On October 16, Bada posted a lengthy message on her social media, reflecting on her first meeting with Lee Soo Man 29 years ago. “Back then, talking to him felt like having a conversation with someone who had already seen the future. When I was just an 18-year-old artist, he described in precise detail the future position and vision of Korean idols,” she wrote. “He spoke so seriously that I knew even at that moment that this memory would never fade or be forgotten throughout my life.”
She continued, “It’s strange. His soul never grows old. I felt the boyish innocence behind his convictions back then, and I still feel it in our conversations today. Since my days with S.E.S., I have listened carefully to his words, almost as if he were a father figure. Most importantly, Lee Soo Man’s basic inspiration always came from music. As Choi Sung Hee, the natural person who loved music and singing, I was able to hear and learn so much from him.” Bada explained that although she had already completed much of her basic vocal training before her debut, she was not prepared for the polished, clearly conceptualized idol music market. “Mr. Lee Soo Man gave me, a singer with a healthy voice, a new outfit through sophisticated music. He also fully prepared me with a sense of pride in becoming Korea’s first female idol vocal powerhouse,” she wrote, expressing her gratitude.
She went on to describe how Lee Soo Man encouraged her to think independently and grow as an artist. “While sharing all kinds of musical perspectives that are difficult to put into words, he also often asked wonderful questions that encouraged artists to think for themselves and grow. During my S.E.S. days, I would spend every night thinking deeply about the questions he had given me, gradually working out the answers for myself. I listened to the demos he sent me, worked through my concerns instead of putting them off, practiced in my own way, and then played what I had prepared for him.” “Looking back, I was receiving an education that helped me grow into a vocalist and artist who understands music. The process was even more fascinating and enjoyable than being on stage. I was still a child, so I must have absorbed everything naturally,” she added.
Bada said those experiences continued to influence her development as a solo artist. “Those experiences came alive at different moments throughout my journey as a solo artist, and I continued to apply and develop what I had learned. Above all, they helped preserve my determination to remain faithful to the fundamentals,” she explained. She also expressed admiration for Lee Soo Man’s enduring passion. “It is truly special to watch an adult I have known continue to demonstrate the same beliefs and convictions from those days, with even greater clarity and transparency as time passes, while constantly creating a living, evolving generation of idol music in step with the times.”
Reflecting on the early days of K-pop, Bada wrote, “The beginning of Korean idols. The moments when everything was new, and the time I spent with my teacher—I still remember them so vividly and treasure them because everything felt so clear, almost as if he had seen the future. The experience I heard and witnessed was so enjoyable, happy, and extraordinary.” She also recalled a personal act of kindness that she has never forgotten. “There is one thing I truly will never forget for the rest of my life. Knowing how difficult my family’s financial situation was at the time, he paid my university tuition. I want to thank him once again. Thank you, teacher. Fighting!” she wrote.
In the photos she shared, Bada can be seen meeting and talking with Lee Soo Man. His appearance particularly caught people’s attention, with many surprised by his smooth skin and youthful looks at the age of 75, especially when compared with the 47-year-old singer.
Meanwhile, A2O Entertainment, founded by Lee Soo Man, recently launched both girl group A2O LITE and boy group A2O SOUL on a large scale. Aijing, a member of A2O LITE, has attracted attention for her powerful dancing despite being only 13 years old. Her long, straight brown hair, reminiscent of BoA’s early debut-era styling, has also become a talking point.
A2O SOUL and A2O LITE unveiled their first performances at the global debut showcase, “WELCOME TO SOULITE From A2O SOUL A2O LITE,” on October 12. Both groups officially debuted on October 13 at 6 p.m. KST with their respective digital singles.
Sources: Daum | OSEN