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SM founder's new label A2O Entertainment Korea to hold first open audition

Published: 24 Mar. 2026, 20:00

Lee Soo-man arrives at the Asian Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at The Biltmore Los Angeles in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2025. [AP/YONHAP]

A2O Entertainment Korea, founded by Lee Soo-man, SM Entertainment’s founder and former executive producer, will hold its first open audition.

The "A2O Zalpha Audition" marks the first official project Lee has planned and overseen since a noncompete restriction barring him from producing music in Korea was lifted.

When Lee sold his SM Entertainment shares to HYBE in 2023, he agreed not to produce records in Korea for three years. That restriction was lifted in February.

The audition will be held regularly every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at A2O Entertainment in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. Applicants can either visit in person on the day without prior registration or apply through the company’s official online channels.

Open to all nationalities and genders, the audition will accept applicants in vocals, rap, dance and acting. The program is also set to expand to Japan, the United States and other countries.

During the noncompete period, Lee established A2O Entertainment and focused on overseas activities, including launching A2O MAY, a girl group made up mainly of Chinese members.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY JANG GU-SEUL [[email protected]]