[theqoo][EXCLUSIVE] LEE SOOMAN, CASTING DOMESTIC TRAINEES...THE WEIGHT OF LAUNCHING IDOLS

Lee Sooman, former chief producer of SM Entertainment, has begun preparations for launching a new idol group.

According to a report by Maeil Business Star Today on the 10th, Lee Sooman is currently working on selecting idol trainees and recruiting producers nationwide. While it’s not a large-scale public audition, Lee Sooman’s team is reportedly engaged in intense behind-the-scenes efforts to gather talented male and female idol trainees. In fact, one trainee who has been cast is said to be from the Gyeongnam region, not Seoul.

Earlier this year, Lee Sooman filed for the trademark "A2O Entertainment" through his personal company, Blooming Grace. A2O Entertainment includes sectors such as entertainment and leisure, raising speculation that Lee Sooman may be returning as a producer. This is why there is growing weight behind the idea that he will launch an idol group through this trainee casting. However, there are also possibilities that he could launch an idol group through a different entertainment company rather than his personal company.

Last February, Lee Sooman sold his shares to HYBE and signed a non-compete agreement that prevents him from producing music in Korea for three years. With about 1 year and 4 months remaining until this clause is lifted, it may soon be time for Lee Sooman to resume his entertainment business.

Additionally, it is reported that Lee Sooman plans to recruit a number of new producers to support producer Yoo Youngjin, with whom he has worked since his time at SM Entertainment. He established Eco Music Rights under Culture Technology Group Asia in 2015, and it is expected that he will select affiliated producers from there. Lee Soo-man is already confirmed to own an office in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and has set up a workspace.

source: https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/009/0005376685

original post: here

1. Lee Sooman is freaking funny ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

2. He's making me look forward to it

3. He's making another company?

4. I'm impressed for many reasons ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

5. It'd be funny if he calls in all the singers who left SM ㅋㅋㅋ

6. It's already been 3 years? Wow... I've been waiting... Youngjins

7. Sooman, please save Min Heejin ㅠㅠ

8. Wow this grandpa ㅋㅋ He's still so passionate at his age, he's making me see him in a new light

9. I wanted to listen to Yoo Youngjin's songs, this is good

10. Oh I'm curious ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ