The Evolution of Lee Soo-man’s Career
The career of Lee Soo-man has unfolded in three distinct phases. Initially, he gained fame as a singer-songwriter in the 1970s. He later transitioned into a pivotal role in the music industry by establishing SM Entertainment in the 1990s, propelling forward iconic Korean pop groups like H.O.T., Girls’ Generation, Exo, Super Junior, and Shinee. This move significantly contributed to the rise of Korea’s cultural influence globally. Today, Lee is blending his passions for technology and entertainment by launching a new venture, A2O Entertainment.
Recently, at 73, Lee was celebrated at the Asian Hall of Fame event in Los Angeles, where he was inducted alongside notable personalities such as basketball star Yao Ming, Korean astronaut Yi Soyeon, and Olympian and US Ambassador to Belize, Michelle Kwan. Lee’s recognition as a cultural pioneer is well-noted, but he equally identifies as a tech entrepreneur and innovator.
With a background in computer engineering, Lee enthusiastically explores the merging of technology and entertainment, which he discussed in a recent interview with Deadline.
During the conversation, Lee shared insights into his innovative approaches in music video production inspired by a scene from The Matrix, the integration of AI in music discovery and production, and his development of celebrity chatbots under his new label.
Lee also addressed pressing issues concerning the future of the Korean cultural wave, including the challenges and opportunities presented by platforms like TikTok and the balance between AI and human creativity within the entertainment sector.
Launching Korea’s Cultural Wave
Over the years, Lee has coined various terms to describe the cultural ecosystems, training systems, and artistic processes he has developed. One such concept is ‘culture technology’ in Korea, a structured management ecosystem within the Korean entertainment industry. This system guides music artists from discovery, typically in their late teens, through intensive training, to debut and extensive marketing strategies.
The ‘culture technology’ model, a blend of Lee’s engineering background and his systematic approach to artistry, became a mandatory learning manual for employees at SM Entertainment.
Reflecting on his journey, Lee recalled his singing career in the 1970s and his subsequent academic pursuit in computer engineering in the United States. This period led him to contemplate Korea’s potential for cultural and economic prosperity. Contrary to the prevailing belief that economic success precedes cultural prominence, Lee envisioned a strategy where cultural innovation could drive economic growth.
Lee was deeply influenced by the international success of artists like American singer Leif Garrett and the global phenomenon of MTV. This exposure convinced him of the need for a strong visual component in music, which was critical for appealing to global audiences.
On Embracing Technology and AI
When asked what he might do differently if starting his career anew, Lee expressed a preference for a more technologically-driven and flexible approach. He reminisced about a revolutionary scene in The Matrix that inspired him to innovate the music video production process, leading to the development of the ‘Matrix Camera’ system, which he later employed in music videos for artists like Girls’ Generation and TVXQ.
Lee is currently collaborating with 4DV Intelligence on ‘Infinite Studio,’ a system capable of generating multi-angle videos from single shoots, enhancing efficiency in video production.
Discussing the impact of platforms like TikTok and YouTube, Lee acknowledged the potential for independent career launches but emphasized the advantages of having professional support in areas such as contracts, marketing, and management.
Lee also highlighted the rise of ‘prosumers’—individuals who are both producers and consumers of content, underscoring their role in the evolving entertainment landscape.
Korea as a ‘Nation of Producers’
After a controversial departure from SM Entertainment in 2023, Lee is now focusing on A2O, his new venture that integrates entertainment and technology from the outset. He envisions Korea evolving into a ‘nation of producers,’ with A2O at the forefront. He plans to establish ‘A2O School’ to help young people explore and develop their talents from an early age.
On the AI development front, Lee has launched ‘Blooming Talk,’ an AI chatbot embodying the personalities of A2O’s artists, designed to maintain continuous interaction with fans.
While acknowledging the dual nature of technology, Lee remains optimistic about its positive potential. He emphasized the importance of human creativity in an age dominated by AI, asserting that true innovation still relies on human ingenuity.
In summary, Lee Soo-man’s career trajectory from a pioneering musician to a tech-savvy entertainment mogul highlights his adaptability and forward-thinking approach, continuing to shape the Korean cultural landscape in profound ways.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
