Lee Soo-man, former executive producer of SM Entertainment, has begun preparations to launch a new idol group.
According to an investigation by Maeil Kyungjae Star Today on the 10th, Lee Soo-man is currently selecting idol trainees and recruiting producers nationwide. Although it is not a large-scale open audition, Lee Soo-man's side is currently working fiercely behind the scenes to gather talented male and female idol trainees. In fact, one of the trainees who was cast is said to be from Gyeongnam, not Seoul.
Earlier this year, Lee Soo-man applied for the trademark 'A2O Entertainment' through his personal company Blooming Grace. Since A2O Entertainment includes entertainment businesses, there have been speculations that Lee Soo-man is returning as a producer. This is why there is a lot of speculation that Lee Soo-man will launch an idol group through this trainee casting. However, there is also the possibility that an idol group could be launched by an entertainment company other than Lee Soo-man's personal company.
Last February, when Lee Soo-man sold his stocks to Hive, he signed a 'non-competition' agreement to not produce albums in Korea for three years. With about 1 year and 4 months left until this clause is lifted, it is time enough for Lee Soo-man to start making a comeback in the entertainment business.
In addition, it has been reported that Lee Soo-man is planning to recruit a large number of new producers to support producer Yoo Young-jin, who has been with him since the SM Entertainment days. He is expected to select producers from Eco Music Rights, a publishing company under Culture Technology Group Asia, which he founded in 2015. It has been confirmed that Lee Soo-man already owns a building in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and has a studio there.
