Singer Bada, a member of the group S.E.S., expressed her gratitude to former SM Entertainment Chief Producer Lee Soo-man, who paid her university tuition on her behalf during her early career.
On Friday, Bada posted a lengthy message on her social media, recalling her time with Lee in 1997.
She wrote, "It is strange. Your soul does not age," adding, "I still feel that same conviction, pure like that of a boy, both then and now."
She said, "29 years ago, I felt as if I were conversing with someone who could see the future," recalling, "The teacher accurately and meticulously described to me, an 18-year-old artist at the time, the position and vision of Korea's idols in the distant future."
Bada revealed that she had received vocal training from her father, a traditional Korean singer, before her debut. She said, "Teacher Lee Soo-man dressed me in new clothes with sophisticated music, given my healthy voice, and prepared me with pride as Korea's first female idol vocalist."
She also noted, "The teacher shared his musical insights and often asked good questions that encouraged artists to think and grow on their own," adding, "The time spent formulating those answers was actually utilized in the process of surviving as a vocalist and solo artist."
Furthermore, she expressed her respect by saying, "As time passes, it is truly a special experience to see him demonstrate the belief and conviction of that era while endlessly creating vital idol music alongside the times."
In particular, Bada said, "I once again thank Mr. Lee, who knew about my difficult family financial situation and paid my university tuition," adding, "This is something I will never forget in my lifetime."
Meanwhile, Lee sold his shares to HYBE during the 2023 SM Entertainment management rights dispute and signed a non-compete agreement not to participate in domestic record production for three years. The agreement ended last February.
Lee established A2O Entertainment, headquartered in the United States, in 2024 and continues his music production activities. In the same year, he debuted the girl group A2O Mei, composed of Chinese members. On Oct. 13, he simultaneously launched the nine-member girl group A2O Light and the 15th-member boy group A2O Soul.
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