Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment, inducted into Asian Hall of Fame, celebrated for his impact on K-POP and global culture.
November/5/2025 14:16Related Groups & Members
Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment and currently the key producer and visionary leader of A2O Entertainment, was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame at this year's award ceremony. The Asian Hall of Fame is an international recognition organization established in 2004, aimed at honoring the achievements of people of Asian descent and those with Asian roots. Lee Soo-man attended the ceremony held on the 1st (local time) at The Biltmore Los Angeles hotel, along with A2O Entertainment's producer Yoo Young-jin, the girl group A2O MAY, and Girls' Generation's Sunny. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025. At the ceremony, CJ Group's Vice Chairman Lee Mi-kyung, who introduced Lee Soo-man, expressed, "It is an honor to celebrate Producer Lee Soo-man, the godfather of K-POP," and stated, "K-POP has now transcended simple music to become a culture, a global community sharing passion. At the center of this is Producer Lee Soo-man, who has a vision to connect generations and cultures through the power of music." Furthermore, he praised Lee Soo-man for emphasizing the philosophy of "Culture First, Economy Next" long before Korean culture spread globally, and for continuously redefining the concept of K-POP for 30 years, calling him a "pioneer of culture and our eternal producer." Alongside Lee Soo-man, other inductees included former Chinese basketball player Yao Ming, legendary figure skater Michelle Kwan, globally popular Japanese artist YOSHIKI, and H-Mart founder Kwon Il-yong, totaling 12 inductees. On stage, Lee Soo-man commented, "I accept this award on behalf of all artists and creators who believe that creativity can unite the world. Creativity knows no borders. It is a universal language that connects us all. Music is the language of my life that moves hearts and connects people, and it has the power to bridge cultures." His acceptance speech received a standing ovation from the audience. The Asian Hall of Fame also described Lee Soo-man as a "pioneer of the global music and entertainment industry," revealing the reason for this honor. YOSHIKI also commented on his induction, thanking fans worldwide and the Asian Hall of Fame for this wonderful honor on his Instagram in both English and Japanese. The Asian Hall of Fame has previously inducted notable figures such as Freddie Mercury of Queen, BLACKPINK's Lisa, and Japanese composer and pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto, drawing significant attention each year.
Related Articles
Suyoung discusses her experience in the drama "Idol Eye," where she played a star lawyer. She reflects on her character's depth, her growth as an actress, and the emotional connection with fans, emphasizing the importance of love and trust conveyed in the series. She hopes it resonates with viewers.
Reports reveal that North Korean youths were executed and sent to labor camps for watching 'Squid Game.' Despite severe penalties for consuming South Korean media, a black market persists. The regime's harsh punishments are influenced by bribery, with those unable to pay facing harsher consequences. Other banned content includes K-POP and Korean dramas.
Qeelin, a fine jewelry brand, introduces new pieces for Valentine's Day, including a red cord bracelet and pearl drop earrings. The collection embodies love through modern design, drawing from Eastern cultural heritage. The pieces symbolize destiny, purity, and eternal love, making them perfect gifts or personal treasures.
The SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Fukuoka showcased 16 artists over two days, celebrating SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary. Highlights included performances from popular groups like TVXQ, Super Junior, and EXO, featuring new songs and collaborations, drawing in around 70,000 fans.
Lee Chang-won and Tiffany have been confirmed as the main MCs for the Hanteo Music Awards 2025. The awards ceremony will take place on February 15, 2025, at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, featuring a lineup of top K-POP artists. Fans can participate in global voting through various platforms, with the event broadcast live on TikTok and MBN.
On the afternoon of the 27th, a VIP screening of the film 'The King and the Man' took place at Cine Park in Seoul's Lotte World Tower. Attendees included stars like Yoona, Yuri, and Park Ji-hoon. The film, set in 1457 during the Joseon Dynasty, tells the story of a village chief fighting for the revival of his village and a young king exiled to Cheongnyeongpo. It will be released in South Korea on February 4.
Yuri's 3rd fan meeting tour concluded warmly in Seoul, featuring special guests Hyoyeon and Sooyoung. She shared behind-the-scenes content, performed a variety of songs, and expressed gratitude to fans. Part of the ticket sales was donated to charity, making the event even more meaningful. Yuri will next appear in the play 'THE WASP' from March 8 to April 26.
Sooyoung, known for her acting, surprises fans by taking the stage as a violinist at a concert. She will perform the famous 'Csárdás' and hopes to make classical music more relatable and enjoyable for everyone. Her journey as a hobbyist violinist reflects her passion for music and desire to bridge the gap between classical and popular genres.
Jessica held a solo concert in Malaysia, performing a medley of Girls' Generation songs, which sparked nostalgia among fans. While her performance showcased her enduring talent and beauty, opinions were divided due to her controversial departure from the group. Jessica expressed gratitude to her long-time supporters, reflecting on her struggles and growth since leaving SNSD.
On the afternoon of the 11th, Yuri from Girls' Generation returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport after completing her overseas schedule. She is also dealing with legal matters related to a person impersonating an acquaintance, while celebrating the wedding of KUSH and Vivian alongside fellow artists from BIGBANG and her group.
