ENTERTAINMENT
Former SM Entertainment Chairman Lee Soo-man and Girls' Generation's Sunny Spotted in Shanghai
Former SM Entertainment Chairman Lee Soo-man and Girls' Generation member Sunny were recently spotted in China.
According to the American K-pop media outlet AllKpop, former SM Entertainment Chairman Lee Soo-man, Sunny, and former SM Entertainment producer Yoo Young-jin were seen in Shanghai, China. Photos circulating online show Lee Soo-man, Sunny, and Yoo Young-jin walking comfortably together. The gathering of these former SM affiliates in China has drawn attention.
Previously, Lee sold his 14.8% stake in SM Entertainment for 430 billion won to HYBE, stepping down from his position. In a letter to the media, Lee stated, "As always, I am moving towards the future. K-pop must evolve beyond K-pop to become global music," emphasizing his focus on the world of global music.
Under a non-compete clause, Lee has been focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) projects rather than entertainment business activities. However, there has been speculation that he might be developing and launching AI artists through his personal company 'Blooming Grace' under the trademark 'A20 Entertainment.'
Sunny, known to be Lee Soo-man's niece, left SM Entertainment last August after 16 years and is currently pursuing her activities independently. Yoo Young-jin has also resigned from SM.
Separately, Lee Soo-man has been participating in auditions to discover teenage talents in China and other regions since last year.
Reporter Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
According to the American K-pop media outlet AllKpop, former SM Entertainment Chairman Lee Soo-man, Sunny, and former SM Entertainment producer Yoo Young-jin were seen in Shanghai, China. Photos circulating online show Lee Soo-man, Sunny, and Yoo Young-jin walking comfortably together. The gathering of these former SM affiliates in China has drawn attention.
Previously, Lee sold his 14.8% stake in SM Entertainment for 430 billion won to HYBE, stepping down from his position. In a letter to the media, Lee stated, "As always, I am moving towards the future. K-pop must evolve beyond K-pop to become global music," emphasizing his focus on the world of global music.
Under a non-compete clause, Lee has been focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) projects rather than entertainment business activities. However, there has been speculation that he might be developing and launching AI artists through his personal company 'Blooming Grace' under the trademark 'A20 Entertainment.'
Sunny, known to be Lee Soo-man's niece, left SM Entertainment last August after 16 years and is currently pursuing her activities independently. Yoo Young-jin has also resigned from SM.
Separately, Lee Soo-man has been participating in auditions to discover teenage talents in China and other regions since last year.
Reporter Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr