What Made Him Choose HYBE’s Bang Si Hyuk? Lee Soo Man Tells All In “Love Letter” To SM Entertainment
On March 3, SM Entertainment‘s Lee Soo Man shared a letter.
In the letter, Lee Soo Man reveals that he had long struggled with the dilemma of an “SM Entertainment (referred to as ‘SM’ in the letter), post-Lee Soo Man” and that he felt joining hands with HYBE was the best decision.
Lee Soo Man also writes his admiration for HYBE’s founder, Bang Si Hyuk. In the letter, Lee Soo Man writes that the two founders both experienced similar struggles and that they share the love of music.
For me, the best choice was HYBE. Although it is a competitor of SM Entertainment, BTS’s success is a source of pride for the whole nation. HYBE’s chairman is a music producer like me who has also experienced a time when he struggled. He is someone who has experienced eating junk food with trainees while spending hours in the practice room. He is someone who has experienced what it is like searching far and wide for investors. He is also someone like me, who was crazy about music, and he is someone who has broken records with BTS. I felt that he cared for the artists in the same way that I do. For those who have wondered, that is the reason why I chose him.
— Lee Soo Man
Lee Soo Man’s full letter is available below.
‘SM was my challenge, my happiness, and my blessing.’
To all of SM’s family, whom I love, and to all those who have loved SM,
Ever since I became a shaggy-haired ballad singer in the 1970s, I have lived my whole in the eyes of the public. I received love as a singer and MC that I didn’t deserve and since becoming a producer, the singers I’ve produced also received a great amount of love. This is why I feel even more apologetic about the things that have occurred involving SM.
When I founded SM in 1989, I was young and a start-up [sic]. I loved music, so I pondered what system was needed for singers at the scene. I studied the music business model in the west and built SM’s structure. Korea’s version of pop and the world of idols was accomplished through a combination of first-world business models and Korean-style talent development. The success of SM, JYP, YG, HYBE, etc, is a Korean miracle and blessing.
During the time from Hyun Jin Young, H.O.T., BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, Shinee, EXO, Red Velvet, to NCT and aespa, my youth also passed.
SM’s ‘Post Lee Soo Man’ era was a long-term dilemma for me. Entertainment is a world of creativity. Rather than pass on SM to my child or family members, I felt that I should give it to someone who is the ‘Best’ in the industry and to someone who will be able to make it grow.. If there is a problem with SM’s governance structure, then it should be improved, and if a professional executive is needed, I feel SM should be left in their care.
For me, ‘Best’ refers to producing. Producing involves enduring countless failures in a world of passion and creativity until a star is born. Behind the stage of a star who is able to run to the arms of fans and their chants, tears, and emotions, is a world of producers who discover these stars. Without the public, there is no star. Without a star, there is no producer. Without a producer, then the music business cannot succeed. This is the same in reverse.
The past two years were a time for SM to find the ‘Best.’ On the one hand, I chastised SM’s current executives that they must hurriedly prepare for an era without Lee soo Man. This is because I was ready to walk off SM’s stage. HYBE, Kakao, funds, conglomerates, and global companies overseas all wanted SM and came to me.
For me, the best choice was HYBE. Although it is a competitor of SM, BTS’s success is a source of pride for the whole nation. HYBE’s chairman is a music producer like me who had also experienced a time when he struggled. He is someone who has experienced eating junk food with trainees while spending hours in the practice room. He is someone who has experienced what it is like searching far and wide for investors. He is also someone like me, who was crazy about music, and he is someone who has broken records with BTS. I felt that he cared for the artists in the same way that I do. For those who have wondered, that is the reason why I chose him.
After finishing the first act of my life as SM’s champion, I am now moving on to my life’s second act. My next (destination) is where technology and culture meet. I will walk towards there.
I would like to say this to SM’s family members as well as the current executive team.
I do not regret the time I spent with you all.
SM was my challenge, happiness, and blessing.
I also want to say this to the artists that were with me.
You were full of dreams when I met you, and through times that were bittersweet, we made music while crying and laughing. You, who poured out all of the energy in the tip of your hands to your feet to perform, were my teacher. I admire you, and I am proud of you. Thank you.
— Lee Soo Man
Stay tuned for updates.
