On October 12, Lee Soo Man unveiled the nine-member girl group A2O LITE and the 15-member boy group A2O SOUL during A2O Entertainment’s global debut showcase, held at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Following A2O LITE’s debut performance, online communities were flooded with enthusiastic reactions. Many K-pop fans commented that the group’s members reminded them of popular SM Entertainment artists during the peak of their careers, sparking discussions about Lee Soo Man’s signature approach to discovering and developing idols.
In particular, netizens highlighted several members whose appearances reminded them of well-known K-pop stars. OA, born in 2013 and regarded as the group’s visual center, drew comparisons to former Girls’ Generation member Jessica. Another member born in 2013, Aijing, was said to resemble BoA during her childhood, while Vora, born in 2010, reminded some viewers of the late f(x) member Sulli.
The group’s stage production also generated excitement. One netizen commented, “In just a three-minute performance, they somehow reminded me of BoA, f(x), SHINee, and aespa all at once,” highlighting the recognizable characteristics of Lee Soo Man’s production style.
Another viewer offered a particularly creative comparison, saying, “It’s like he gathered enough BoAs to form Girls’ Generation and then debuted them as f(x).” A similar reaction read, “Lee Soo Man has taken his skills to another level and assembled an entire group of BoAs,” reflecting fans’ amusement at the similarities between the rookies and established SM artists.
Beyond their appearances, A2O LITE also received positive responses for their music and choreography. One netizen praised Lee Soo Man for bringing back elements they felt had become less common in contemporary K-pop, pointing to songs lasting longer than three minutes, dedicated dance breaks, and prominent high-note sections. “Lee Soo Man is bringing back everything that disappeared from K-pop,” the commenter wrote.
These reactions suggest that A2O LITE’s appeal extends beyond its members’ visuals. Many viewers believe the group’s musical direction, performance structure, and overall presentation capture the distinctive identity associated with SM Entertainment’s earlier generations of artists.
