SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man (이수만) has returned to the K-pop scene after approximately three years, launching not only the nine-member girl group A2O LITE but also the 15-member multinational boy group A2O SOUL. The boy group recently appeared on a radio program, sharing for the first time the daily life of a large group living in a dorm. Surprisingly, even showering requires a queue and a special set of rules. Members revealed that shower order is usually determined by age, but if schedules differ, they flexibly adjust to allow those who need to leave early to wash first, drawing laughter from the studio.
On October 19, MBC FM4U's “Noon Song of Hope with Kim Shin Young” invited Girls' Generation (SNSD) member Sunny (써니) to serve as a special DJ, chatting with the rookie boy group A2O SOUL. This marked A2O SOUL's first radio appearance, where the members showcased the fresh energy characteristic of new artists.
During the program, Sunny discussed dorm life, stating, “With so many of you, I totally understand! I also started in a nine-member group and later promoted as eight. Preparation time must be long, and there probably aren't enough bathrooms, right?” Her words immediately resonated with the members, who all nodded in agreement, creating a lively atmosphere.
When asked about their shower schedule, members revealed that they generally go by age. However, if a member needs to leave early on a particular day, they flexibly adjust the schedule to allow that person to shower and get ready first, demonstrating the unique living synergy of a large group.
Although 15 people living in the same dorm inevitably encounter inconveniences, the members emphasized that having many people isn't only a disadvantage. They believe the group's greatest strength is its strong cohesion, and that everyone having different ideas allows them to hear a variety of opinions, inspiring each other in the process of living and working together.
Beyond dorm life, the members also discussed their debut song, “SUPERSTAR.” They recalled their initial thought upon hearing the song: “Can we really become superstars?” However, as a rookie group dreaming of stardom, the lyrics resonated more deeply as they became more immersed in the song and performance.
The members also expressed special gratitude for the care they received during their trainee days, revealing that whenever they faced difficulties or worries, senior artist Sunny would proactively show concern and offer help, for which they were very thankful. Sharing their journey on the radio program also gave the public a glimpse into the private side of the rookie group.
Additionally, the members talked about their first group dinner, revealing they chose everyday dishes like beef barbecue and kimchi stew. The simple, down-to-earth flavors also showed the unpretentious side of these young men.
A2O SOUL is a 15-member multinational boy group created by producer Lee Soo-man. They held their global debut showcase with their sister group A2O LITE on October 12, officially releasing their debut song “SUPERSTAR” on October 13. The song was produced by Yoo Young-jin (유영진), a long-time collaborator with Lee Soo-man, and reinterprets 1980s synth music with a modern touch.
Notably, Sunny, who served as the special DJ, is not only a Girls' Generation member but also Lee Soo-man's niece. She was previously an artist under SM Entertainment and is currently affiliated with A2O Entertainment, where she is involved in training new artists and production-related work. She is expected to return to the program on October 21, appearing alongside her labelmates A2O LITE, with her future activities drawing significant attention.
