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Comprehensive chronicle of Lee Soo-man's journey to global stardom
Comprehensive chronicle of Lee Soo-man's journey to global stardom
In December 2024, Lee Soo-man's A2O Entertainment debuted its first group, A2O May, with a remake of TVXQ's 'Mirotic'. The launch kicked off his 'Beyond K-pop' strategy, focusing first on Chinese platforms as part of his global expansion vision.
Lee Soo-man's new company A2O Entertainment debuted its first group A2O May with a remake of TVXQ's 'Mirotic,' marking the start of his 'Beyond K-pop' globalization strategy focused on Chinese-language markets.
SM Entertainment's production contract with Lee Soo-man's Like Planning ended on December 31, 2023, closing a major chapter in their collaboration. The split signals a new era for both parties.
SM Entertainment's production contract with Lee Soo-man's Like Planning will terminate.
Lee Soo-man produced aespa’s debut EP 'Savage' on October 5, 2021, reinforcing his influence at SM Entertainment. The album’s 400,000+ preorders underscored both its hype and his lasting impact on K-pop.
Lee Soo-man produced aespa's debut EP 'Savage,' highlighting his influence at SM Entertainment and the K-pop industry, with the album surpassing 400,000 preorders.
In October 2019, SM Entertainment's Lee Soo-man launched the boy band SuperM, showcasing his enduring impact and creativity in K-pop. The debut reinforced his reputation as an industry pioneer.
Lee Soo-man's new boy band SuperM is debuting, highlighting his continued impact on K-pop through SM Entertainment.
Lee Soo-man guided S.E.S. in selecting standout tracks for their 2018 comeback album, blending new songs with remade classics. His influence ensured a nostalgic yet fresh return for the group.
Lee Soo-man's advice on securing lead-quality songs for S.E.S.'s comeback album underscored his influence in their musical direction, resulting in a high-quality special album.
Lee Soo-man curated S.E.S.'s special album, blending new songs and remakes for a nostalgic comeback.
In 2016, Lee Soo-man launched NCT, SM Entertainment’s groundbreaking global idol group project built on expandability and localization. With subunits like NCT 127 and WayV, the group has achieved international success, including a Billboard 200 debut.
Lee Soo-man introduced a flexible neo-boy band system, leading to NCT U's 2016 debut as part of S.M. Entertainment's new idol strategy.
Lee Soo-man introduced the 'New Culture Technology' project in Seoul, detailing plans for local boy bands and other ventures.
Lee Soo-man founded NCT under SM Entertainment as an expandable global boy band system, expanding his Culture Technology vision by creating a scalable K-pop group with multiple subunits like NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV, and a flexible lineup.
"Zimzalabim," first conceived in 2016, became part of Red Velvet's 2019 album, reflecting Lee Soo-man's long-term vision for the group's evolution. The track highlights their artistic growth and his strategic foresight.
"Lee Soo-man strategically held 'Zimzalabim' until 2019 to align with Red Velvet's growth, showcasing his long-term planning and confidence in the group."
In January 2016, Lee Soo-man launched S.M. Entertainment's 'Station' project, releasing regular digital singles to adapt to industry shifts. The initiative later expanded into a comprehensive content program.
Lee Soo-man launched S.M. Entertainment's 'Station' project, a digital single release initiative that showcased his market adaptability and later grew into a broader content program.
In October 2011, Girls' Generation dropped 'The Boys', racking up nearly 20 million YouTube views in just a month—proving K-pop's global dominance. Their infectious sound and appeal solidified their superstar status.
Girls' Generation's new song 'The Boys' reached nearly 20 million YouTube views in a month.
In August 2000, SM Entertainment debuted 13-year-old BoA in Japan, pioneering K-pop's global expansion. This bold move not only succeeded in breaking into the Japanese market but also set the stage for K-pop's international growth.
Under Lee Soo-man's leadership, SM Entertainment pioneered K-pop's global expansion by successfully debuting 13-year-old BoA in Japan, inspiring other agencies to follow.
In 1995, Lee Soo-man founded S.M. Entertainment, revolutionizing K-pop by launching legendary groups like H.O.T., Girls' Generation, and EXO. The company became a global force, shaping the industry's worldwide expansion.
Lee Soo-man founded SM Entertainment in 1995, pioneering the first generation of K-pop idols with groups like H.O.T. and shaping the industry into a global phenomenon through acts such as BoA, TVXQ, and EXO, thereby paving the way for K-pop's globalization.
In 1971, Lee Soo-man launched his entertainment career as a singer and emcee, paving the way for his future impact on K-pop. His early debut marked the beginning of his influential journey in the industry.
Lee Soo-man's early career as a singer and emcee laid the foundation for his future innovations and successes in Korean pop music.
Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment, received the 'K-pop Contribution Award' at the 2021 Gaon Chart Music Awards for his industry impact. The ceremony was held virtually due to COVID-19.
Lee Soo-man won the 'K-pop Contribution Award' at the 2021 Gaon Chart Music Awards for his influential role as SM Entertainment's founder during a virtual ceremony due to COVID-19.
Lee Soo-man was named to Billboard's 2020 Impact List for his global influence in music and shaping K-pop, particularly through SuperM's success. His innovative vision earned him recognition as a top industry leader.
Lee Soo-man was recognized on Billboard's 2020 Impact List for his influential role in shaping K-pop and the global music industry, demonstrated by SuperM's success.
Lee Soo-man became the first Korean to receive the 2016 Asia Game Changer Award at the UN on October 27, 2016, honoring his role in shaping K-pop's global impact. The award celebrated his contributions to music and cultural exchange, cementing his legacy in the Korean Wave.
Lee Soo-man became the first Korean to win the 2016 Asia Game Changer Award at the UN headquarters in New York for his pivotal role in globalizing K-pop and advancing the Korean Wave.
Lee Soo-man made history as the first Korean to win Asia's best producer at the 2016 Music Feng Yun Awards in Shenzhen. He dedicated the honor to S.M. Entertainment's artists and advocated for stronger Korea-China cultural ties.
Lee Soo-man became the first Korean to win Asia's best producer at the 15th Music Feng Yun Awards in Shenzhen, recognizing his impact on K-pop and calling for Korea-China cultural cooperation.