SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo Man is back in the spotlight with his latest project, a new Chinese girl group called A2O MAY, and Korean netizens are already making waves, especially for one standout member: Shijie.
people-woman-A-long dark hair-A-red and black corset-A-chunky silver necklace-A-snow or glitter effect
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-225x300.jpeg" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-601x801.jpeg" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" alt="people-woman-A-long dark hair-A-red and black corset-A large silver necklace-A-snow or glitter effect" class="wp-image-886296" srcset="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie.jpeg 1080w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-601x801.jpeg 601w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-900x1200.jpeg 900w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-450x600.jpeg 450w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-150x200.jpeg 150w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-780x1040.jpeg 780w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/11/06092723/4wngbdhv78sn6m3cr65ed1zdsh7eksgj-lee-soo-man-a2o-may-shijie-400x533.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px"/>
At just 17 years old, Shijie is being hailed as the visual centerpiece of the group. With striking, model-like proportions and large, expressive eyes, she is grabbing attention for her sophisticated, mature looks well beyond her years. Born in 2007, Shijie exudes an elegance that seems ready for global stardom.
Korean fans have taken to online communities to discuss Shijie’s look, with many recognizing Lee Soo Man’s consistent ability to identify stunning images. Over the years, it has launched the careers of some of K-pop’s most iconic faces such as Generation of girlsI’m YoonA, Red VelvetIt’s Irene, and espaIt’s Karina and it looks like she might have done it again.
However, opinions are divided. Some netizens note that Shijie shares similarities with espais NingNing, while others believe it breaks away from the traditional “SM visual mold”. Here’s what fans are saying:
“She reminds me a little of NingNing, but there’s also something unique about her.”
“Depending on the angle, it looks very different.”
“She’s definitely cute, but I’m not sure she has that ‘central’ aura yet.”
“She’s not your typical SM beauty, but she fits more into the ‘Chinese SM image’ type, almost a blend of NingNing and Victoria.”
“Honestly, I thought about MEOVV too.”
“It actually looks better in video clips than in photos.”
Despite mixed reactions, Shijie is already causing a stir. As expectations grow, industry watchers are curious to see what Lee Soo Man’s latest creation will look like, 2O MAYwill position itself in the competitive global pop scene.
