[Photo=A2O Entertainment]
A2O Entertainment Korea, founded by producer Lee Soo-man, said Tuesday it will hold its first official event, the “A2O Zalpha Audition.”
The audition is drawing attention because it is Lee’s first project in South Korea that he will plan and oversee since a noncompete restriction in the domestic K-pop market was lifted.
When Lee sold his SM Entertainment stake to HYBE in 2023, he agreed not to produce albums in South Korea for three years. That agreement was lifted last month, allowing him to resume domestic producing work.
The audition will be held regularly every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at A2O Entertainment Korea in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Applicants can show up in person on the day without separate advance steps or apply through the company’s official online channels.
Categories include vocal, rap, dance and acting, and the audition is open regardless of nationality or gender. A2O said it plans to expand the program beyond South Korea to Japan, the United States and other markets.
During the noncompete period, Lee established A2O Entertainment and formed the girl group “A2O May,” centered on Chinese members, focusing on overseas activities. The company said the domestic audition is expected to help put Lee’s “K-pop 2.0” approach on a full track.
The audition is drawing attention because it is Lee’s first project in South Korea that he will plan and oversee since a noncompete restriction in the domestic K-pop market was lifted.
When Lee sold his SM Entertainment stake to HYBE in 2023, he agreed not to produce albums in South Korea for three years. That agreement was lifted last month, allowing him to resume domestic producing work.
The audition will be held regularly every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at A2O Entertainment Korea in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Applicants can show up in person on the day without separate advance steps or apply through the company’s official online channels.
Categories include vocal, rap, dance and acting, and the audition is open regardless of nationality or gender. A2O said it plans to expand the program beyond South Korea to Japan, the United States and other markets.
During the noncompete period, Lee established A2O Entertainment and formed the girl group “A2O May,” centered on Chinese members, focusing on overseas activities. The company said the domestic audition is expected to help put Lee’s “K-pop 2.0” approach on a full track.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.