Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment and one of the most influential figures in K-pop, has returned to South Korea’s music industry with two new idol groups under A2O Entertainment. However, the launch has drawn attention not only for its technology-driven approach but also for several controversies that emerged shortly after the groups’ debut.
On October 12, 2026, A2O introduced its 15-member boy group A2O SOUL and nine-member girl group A2O LITE at a joint showcase in Goyang, near Seoul. Their debut songs, “SUPERSTAR” and “NEON,” were released the following day.
The launch marked Lee’s return to the Korean music market after the three-year non-compete period associated with his 2023 exit from SM Entertainment. The new project combines K-pop performances with advanced production technology and plans for interactive fan experiences.
1. Concerns Over AI-Powered Calls With Underage Idols
One of the first controversies involved an AI-powered service demonstrated at the groups’ debut showcase. According to media reports, the service allows fans to interact through voice and video calls with AI versions of the idols.
The technology drew criticism from some fans, particularly because the groups include underage members. Critics raised concerns about the use of young performers’ voices and likenesses in AI-generated interactions, as well as the potential for inappropriate interactions and questions about consent and safeguarding.
The debate reflects a broader challenge facing the K-pop industry: how to introduce AI-based fan services while protecting artists’ identities, privacy and well-being, especially when performers are minors.
The criticism represents public concern about the service; it does not, by itself, establish that the company has committed misconduct.
2. Wage-Arrears Allegations Involving an A2O LITE Member’s Parents
A separate controversy concerns Aijing, a 13-year-old Chinese member of A2O LITE. Chinese media reports alleged that a Beijing-based education business associated with her parents had failed to pay employees’ wages.
Reports cited court enforcement proceedings involving the business and Aijing’s parents, with a combined amount reportedly reaching approximately 3.45 million yuan. However, that figure should not be described as a confirmed total of unpaid wages, since the full amount has not been established as wage arrears.
On October 14, a person identifying herself as Aijing’s mother posted an apology on Chinese social media. She attributed the financial disputes to difficulties in running the business, acknowledged responsibility for delayed payments and said she was contacting the parties involved to work toward a resolution.
She also stressed that her daughter had no involvement in the business dispute and that the parents should take responsibility for resolving it.
A2O LITE’s agency had not issued a separate official statement on the matter in the SBS report published on October 19.
The allegations have prompted debate over accountability for family business disputes and whether a young performer should face professional consequences for issues involving her parents.
3. Questions About A2O’s Funding
A2O Entertainment has also faced online speculation about the source of its funding, partly because several members of its new groups are Chinese nationals and Lee has pursued projects in the Chinese market.
The company denied receiving investment from Chinese capital, according to a report published by K-POPIT on October 20. The outlet also noted that reports of A2O seeking investment do not, on their own, establish that Chinese investors funded or control the company.
The distinction matters: a company’s search for investors, its members’ nationalities and its actual ownership structure are separate issues. Claims about foreign funding should therefore be treated as allegations unless supported by reliable financial or corporate records.
4. Allegations of Manipulated Streaming Numbers
A2O LITE’s debut song “NEON” also became the subject of online speculation about its streaming performance after it achieved high positions on Korean music charts.
Some users questioned the gap between “NEON” and the next-ranked song on Spotify’s South Korea daily chart. However, a large difference in stream counts is not, by itself, proof of artificial streaming or chart manipulation.
K-POPIT reported that the available chart data did not establish that the numbers had been manipulated. The article also noted that chart streams can come from different listening sources, not just plays generated through a particular playlist.
As of the report’s publication, the allegations should be treated as unproven rather than as established misconduct.
A Technology-Driven K-Pop Strategy Under Scrutiny
Lee Soo-man built SM Entertainment into a major force in the global K-pop industry, helping develop the training and production systems behind generations of artists. His new A2O project aims to combine music, performance and emerging technologies in a different format.
The early controversies illustrate the challenges that can accompany this approach. AI-powered fan interactions raise questions about artist protection, the wage-arrears allegations involve a member’s family rather than an established finding against the group, and the funding and streaming claims require evidence beyond online speculation.
A2O’s longer-term reception will depend not only on the music and technology it introduces but also on how transparently it addresses legitimate questions about artist welfare, corporate accountability and its business operations.
Source: The Korea Times
Additional Sources: SBS News, K-POPIT, Koreaboo
Category: Entertainment
Published: October 24, 2026