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SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man reportedly declined the agency's offer to appear at the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 concert in Seoul. On January 10, Korean Economy, a media agency, reported that the former producer of SM Ent, Lee Soo-man, received an invitation from the agency to be a guest at their 30th Anniversary Tour's inaugural concert in Seoul.
The SM Ent founder has reportedly declined the invitation, as per his officials, who learned the news regarding the invitation through articles. His officials later confirmed that they received the invitation through SM Ent's registered e-mail address. However, he has no intention to appear at the concert.
His officials stated,
“Producer Lee Soo-man has decided not to attend SMTOWN LIVE 2025. We found out through reports that Mr. Lee Soo-man was invited to the concert, and we confirmed that the invitation came by registered mail.”
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Lee Soo-man parted ways with the entertainment company in March 2023 after selling all his shares as a consequence of an internal management dispute. He established A20 Entertainment in October 2024 by revealing his trainees through a YouTube dance video.
This garnered attention online, receiving reactions from fans who presumed he was ousted by the agency. Fans criticized SM Entertainment for inviting him after allegedly mistreating him in 2023.
“I mean didn't you kick this man out? what do you expect”- a user said
“That company delusional af to think he'd consider it after what they did to him.”- a user commented
“He should be, coz' why would he accept the invitation through a mail when he founded SM Ent.??? besides LSM dont want anything from that agency anymore.”- a netizen reacted
Netizens expressed their disappointment in SM Entertainment.
“They kicked him off and defamed him, did they really think he’s gonna go?”- a user questioned
“SM was so screwed to think that their founder don't even want to attend lmao.”- a fan stated
“Your literal founder and half the talent don't want to be associated with your shitty company anymore. Shut it down.”- a user stated
They further accused the agency of mistreating their current and former artists.
“As he should, SM has always been a trash company, but since Kakao took over, their being trash has become a million times worse.”- a fan wrote
“Ahh I remember like it was yesterday. Last year, SM also sent flowers to Jaejoong after years of banning JYJ members. SM always want their exes back after seeing their exes succeed. Praying all the groups to leave & build their own company. Together now.”- a netizen stated
“If they treat the man who made this company from scratch like this, don't be surprised when they treat their artists like garbage lol.”- a fan commented
SM Entertainment artists address mismanagement leading them to sit out of SMTOWN LIVE 2025
SMTOWN LIVE 2025 is a joint venture concert tour where artists affiliated with SM Entertainment perform together to bring in a spectacular show. On January 6, 2025, SM Ent confirmed that Red Velvet's Wendy would not participate in the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 due to personal reasons.
However, Wendy stated that she had informed the agency about her absence from the tour in December 2024, but they only delayed the announcement.
She said,
“You may or may not have already seen the announcement. I actually discussed this with the company over a month ago, but the notice was only posted today… I’m sure there were a lot of ReVeluvs who were looking forward to seeing Red Velvet perform as a full group of five, and I’m really sorry about that.”
Wendy further added,
“Since it’s the 30th anniversary, there are a variety of stages being prepared. I hope you’ll have a great time. Thank you, as always, and I’m sorry. I’m not sick, and I’m healthy.”
Previously, on January 6, SNSD's Taeyeon opened up about her absence at the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 Tour through her Bubble. Taeyeon stated that she wanted to showcase a passionate performance. However, she cited that it was the lack of preparation from the entertainment company’s side and failure in communication that led her to sit out of the tour.
“It's not that I don't have the motivation or don't want to do it... I just want to be sincere and passionate about the stage and do my best, but I'm seriously thinking about it because they don't help me with that.”
More about SM Ent's 30th Anniversary concert in Seoul
SMTOWN LIVE 2025 is scheduled to hold its inaugural shows in Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Saturday, January 11 and 12, 2025. The shows will commemorate the agency's 30th anniversary showcasing performances by KANGTA, BoA, TVXQ, NCT, aespa, RIIZE, and more. The SMTOWN LIVE 2025 tour will be held later in other cities like Mexico, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo.
