A2O LITE reaches number one on Melon charts following Lee Soo Man debut

A2O LITE, a new nine-member girl group produced by Lee Soo Man through his newly established A2O Entertainment, has achieved significant commercial success following its debut. The group’s debut track, ‘NEON’, reached number one on the Melon Top 100 approximately 29 hours after its release on October 13, marking a rapid ascent in the South Korean music market.

The group features a multinational lineup including members from South Korea, China, Japan, and Thailand. The musical direction for ‘NEON’ involves collaboration with producer Yoo Youngjin, aiming for a sound that blends nostalgic 2010s K-pop elements with modern production.

Alongside A2O LITE, the agency also debuted the 15-member boy group A2O SOUL. While the groups have seen immediate chart success, the launch has also drawn scrutiny regarding the use of ‘BloomingTalk’, an AI-driven service that allows fans to engage in audio and video calls with virtual avatars of the idols. Critics have raised concerns about the ethics of using AI to replicate the likeness and voices of performers, particularly since some members of A2O LITE are 13 years old.