(C) Danmee

SEOUL — The "Godfather of K-pop," Lee Soo-man, is officially ending his hiatus. Three years after his dramatic departure from SM Entertainment—the powerhouse he founded and built into a global empire—Lee is set to reclaim his throne in the Korean music industry this month.

The timing is significant. In February 2023, during a high-stakes corporate battle for control of SM Entertainment, Lee signed a "non-compete" agreement with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. That legal barrier, which barred him from producing music domestically in South Korea, is scheduled to expire at the end of February 2026. With the chains off, Lee’s new venture, A2O Entertainment, is prepared to launch a global offensive starting with a brand-new boy group in the first half of this year.

The Blueprint: A2O and "Zalpha-Pop"
While sidelined from the Korean market, Lee has been quietly building his infrastructure from Singapore. Now, he has established A2O Enter Korea in the heart of Cheongdam-dong, Seoul.

Lee’s return isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about a new sonic and cultural philosophy he calls "Zalpha-Pop." This concept targets the combined demographic of Generation Z and Alpha, blending his signature "Culture Technology" (CT) with cutting-edge digital trends. Central to this launch is the "Genesis" universe, a Metaversal Origin Story (MOS) that pushes the boundaries of sci-fi storytelling and intellectual property (IP) beyond what he achieved with groups like NCT or EXO.

The Dream Team Reunited
Industry insiders are buzzing about the personnel Lee has gathered for this second act. Reportedly joining him are:

Yoo Young-jin: The legendary producer and "soulmate" of Lee Soo-man, responsible for the definitive "SMP" (SM Music Performance) sound.
Sunny: The former Girls' Generation member (and Lee's niece), who is rumored to be participating in a production or advisory capacity.

Can the "Lee Soo-man Formula" Succeed in the 5th Generation?
The K-pop landscape of 2026 is vastly different from the one Lee left. The market is saturated with "5th Generation" groups, and the dominance of labels like HYBE, ADOR, and Starship has shifted the aesthetic goalposts. Critics wonder if Lee’s highly structured, unit-based, and lore-heavy "manual" for idol production will still resonate with a younger audience that often favors "easy-listening" and "natural" vibes.

However, the prevailing sentiment in Seoul is one of intense curiosity. Lee Soo-man has a track record of defying skeptics—from launching H.O.T. in the 90s to pioneering the Hallyu Wave in Japan and China.

"Music is a universal language that connects us all," Lee stated during a recent appearance at the Asian Hall of Fame. As of this month, the man who wrote the original K-pop playbook is ready to write a new chapter. Whether it becomes a bestseller or a relic of the past remains the industry's most anticipated story of the year.