Kim Jaejoong Doesn’t Avoid SM-related Questions: A Story About Meeting Lee Soo-man

On June 25th, Wikitree conducted an interview with Kim Jaejoong at iNKODE Entertainment’s office in Mapo-gu, Seoul to celebrate the launch of his 20th-anniversary full-length album “FLOWER GARDEN.”

Kim Jaejoong made his debut in 2003 as a member of the group TVXQ. At that point, TVXQ was a five-member group comprised of Hero Jaejoong, U-Know Yunho, Micky Yoochun, Max Changmin, and Xiah Junsu. They quickly gained popularity in the idol industry and received immense love from fans.

Despite their success as a five-member group, in 2009, Kim Jaejoong, Kim Junsu, and Park Yoochun found themselves in a contract dispute with SM Entertainment over unfair terms. As a result, TVXQ transformed into a duo, while the three members formed their own group, JYJ.

Despite a lengthy hiatus, Kim Jaejoong has recently returned to the entertainment industry as both a solo singer and actor. In the past year, he also launched his own agency, iNKODE, and dabbled in idol production. As he celebrated his 20th debut anniversary, Kim Jaejoong fondly referred to his former agency, SM Entertainment, as “the company that nurtured me and my original family.”

During a chance encounter on a plane about two years ago, he shared an anecdote about meeting Lee Soo-man, a former producer at SM Entertainment. Coincidentally, they were seated only two seats apart, which gave him the opportunity to write a letter expressing his gratitude. In the letter, he acknowledged the conflicts and unresolved issues they had faced in the past but also credited Lee for giving him the courage to shape his own identity. He ended the letter by wishing Lee continued success in creating great intellectual properties as a crucial contributor to the world of K-pop.

He added, “He is the one who helped me make my debut. Afterwards, my friends at SM told me that he had proudly shared the letter with people outside of our circle.”

At 6 PM on June 26th, Kim Jaejoong will release “FLOWER GARDEN” on various music platforms to commemorate his 20th debut anniversary. This new album contains 14 tracks, with Kim Jaejoong serving as the main lyricist for the majority of the songs. The diverse range of genres included in the album is sure to enchant listeners.