Ok-pop pioneer Lee Soo-man honored with induction into Asian Corridor of Fame

 
Lee Soo-man, the important thing producer of A2O Leisure and founding father of SM Leisure, was inducted into the Asian Corridor of Fame.
 
The group honored Lee at a ceremony held Saturday at The Biltmore lodge in Los Angeles, recognizing his position as a pioneer of the worldwide music and leisure trade.
 
 
In her tribute speech, CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee launched Lee as a “cultural pioneer, visionary producer and ceaselessly our idol,” saying, “As an artist and producer he had a watch for locating expertise, ear for concord and coronary heart to consider of their desires.”
 
She went on to reward his long-held philosophy of “Tradition First, Economic system Subsequent,” which he had championed for over three many years whereas repeatedly redefining the idea of Ok-pop — lengthy earlier than Korean tradition had grow to be a world pressure.
 
Taking the stage, Lee mentioned that the award is “a celebration of what connects us — the creativeness, innovation and braveness to create past borders. I consider that creativity is aware of no borders. It’s a common language that connects us all. Music has been my lifelong language: one that may transfer a coronary heart, unite strangers and bridge cultures.”
 

CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee congratulates Lee Soo-man for his induction into the 2025 Asian Corridor of Fame in Los Angeles on Nov. 1. [A2O ENTERTAINMENT]

Lee Soo-man, middle, the important thing producer and visionary chief of A2O Leisure, was inducted into the 2025 Asian Corridor of Fame and attended the award ceremony held on Nov. 1 in Los Angeles. He was joined on the occasion by lady group A2O MAY, A2O Leisure producer Yoo Younger-jin and Women’ Technology’s Sunny. [A2O ENTERTAINMENT]

 
He added, “I hope Korea and Asia will grow to be not solely the lands of artists, however houses to producers. A spot the place the world gathers to study, collaborate and develop collectively,” outlining his hopes for the long run.
 
The Related Press lauded Lee’s pragmatic but unwavering management as a key consider bringing Ok-pop into the U.S. mainstream, calling his administration philosophy “a three-decade quest that always required him to bend however by no means break his imaginative and prescient.” The report additionally famous an anecdote about Lee investing $5 million in 2009 to help BoA’s U.S. debut single, “Eat You Up.”
 
Based in 2004 by the Robert Chinn Basis, a nonprofit primarily based in Seattle, the Asian Corridor of Fame honors Asian and Asian American figures who’ve made vital contributions in numerous fields. This 12 months, alongside Lee, inductees included Chinese language basketball legend Yao Ming, Olympic determine skating champion Michelle Kwan, Japanese rock artist Yoshiki, H Mart founder Kwon Il-yeon and Vizio founder William Wang, amongst others.

BY HWANG JEE-YOUNG [[email protected]]