Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung and former SM Entertainment executive producer Lee Soo Man have reunited for an unexpected duet of “Into the New World,” 19 years after the song launched the girl group’s career.
A video of the two singing together began circulating on X and other online communities on September 3rd. The person who shared the clip expressed disbelief at seeing Sooyoung performing the song with Lee in 2026.
In the video, Sooyoung holds out her microphone toward Lee as they sing Girls’ Generation’s debut track together. Lee smiles as he joins in.
“Into the New World” was released in August 2007 as Girls’ Generation’s debut single. Sooyoung debuted with the group that year and left SM Entertainment after her exclusive contract ended in 2017, while continuing her career as both an actress and singer.
Lee left SM Entertainment in 2023 following a highly publicized battle over the company’s management. The reunion therefore brought together two figures who have long since gone their separate ways, singing the song that marked the beginning of Girls’ Generation’s career.
The clip also drew attention to 74-year-old Lee’s youthful appearance, with online commenters remarking that he appeared largely unchanged from the group’s early days.
Lee founded SM Entertainment in 1995 and served for years as its executive producer, overseeing artists including H.O.T., S.E.S., Shinhwa, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT and aespa.
After leaving SM, he founded A2O Entertainment and returned to producing idol acts. In 2024, the company introduced A2O MAY, a five-member global girl group made up of Chinese members.
>> Hyoyeon, Yuri and Sooyoung Team Up as Girls’ Generation-HRS for New Single ‘Skibidi’
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
Source (1)
