Lee Soo Man, the founder of SM Entertainment, has long been recognized as a pivotal figure in the rise of K-pop around the world. Recently, he reflected on the title “King of K-pop,” initially suggesting a more modest title of “Father of K-pop” during discussions about an Amazon Prime documentary on his career. However, producers felt that the bold title would resonate more with American audiences, and Lee ultimately agreed, showcasing his willingness to adapt his vision for broader appeal.
Lee’s pragmatic approach has been essential in his three-decade mission to bring South Korean acts into the American mainstream. As the architect behind K-pop’s global expansion, he will be honored with an induction into the Asian Hall of Fame alongside luminaries such as Yao Ming and Michelle Kwan. This recognition highlights the impact he has had in shaping the music landscape.
Despite his significant achievements, Lee’s legacy remains complex. His system of intensive training for artists—beginning recruitment as early as elementary school—has attracted scrutiny and sparked debates about the fairness of contract practices in the industry. Some of his former artists have voiced concerns over their contracts, making this a pertinent issue within discussions about K-pop.
The timing of Lee’s recognition comes after his high-profile exit from SM Entertainment earlier this year, which involved a public feud with family members and a bidding war for his shares. Nevertheless, he continues to remain active in the industry, launching a new band, A2O MAY, in both China and the U.S. and investing in a boutique Chinese firm focused on advanced production technologies.
Lee’s background in computer engineering has influenced his innovative approach to the K-pop industry, from leveraging cutting-edge production techniques to creating elaborate narratives for his bands through virtual avatars. He believes that being inducted into the Hall of Fame signifies the acceptance of K-pop as part of the mainstream music landscape, underscoring how the genre has evolved over years of trial and error.
As Lee celebrates this honor, it reflects not only on his individual journey but also on the broader acceptance of K-pop on the global stage, inviting a wave of excitement and hope for future developments in the genre. This event is a testament to the community resilience and creativity that K-pop continues to foster, hinting at promising advancements and collaborations in the music industry as it ventures further into international waters.