After leaving SM Entertainment in 2023, Lee Soo-man has returned to the spotlight with new company A2O Entertainment, a documentary, rumors involving BoA, and plans to return to Korea in early 2026. This leads to one big question: Is Lee Soo-man starting a new agency in Korea with BoA?
Lee Soo Man After SM: A2O Entertainment, New Boy Group, and BoA Rumors
Lee Soo-man, who founded SM Entertainment, has played a major role in K-pop for years. He created the idol training system and helped shape the music and global strategies for many artists. After leaving SM, Lee started new projects abroad. As March 2026 approaches, reports say Lee is preparing to return to the Korean entertainment industry.
The Documentary “Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop”
In 2025, Lee Soo-man made his first public appearance since leaving SM Entertainment in 2023, appearing in a documentary.
Prime Video released Lee Soo Man’s documentary, “Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop.” At first, Lee felt the title was too much and suggested “Father of K-pop” instead. The filmmakers said the original title would attract more American viewers, so Lee agreed.
People now see that Lee’s influence goes beyond music. His induction into the Asian Hall of Fame shows his impact reaches beyond just K-pop fans.
For Lee, this award shows that K-pop is now seen as a mainstream genre worldwide.
The Corporate Battle
After Lee left SM, the company faced a power struggle. In 2023, he sold his 14.8% stake to HYBE. Reports say the deal included a three-year non-compete agreement.
Now, many are watching for March 2026, when Lee could start working in Korea again.
When Lee left the company, he also left behind the system he created. He changed his approach and, instead of waiting, began planning his next steps.
Lee Soo Man Builds A2O Entertainment
In May 2023, Lee founded a new company, A2O Entertainment. It is based in Singapore and has offices in the U.S. He is promoting “Zalpha Pop,” a concept for Gen Z and Gen Alpha that combines music and technology.
The main point is that A2O does not feel like “SM 2.0.” Instead, it seems like an experiment for a new kind of K-pop company.
Lee says his work is about more than just debuting a group. In interviews about his documentary, he talks about reaching global audiences and shaping the future of K-pop.
The “Creator” Angle
A2O’s message is not just for idols. Lee has also talked about helping creators grow, not just performers. One idea is an “A2O School.”
The school is expected to be a place where young people learn by creating and recreating content. This aligns with Lee’s goal of making Korea a nation of producers.
Lee is also focusing on technology. He is working with the tech company 4DV Intelligence, which created “Infinite Studio.”
This platform lets creators record multi-angle video from a single camera setup using advanced software, which saves time and production costs.
For those following the industry, the main point is not just about new technology. Lee is trying to shape the entire process—training, making, and releasing music—rather than just signing artists and chasing chart success.
Is Lee Soo-Man Planning a New Agency in Korea?
According to the Korean Herald, A2O has quietly set up a Korean company. They registered the A2O trademark in Korea and opened a local office in Gangnam, Seoul.
However, A2O has not held a press conference or issued an official statement, so the launch of a new agency in Korea has not been confirmed. These actions suggest Lee is preparing for a return to Korea after the non-compete clause ends in March 2026.
A2O MAY Today, A2O SOUL Next?
A2O’s first debut group is A2O MAY, a Chinese girl group launched in late 2024 with a focus on China and the U.S. This group is part of A2O’s plan to go global from the beginning.
Now, attention is turning to what comes next: a new boy group, “A2O SOUL” (tentative name) with members from Korea and China. The group is expected to debut in Korea in the second half of 2026.
What Does This Mean for the Industry?
If A2O grows in Korea, it may not cause a major shift in the K-pop industry, but it could strengthen current trends. Lee’s next steps could have a big impact in some areas:
- Competition for talent will get tougher.
- “Global-ready” standards will mean more than just English lyrics.
- Trust will become a bigger issue, even though fan reactions are still hard to predict.
In the end, people will not judge Lee’s return only by chart numbers. They will look at whether his next project feels like real progress for today’s audience.
Will Lee Work With BoA Again?
In January 2026, it was officially announced that BoA, known as the “Queen of K-pop,” would not renew her contract with SM Entertainment. This marks the end of her 25-year chapter with the company. That is confirmed. But will she work with Lee again?
The speculation grew after BoA left SM Entertainment, coinciding with Lee’s return-to-Korea timeline. She anchored SM’s global expansion and has shaped one of K-pop’s most influential long-term careers.
Because of their long history, fans now wonder if she will work with him again, not as an artist but as a producer or creative partner. Currently, there is no official confirmation that BoA will join A2O or work with Lee in any formal role. A2O has reportedly said it cannot confirm the rumors.
Final Thoughts
Lee Soo-man is an example of how K-pop keeps evolving through global expansion, new markets, new technology, and new ways to find talent.
BoA’s long creative partnership with Lee remains important in K-pop history, no matter what happens with A2O in the future.
With a documentary about his legacy, possible A2O expansion in Korea, and a new boy group on the way, Lee’s next steps could become one of the biggest K-pop business and creative stories of 2026.
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