Lee Sang-min Returns as a Producer with '232 Project' After Clearing $6.9 Million Debt

Singer and broadcaster Lee Sang-min has announced his return as a producer.

After clearing a $6.9 million debt and marrying a non-celebrity last April, Lee Sang-min has established a new agency, The 232, and is challenging himself to produce an album for the first time in 25 years. Recently, through his YouTube channel '232 Project,' Lee has been sharing the process of idol production, marking the beginning of his second act as a producer based on his extensive real-world experience.

On the 1st of this month, the '232 Project' YouTube channel showcased Lee Sang-min's efforts to discover new talents, featuring a meeting with key figures who led the golden era of mixed-gender groups. '232 Project' is a reality project aimed at nurturing idols, initiated by Lee Sang-min, who dreams of a comeback as a producer after overcoming difficult times and clearing his debts.

During the episode, Lee shared intriguing stories with Kim Jong-min and Kim Young-wan, representatives of mixed-gender groups. Notably, he revealed for the first time that Koyote's hit song 'Pure Love' was originally intended as a title track for Roo'ra. He also mentioned that Koyote and Cola were created to rival Roo'ra, engaging in candid and fiery discussions that only members of mixed-gender groups from that era could share.

Lee also shared the core plans of the project. Currently, '232 Project' is conducting auditions with the goal of forming a mixed-gender group, and one successful candidate has been selected. He explained, “The group will reunite every two years, while male and female units will perform separately in the meantime,” highlighting the efficient planning behind the mixed-gender group and raising expectations for Lee Sang-min's unique producing skills.

The official first successful candidate of '232 Project,' Yoon Soo-min, delivered a powerful performance in front of her seniors. Despite having only one day to prepare, Yoon reinterpreted Uhm Jung-hwa's 'Invitation' with her own flair, capturing attention. Lee Sang-min watched the stage with a keen eye, showing exceptional focus, and applauded Yoon's effort and passion for memorizing the choreography in a short time, creating a warm atmosphere.

Meanwhile, '232 Project' has completed work on two songs, 'GENIUS' and 'I AIN'T THE ONE,' and continues its journey to find the perfect members to perform these tracks. '232 Project' is released every Wednesday at 6 PM.

Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr