Lee Soo-man’s A2O to Debut Boy Group and Girl Group Simultaneously

Lee Soo-man’s A2O Entertainment is launching its first domestic debut project with two groups at once.

Boy group A2O SOUL and girl group A2O LITE will unveil their first performances during the WELCOME TO SOULITE From A2O SOUL A2O LITE global debut show on October 12.

Both groups will formally debut at 6 p.m. KST on October 13 with separate digital singles. A2O SOUL will release “SUPERSTAR,” while A2O LITE will debut with “NEON.”

The simultaneous launch marks Lee’s first domestic idol debut project since leaving SM Entertainment and establishing A2O.

Lee sold his remaining SM shares to HYBE in 2023 under an agreement that restricted him from producing music domestically for three years. That restriction was lifted in February 2026, clearing the way for his return to the Korean market.

Longtime collaborator Yoo Young-jin is also participating in the new project, contributing to music and performance production for both groups.

A2O previously introduced girl group A2O MAY in 2024 with an international focus. The new SOUL and LITE launches represent a more direct push into the domestic K-pop market, with A2O taking the unusual approach of introducing a boy group and girl group through a shared debut project rather than rolling out one act first.

The company has also teased a connected narrative between the two groups, with further details expected to be introduced during the October 12 debut show.