Lee Soo Man, founder of SM Entertainment, has sparked speculation about a potential return to the music industry after being photographed in China with a group of young men.
The photos, obtained by Chosun Ilbo, show Lee Soo Man alongside veteran producer Yoo Young Jin and several unidentified teenagers. Some believe these teenagers could be idol trainees handpicked by Lee Soo Man for a new music project.
Lee Soo Man’s next steps are shrouded in some legal ambiguity. When he sold his stake in SM Entertainment to HYBE Labels, a non-compete clause was included, barring him from working in the Korean entertainment industry as a direct competitor to HYBE until 2026. However, it’s unclear if this clause applies to activities outside of Korea.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lee Soo Man reportedly filed for a trademark under the name “A20 Entertainment” back in May. This, combined with the recent photos, has many believing he’s actively involved in launching a new boy group.
Lee Soo Man’s public reemergence comes after a period of relative quietude following his departure from SM Entertainment in 2023. His recent appearance at the 2024 CISAC General Assembly in Seoul marked his first public event since leaving the company he founded.
Source: Krb
