Trademark Applications and International Auditions Signal New Ventures Abroad

Courtesy of SM Entertainment's website

Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment, is possibly setting the stage for a return to the K-pop industry through his new company, Blooming Grace. According to records from the Korean Intellectual Property Office, Blooming Grace filed a trademark application for A20 Entertainment on May 3. The application, which is still pending review, covers a range of services including entertainment, video game devices, and advertising.

Blooming Grace previously announced a search for K-pop talent for A20 Entertainment in July of last year. The company has reportedly conducted auditions in Japan and China but has not confirmed any debut dates for potential new artists. Lee's contract with Hybe, under which he sold his 14.8 percent stake in SM Entertainment last year, includes a clause barring him from participating in the domestic entertainment industry for three years. However, this restriction is confined to South Korea, allowing Lee to engage in entertainment ventures internationally.
 

▲ Courtesy of SM Entertainment's websiteSpeculation around Lee’s return has been fueled by his recent public appearance at the General Assembly of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) in Seoul on May 30. At the event, Lee delivered a keynote speech discussing the future of K-pop and the role of artificial intelligence in the music industry.

Lee has not confirmed his plans regarding a comeback in the K-pop scene. "We will see. As I have always done, I am moving toward the future," he stated during the CISAC event. There is also uncertainty surrounding whether Hybe agreed to remove the domestic business restriction from Lee's contract, a move that could potentially impact the competitive landscape of South Korea’s entertainment industry.

Industry observers are watching closely as Lee's next steps could signal significant shifts in the global music and entertainment market.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com