Ageless Lee Soo-man Duets With Sooyoung: Is It 2007 Again?

Lee Soo-man, the founder and former executive producer of SM Entertainment, and Girls' Generation member Sooyoung have been captured on video singing "Into the New World" together, 19 years after the song's release. The clip drew attention both for the unexpected reunion and for the 74-year-old producer's youthful appearance.

The video recently spread across X, formerly Twitter, and other online communities. It shows Sooyoung handing the microphone to Lee as the two sing Girls' Generation's debut song together. Lee smiles and joins her for the next line.

"How does a video of Choi Sooyoung singing 'Into the New World' with Lee Soo-man even exist in 2026?" the user who posted the clip wrote.

"Into the New World" was released in Aug. 2007 as Girls' Generation's first single and debut track. Sooyoung debuted with the group that year and ended her exclusive contract with SM Entertainment in 2017. She has since continued her career as both an actress and a singer.

Lee left SM Entertainment in 2023 following a dispute over control of the company. Now pursuing separate careers outside the agency, Lee and Sooyoung reunited through the song that marked Girls' Generation's beginning.

Lee's appearance also became a talking point. Online comments included, "He doesn't age," "How does he manage to look like that?" "He looks exactly the same as he did during the 'Into the New World' era" and "He could pass for someone in his 50s."

Lee founded SM Entertainment in 1995 and served as its executive producer for decades. He played a central role in developing a long list of acts, including H.O.T., S.E.S., Shinhwa, Fly to the Sky, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT and aespa.

After leaving SM Entertainment, Lee founded A2O Entertainment and returned to idol production. In Dec. 2024, the company debuted A2O MAY, a five-member global girl group made up of members of Chinese descent.