“What money is funding the daughter’s debut?” ... ‘Parent risk’ controversy surfaces around Lee Soo-man’s rookie girl group A2O

[Financial News] As rookie girl group A2O LITE, introduced by SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man, topped domestic music charts with its debut song, a controversy erupted over alleged unpaid wages involving the parents of Chinese member Aijing (AIJING, 13), known as ‘Little BoA.’
Pengmian News, a media outlet under China’s Sichuan Daily Press Group, reported on the 13th that court records showed enforcement actions against a Beijing-based education company and Aijing’s parents, among others, in connection with allegations of unpaid wages. The parents had been involved in the company’s operations.

Pengmian News said that a search of the Chinese corporate information platform Tianyancha showed that Aijing’s mother is the legal representative of the company, which was established in 2010, and her father serves as a supervisor. According to the report, the company has two records of enforcement actions against it, with a total enforcement amount of 3.45 million yuan (about 700 million won). The parties subject to enforcement include the company and Aijing’s parents. Pengmian News also reported that the company and her mother had previously been subject to restrictions on high-value consumption.
After the news emerged, criticism spread online in China, with people questioning whether it was appropriate to invest in a child’s entertainment career while failing to pay workers’ wages.
As the controversy spread, her mother apologized. According to Newsis, Aijing’s mother explained on Weibo on the 14th that payments had been delayed because of financial difficulties in her education-related business. She said, “Whatever the circumstances, failing to pay the amounts due on time was a wrong for which I must acknowledge responsibility,” and added, “I sincerely apologize to everyone who has suffered as a result.” She said, “I am currently contacting the relevant parties individually to discuss possible solutions,” and promised, “I will not evade responsibility and will see this through until every issue is resolved.” She also asked that the dispute be treated separately from her daughter’s entertainment activities. “This is an issue that we, as her parents, must take responsibility for and resolve appropriately,” she said, emphasizing, “My daughter has nothing to do with the businesses I operated in the past or any related disputes.”

A2O LITE LITE is a nine-member girl group introduced by Lee Soo-man through A2O Entertainment. It released its debut song ‘NEON’ at 6 p.m. on the 13th.
‘NEON’ revives the appeal of K-pop’s past with a performance centered on synchronized choreography and vocal prowess. The members wear coordinated outfits and, in formation, deliver high notes and a cappella singing before moving into a dance break. The song is also 3 minutes and 28 seconds long. It contrasts with the recent trend of shorter tracks under three minutes designed for dance challenges and distinct styling for each member.
‘NEON’ is a song featuring Yoo Young-jin and U.S. producer Dem Jointz, among others. At SM Entertainment, Yoo Young-jin worked closely with Lee Soo-man and contributed to music across generations, from H.O.T. (Highfive of Teenagers) and BoA to TVXQ, Girls’ Generation (SNSD), SHINee and aespa.
Online reactions also drew attention to the chorus, ‘Neon and Beyond,’ with some saying it sounded like ‘mihon and bihon,’ Korean terms meaning ‘unmarried’ and ‘choosing not to marry.’
[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter