K-Pop Giant To Return To Korea Following Non-Compete Expiration: His First Official Schedule

Lee Soo Man, the former executive producer of SM Entertainment, is set to resume activities in Korea.

A20 Entertainment’s Lee Soo Man | Star News

On March 23, 2026 (KST), A2O Entertainment Korea announced that it will be holding its first open audition, “A2O ZALPHA AUDITION.” The project is planned and overseen directly by Lee Soo Man, marking his first official move and showcasing a new direction and vision.

Under the slogan “EVERY SUNDAY, A NEW POSSIBILITY BEGINS,” the auditions will take place every Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM at A2O Entertainment Korea in Gangnam, Seoul.

To increase accessibility, applicants can simply visit the site on the day of the audition without any prior registration. Those unable to attend in person may also apply through official online channels. Applications are open across various fields, including vocal, rap, dance, and acting, and anyone may apply regardless of nationality or gender. The audition is expected to expand beyond Korea to countries such as Japan and the United States.

SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo Man is widely credited with establishing the structure and system of the K-Pop industry. However, back in February 2023, during the management dispute between HYBE and SM Entertainment, Lee Soo Man sold his shares to HYBE. As part of that agreement, he entered into a non-compete clause prohibiting him from producing albums domestically for three years, which expired at the end of February 2026.

Following this, Lee Soo Man left Korea and has been continuing his activities through his personal company, Blooming Grace, headquartered in Singapore, where he established A2O Entertainment.

Read more about the sales of his shares here:

Here’s Why Lee Soo Man Is Selling His Stake In SM Entertainment (& What It Really Means For The Company)