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

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

After he 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.

It’s 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.

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily