According to Maeil Business Star Today on Oct 10th, Lee Soo-man is currently actively recruiting idol trainees and producers across the country. Although it’s not a large-scale public audition, Lee Soo-man’s side is working behind the scenes to gather talented male and female idol trainees. One of the trainees reportedly cast is from Gyeongsangnam-do, not the Seoul area.
Earlier this year, Lee Soo-man registered the trademark for “A2O Entertainment” through his personal company Blooming Grace. The inclusion of entertainment and showbiz-related activities in the trademark 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 through his recent casting efforts. However, there’s also the possibility that the group could be launched under a different entertainment company rather than his own.
Lee Soo-man previously agreed to a non-compete clause after selling his SM Entertainment shares to HYBE in February last year, which prevents him from producing music domestically for three years. With about 1 year and 4 months remaining before this clause expires, it seems like a suitable time for Lee Soo-man to start revving up his return to the entertainment business.
Additionally, it is reported that Lee Soo-man plans to bring in a new group of producers to support Yoo Young-jin, a long-time collaborator from his SM Entertainment days. He is expected to recruit producers through EKKO Music Rights, a publishing company under the Culture Technology Group Asia that Lee Soo-man established 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 with boys presumed to be idol trainees in China, raising curiosity about his next moves. Recently, a Korean wave media outlet in the U.S. reported that Lee Soo-man, alongside Sunny and Yoo Young-jin, was 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 watching closely to see what results Lee Soo-man and Yoo Young-jin, symbolic figures of SM Entertainment, will produce in this new environment.