Lee Soo Man is officially returning to activities in Korea with a new global audition project.
On March 23rd, A2O Entertainment Korea announced it will launch its first open audition, “A2O ZALPHA AUDITION,” a project planned and led by Lee Soo Man as part of his next chapter in the industry.
Held under the slogan “EVERY SUNDAY, A NEW POSSIBILITY BEGINS,” the auditions will take place weekly on Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM at A2O Entertainment Korea’s headquarters in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
Applicants can participate by simply showing up on-site without a prior application, making the process more accessible. Those unable to attend in person can also apply through official online channels.
The audition is open to all, regardless of nationality or gender, and will accept candidates in a range of fields including vocal, rap, dance, and acting. Following its launch in Korea, the program is expected to expand to Japan and the United States.
Lee Soo Man, the founder of SM Entertainment, is widely credited with shaping the modern K-pop industry system. In February 2023, he sold his shares in SM to HYBE during a high-profile management dispute, agreeing to a three-year non-compete clause that restricted him from producing music in Korea. That agreement expired at the end of February.
Since then, Lee Soo Man has operated overseas, establishing A2O Entertainment through his Singapore-based company Blooming Grace in 2024.
On a related note, HYBE’s stock saw a sharp drop of more than 15%. According to reports, concerns over lower-than-expected turnout for a BTS comeback event contributed to the decline. On March 23rd, HYBE shares fell below 300,000 KRW (approx. 200 USD) during trading, hitting a low of 286,000 KRW before closing at 290,500 KRW. As of 10 AM on March 24th KST, the stock was trading at 294,000 KRW.
>> Lee Soo Man Inducted into Asian Hall of Fame Alongside Yao Ming and Michelle Kwan
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
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