Lee Soo Man, widely recognized as a foundational figure in K-pop, will be inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame this Saturday. This honor acknowledges his three-decade effort to introduce South Korean music to global audiences. His induction places him alongside prominent figures such as basketball legend Yao Ming and Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Soo Man, founder of SM Entertainment, enters the Asian Hall of Fame.
- He is credited with pioneering K-pop's global expansion and intensive training systems.
- The honor recognizes his long-standing efforts to bridge Asian and Western music markets.
- Lee continues to innovate, launching new groups and investing in production technology.
Architect of K-Pop's Global Reach
Lee Soo Man, 73, initially hesitated when producers of an Amazon Prime documentary proposed the title "King of K-pop." He suggested "Father of K-pop," finding the former too flashy. However, he ultimately accepted the producers' decision, a move that reflects his pragmatic approach to expanding K-pop's influence.
His journey to global recognition has involved significant investment and strategic adjustments. Lee's vision for K-pop was shaped by his background in computer engineering, which influenced his use of cutting-edge production technologies and elaborate visual concepts for his groups. He often cites rewatching films like "The Matrix" for inspiration on cinematic storytelling within music videos.
Did You Know?
Lee Soo Man invested approximately $5 million in BoA's 2009 American debut, "Eat You Up," an early attempt to introduce K-pop to the U.S. mainstream market.
Early Challenges and Strategic Shifts
The path to K-pop's current global success was not without obstacles. Lee's ambitious 2009 attempt to launch singer BoA in the American market, despite her superstar status in Asia, faced difficulties. The market was not yet ready for a prominent Asian pop artist. BoA eventually returned to Asia after nearly two years.
Lee recalls a key lesson from this experience. He had asked Western songwriters to revise "Eat You Up," but they declined. He believes that had the song been adapted, it would have performed better. This setback taught him the importance of maintaining creative control to adapt music for global audiences, even while sourcing international talent.
"When I asked the songwriter(s) to revise ‘Eat You Up,’ they refused. If we had changed it, I believe it would have achieved much better results."
This experience led Lee to develop a system where music from Europe, Asia, and America could merge. He traveled globally to find the right tracks, once even going to Finland to secure the license for a song that became "Dreams Come True" for the group S.E.S. European songwriters, he noted, were more open to selling their work to the Asian market, allowing for this unique fusion that became a hallmark of K-pop.
Pioneering Visual Storytelling and Training
Lee's time in the U.S., observing MTV's transformation of music into a visual medium, inspired another significant innovation: the creation of elaborate fictional universes, or "worldviews," for his groups. This storytelling approach, seen in groups like EXO and aespa, involves ongoing narratives that unfold across multiple music videos and releases, similar to a cinematic universe.
Unable to attract established screenwriters, Lee developed these storylines himself. This strategy proved crucial, providing global fans with compelling reasons to follow groups across their comebacks, eager for the next chapter in their unfolding sagas.
Industry Impact
SM Entertainment, founded by Lee Soo Man in 1995, pioneered the intensive training system that is now a standard across the K-pop industry. This system recruits young performers, sometimes as early as elementary school age, and puts them through years of rigorous preparation in singing, dancing, and performance.
Despite K-pop's global reach, Lee remains focused on Asia's potential. He envisions South Korea as a creative hub where international talent can learn production techniques. He believes the Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, is destined to become the future center of entertainment.
His latest venture, a new band called A2O MAY, operates in both China and the U.S., testing this vision in one of Asia's most dynamic markets. Lee dismisses concerns about political risks in China, stating his aim is to elevate South Korea's cultural influence as a production center while meeting China's need to expand its soft power.
Addressing Industry Challenges and Looking Forward
Lee's career has not been without controversy. His label's intensive training system and artist contracts have sparked debates, with some artists challenging their terms. The Hall of Fame recognition arrives as Lee re-emerges into the spotlight after a high-profile departure from SM Entertainment, which involved a public feud and a bidding war over his shares.
The Amazon Prime documentary about his career also touches on darker aspects of K-pop, including the suicides of some SM Entertainment artists. Lee attributes this problem to anonymous and malicious online comments, particularly those posted on servers outside South Korea's jurisdiction. He advocates for global standards on user verification and mediation systems to help victims identify attackers without costly legal battles.
However, Lee urges a forward-looking perspective. He believes the media should focus on K-pop's future rather than dwelling solely on its past problems. For him, K-pop represents a new form of communication.
"K-pop is a new language of communication that transcends barriers. These languages move around naturally — what you can’t stop is culture."
His induction into the Asian Hall of Fame confirms his belief that K-pop has become a mainstream genre. This acceptance comes after many lessons learned and years of dedicated effort to refine a cultural export that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.