The Visionary Founder of SM Entertainment
Lee Soo-man is a South Korean entrepreneur and music producer best known for founding SM Entertainment, one of the largest and most influential entertainment companies in South Korea. As the pioneer of the K-pop industry, Lee has played a significant role in shaping the global success of K-pop and in establishing South Korea as a central hub for global pop culture. Early Life and Background Lee Soo-man was born on June 18, 1952, in Seoul, South Korea. He developed an early interest in music and pursued his passion for entertainment by studying at Kyunghee University, where he majored in practical music. His exposure to the music scene led him to start his career as a singer, but after facing challenges as a performer, he shifted focus to producing and business management. Founding of SM Entertainment In 1989, Lee Soo-man founded SM Entertainment, initially as a talent agency. At the time, the South Korean music industry was dominated by ballads and trot music, but Lee envisioned a...