If you’re an avid listener of K-Pop, it’s likely that at least one of your favorite K-Pop groups is repped by an entertainment company called SM.
The Seoul-based multinational entertainment company was founded in 1989 by business executive and record producer Lee Soo-Man, and describes itself today as “Asia’s No. 1 entertainment group.” SM represents some of the world’s current most popular K-Pop groups, including Red Velvet, Girls’ Generation, EXO, and NCT. By playing such a critical role in the international proliferation of K-Pop and South Korean culture, Lee is credited as the lead pioneer of the Korean Wave, a global phenomenon that refers to South Korean culture’s rise in popularity and influence.
The upcoming Prime Video documentary will follow the era-defining legacy of Lee and provide an intimate look into how one man both triggered and shaped a global movement that continues to make its mark in the landscape of today’s music industry.
Filmmaker Ting Poo, known for her 2021 documentary “Val” and whose editing credits include Oscar winner “Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405,” is set to direct the documentary in collaboration with NY and LA-based production company, The Machine.
In getting to chronicle the life of one of the most influential visionaries of the 21st century, Poo spoke of her enthusiasm for the project in a press release. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with the incredible teams at Prime Video and This Machine to tell [this] story,” she said. “Lee Soo-Man is a modern-day Willy Wonka whose story will resonate with dreamers everywhere.”
Brianna Oh, head of documentary features at Amazon studios, also spoke to share Poo’s excitement for the feature documentary. “We are thrilled to reunite with Ting Poo to capture Lee Soo-Man’s dynamic career and undeniable influence on K-Pop and the music industry as a whole,” Oh said.
Although the documentary’s premiere date on Prime Video has yet to be announced, the film is currently slated to stream in 240 countries and territories worldwide upon its release.
