soo-man’s team is working behind the scenes to gather talented male and female idol students. One of the cast trainees is reportedly from Gyeongsangnam-do, not the Seoul area.
Earlier this year, Lee Soo-man registered the trademark “A2O Entertainment” through his personal company Blooming Grace. The inclusion of entertainment and entertainment-related businesses into the brand has led to speculation about his return as a producer. Many now believe that Lee Soo-man is preparing to launch a new idol group thanks to his recent casting efforts. However, there is also a possibility that the group could be launched under an entertainment company other than its own.
Lee Soo-man had previously agreed to a non-compete clause after selling his SM Entertainment shares to HYBE in February last year, which barred him from producing music domestically for three years. With around 1 year and 4 months remaining before this clause expires, it seems like a good time for Lee Soo-man to start re-launching his comeback into the world of entertainment.
Additionally, it has been reported that Lee Soo-man plans to bring in a new group of producers to support Yoo Young-jin, a longtime collaborator from his SM Entertainment days. It is expected to recruit producers through EKKO Music Rights, a publishing house of Culture Technology Group Asia founded by Lee Soo-man in 2015. It has been confirmed that Lee Soo-man already owns a building in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. , Seoul and has a workspace there.
In June, Lee Soo-man was spotted talking to boys purported to be idol trainees in China, sparking curiosity about his next moves. Recently, a Korean media outlet in the United States reported that Lee Soo-man, along with Sunny and Yoo Young-jin, were seen walking together in Shanghai, further adding to the speculation. Lee Soo-man has also made several public appearances at various forums in Korea, maintaining his presence in the industry.
The industry is carefully watching what results Lee Soo-man and Yoo Young-jin, symbolic figures of SM Entertainment, will produce in this new environment.
Source: Naver
