Lee Soo-man Returns to K-pop Production with A2O SOUL and A2O LITE’s Global Debut Show

Lee Soo-man, A2O Entertainment’s key producer and visionary leader, has returned to K-pop production in South Korea after roughly three years, introducing boy group A2O SOUL and girl group A2O LITE. Their launch is drawing attention for combining music and performance with new filming technology and fan engagement content.

A2O Entertainment held the global debut show “WELCOME TO SOULITE From A2O SOUL A2O LITE” on October 12 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The event unveiled the 15-member A2O SOUL and nine-member A2O LITE, introducing 24 newcomers at once. The groups performed “SUPERSTAR” and “NEON,” respectively. According to MyDaily, both tracks were released on music platforms the following day, October 13, at 6 p.m.

Producer Yoo Young-jin, a longtime collaborator of Lee’s, also contributed to both groups’ music and performances. MyDaily described A2O SOUL’s “SUPERSTAR” as a new synthwave track that gives 1980s synthesizer sounds a modern reinterpretation. A2O LITE’s “NEON” delivers an intense, addictive sound built around heavy bass. The report also highlighted musical features including dance breaks, high notes and harmonies toward the end, all within tracks running just over three minutes.

A2O calls its approach “Zalpha Pop.” The concept connects the two multinational groups through a shared fictional universe while expanding their music, video content and fan interactions. Sports Seoul reported that both groups share a cosmic universe called “ACE,” establishing a connection between them alongside debut songs in different genres.

Technology-driven performance content was another highlight of the debut show. Both groups’ music videos use 4D Gaussian Splatting (4DGS), which captures artists’ movements with multiple cameras and combines the data to reconstruct them in three-dimensional space. Lee explained that this allows fans to view performances from their preferred positions and angles. Seoul Economic Daily reported that A2O plans to introduce extended reality (XR) content and is also pursuing an interactive live talk show for real-time exchanges.

Even as he introduced new technology, Lee emphasized that music remains the priority. “As long as K-pop groups are classified as singers, I think the most important element is the song,” he said at the debut show. “Before looking for what makes it different, I hope people first feel that it’s good.” His comments outlined a production approach that values the appeal of the songs themselves alongside distinctive content.

A2O LITE’s first performance also prompted a range of fan reactions to its performance and musical style. Newsen and Herald Muse highlighted online responses welcoming the polished stage and familiar K-pop feel. Star News reported both appreciation for the sound of earlier music and calls to focus on the rookie group’s own appeal and songs rather than comparisons with established artists. With their global debut show and song releases, both groups have taken their first steps, showcasing their respective music and performances.