Sunny Training to Become Producer, Joins Lee Soo-man’s Company After Leaving SM
Training to Become Producer
On April 10, A2O Entertainment, the agency founded by Lee Soo-man after his departure from SM Entertainment, officially announced that they have signed a contract with Girls’ Generation member Sunny. The full statement is as below:
“Sunny has recently signed a contract with A2O Entertainment. She is currently undergoing producing training under the guidance of producer Yoo Young-jin.
In addition, she is designing the training program for A2O trainees while also providing them with psychological care. She is actively participating in video content creation and is involved in styling and choreography guidance as well.
We are always grateful for your warm interest in Sunny, and we look forward to sharing even better news with you in the future. Thank you.”
Spotted at Lee Soo-man’s Company?
Meanwhile, previously on April 7, A2O Entertainment uploaded a video titled “A2O Trainees ‘A2O Summer Training Camp 2024’ Highlights” to its official channel. The one-minute video features daily moments of A2O trainees in the United States. Notably, Girls’ Generation’s Sunny also made an appearance in the footage.
She was seen sitting at a recording studio console, directly directing and coaching the trainees. Dressed casually and smiling warmly, Sunny generously offered guidance and advice to the aspiring artists. Fans reacted with excitement, saying, “Why is Sunny here?”, “She looks so cool working hard” and “She’s been in the U.S. this whole time!”
A2O Entertainment is the agency founded by Lee Soo-man, known as the “Father of K-pop”. After stepping down as SM Entertainment’s executive producer amid a management dispute in 2023, Lee Soo-man left SM and launched A2O Entertainment, focusing on producing new talent.
In October 2024, a photo of Sunny walking alongside Lee Soo-man and composer Yoo Young-jin surfaced, sparking speculation. At the time, netizens responded with comments like, “Is Lee Soo-man working on debuting new idols? Exciting!” and “Glad to see Sunny doing well.”
Sunny officially left SM Entertainment in August 2023 after 16 years with the company. She is currently not signed to any agency.
After ending her exclusive contract with SM Entertainment in August 2023, Sunny had not shared many updates on her activities. Now, with her appearing as a mentor for A2O trainees, speculation has grown that she has officially joined Lee Soo-man’s new company. Sunny is, notably, the youngest daughter of Lee Soo-young — Lee Soo-man’s older brother and the former CEO of Starworld, who produced the group SUGAR.