# Lee Soo-man A2O Entertainment debut > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lee-soo-man-a2o-entertainment-debut > Updated: 2026-10-24T00:37:10.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 4. K-pop producer Lee Soo-man has returned to the South Korean music industry through his new agency, A2O Entertainment, following the expiration of a non-compete agreement. He launched two new idol groups, the 15-member boy group A2O Soul and the nine-member girl group A2O Lite, during a global showcase in Goyang. Lee introduced the ‘A2O Cosmic Epic’ fictional universe and showcased ‘Culture Technology’ (CT) using 4D Gaussian Splatting to create three-dimensional performance reconstructions. Following the debut, A2O Lite released the digital single ‘Neon’. Produced by Lee Soo-man and former SM director Yoo Youngjin, the track has been noted for its emphasis on layered harmonies, high notes, and structured dance breaks, drawing comparisons to the 2010s musical identity of groups such as Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and f(x). The group achieved a significant milestone by reaching number one on the Melon Top 100 chart just 29 hours after the release, marking one of the fastest climbs for a rookie group since the chart’s 2021 restructuring. Despite commercial success, the debut has faced mounting scrutiny. Critics and fans have raised concerns regarding the young age of the performers, noting an average age of 15, which has sparked debates regarding the treatment of underage performers. Additionally, the debut showcase featured an AI-powered phone call service, ‘BloomingTalk’, allowing fans to interact with digital avatars of the members, drawing backlash over the use of deep-fake technology on minors, particularly as some members of A2O Lite are 13 years old. Further complications have emerged regarding member Aijing. Allegations in Chinese media concern unpaid wages at a Beijing-based education company managed by the member’s parents, with reports indicating the company faces court-ordered enforcement cases involving significant outstanding amounts. ## Claims - A2O LITE was founded by former SM Entertainment producer Lee Soo Man. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The single ‘Neon’ reached the top of the Melon Top 100 chart within 29 hours of release. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The average age of the nine A2O LITE members is 13. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A2O LITE consists of nine members from South Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, and the US/Japan. (corroborated by 3 sources) - One member of the group was born in 2013. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Cultural critic Jung Duk Hyun stated that debuting young helps idols have more time to develop. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: K-pop group A2O LITE sparks controversy over young members K-pop group A2O LITE, founded by Lee Soo Man, has topped charts with ‘Neon’ but faces backlash over the young age of its members, some of whom are only 13 years old. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/k-pop-group-a2o-lite-sparks-controversy-over-young-members ### 2026-10-15: A2O LITE reaches number one on Melon charts following Lee Soo Man debut Lee Soo Man’s new girl group A2O LITE reached number one on South Korea’s Melon Top 100 just 29 hours after their debut with ‘NEON’, amid discussions regarding the group’s AI-driven fan interaction services. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lee-soo-mans-a2o-lite-reaches-melon-top-100-peak-in-29-hours ### 2026-10-13: A2O LITE hits No. 1 on Melon chart following Lee Soo-man's return Lee Soo-man’s new girl group A2O LITE hit No. 1 on the Melon chart within 29 hours of debut, though the launch faces controversy over member ages, AI technology, and wage allegations involving a member's family 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lee-soo-man-debuts-new-k-pop-girl-group-a2o-lite ### 2026-10-11: Lee Soo-man returns to K-pop with A2O Entertainment debut K-pop producer Lee Soo-man returns to South Korea with the debut of A2O Soul and A2O Lite, introducing 4D Gaussian Splatting technology to enhance fan performance experiences. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lee-soo-man-launches-a2o-boy-and-girl-groups --- Cite as: Lee Soo-man A2O Entertainment debut. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lee-soo-man-a2o-entertainment-debut