Lee Soo Man’s Possible Industry Return: Spotted in China

Despite stepping down as the founder of SM Entertainment, Lee Soo Man has sparked speculation about a potential return to the music industry. This speculation was triggered by a recent photo of him in China, surrounded by a group of young men.

The recently obtained photos by Chosun Ilbo feature Lee Soo Man standing alongside renowned producer Yoo Young Jin and a group of unidentified teenagers. It is speculated that these teenagers may have been personally selected by Lee Soo Man to become trainees for an upcoming music venture.

Despite Lee Soo Man’s plans for the future being uncertain due to legal ambiguity, one thing is certain – when he sold his share of SM Entertainment to HYBE Labels, a non-compete clause was included. This clause prevents him from directly competing with HYBE in the Korean entertainment industry until 2026. However, it remains unclear if this restriction extends to activities outside of Korea.

Furthermore, it was reported that Lee Soo Man had applied for a trademark for “A20 Entertainment”in May, further adding to the speculation. These developments, along with the photos, have led many to believe that he is actively working towards debuting a new boy group.

After taking a break from the public eye following his departure from SM Entertainment in 2023, Lee Soo Man made a comeback at the 2024 CISAC General Assembly in Seoul. This was his first public appearance since leaving the company he had established.

Origin: Krb