Lee Soo Man is Set to Return to Korea with a New Boy Group

Lee Soo Man is reported to be returning to the South Korean music industry after his activity ban ends. The founder and former head producer of SM Entertainment is said to be preparing for the debut of a new boy group in the near future.

Reports from Sports Chosun indicate that the debut of the rookie boy group is targeted to take place in the first half of this year. This plan comes after the non-compete clause that restricted Lee Soo Man's domestic activities ended at the end of February.

The news was then reinforced by an official statement from A2O Entertainment. The agency confirmed that Lee Soo Man is preparing for further activities in South Korea, including plans to debut a new boy group. Read more details below.

Read other articles on the same topic at Liputan6.

1. The End of Lee Soo Man's Activity Ban in South Korea

(credit: asiasociety.org)

Lee Soo Man's activity ban in South Korea will officially end in February 2026. The end of this non-compete period marks Lee's return to the domestic music industry after three years of focusing abroad.

A2O Entertainment announced that Lee Soo Man's non-compete period will conclude at the end of February. The agency also confirmed that preparations for the debut of a new boy group are indeed underway and are targeted to materialize in the first half of this year.

2. Background of the Non-Compete Agreement with HYBE

The activity ban stems from a stock sale agreement between Lee Soo Man and HYBE Labels in 2023. This deal occurred amid internal management disputes at SM Entertainment.

In the transaction, Lee Soo Man sold 14.8 percent of SM Entertainment's shares to HYBE Labels, led by Bang Si Hyuk. One of the main clauses in the agreement is a ban on Lee's involvement in music production activities in South Korea for three years.

3. Lee Soo Man's Activities While Focused Abroad

(credit: SM Entertainment)

During the non-competition period, Lee Soo Man shifted his activities to the international market. In 2024, he established A2O Entertainment based in Singapore through his private company, Blooming Grace.

Through this agency, Lee debuted the girl group A2O MAY, which focuses on promotions in the Chinese and American industries. The group gained attention for its visuals and concept, which are considered to carry the distinctive style that has long been associated with SM.

4. Preparing to Return to Korea through A2O Enter Korea

As the ban was nearing its end, Lee Soo Man also began to establish a foothold in South Korea. He launched A2O Enter Korea located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul.

This move marks the beginning of full preparations for domestic activities. Lee is also reported to have been conducting member selection processes for a new boy group and recruiting producers from within the country since October 2024.

5. Highlights on the New Boy Group and Zalpha Pop Concept

(credit: Koreaboo)

This upcoming boy group is in the spotlight as it will be Lee Soo Man's first male group debut since NCT. During his time at SM Entertainment, Lee was known for building the foundation of Culture Technology and large-scale storytelling strategies.

Under the A2O system, Lee is said to be developing the Zalpha Pop concept as the core of his new project. This concept is designed as an experimental universe bridging Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

6. Related Questions

Q: When does Lee Soo Man's activity ban in South Korea end?
A: Lee Soo Man's activity ban will officially end in February 2026 according to the non-compete agreement.

Q: Why was Lee Soo Man temporarily banned from activities in South Korea?
A: The ban was part of the agreement for selling shares of SM Entertainment to HYBE Labels in 2023.

Q: Which agency will oversee Lee Soo Man's new boy group?
A: The new boy group is being prepared under A2O Entertainment and A2O Enter Korea.

Q: What will be the focus of the concept that Lee Soo Man will develop after returning to Korea?
A: Lee Soo Man plans to develop the Zalpha Pop concept targeting Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

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