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Lee Soo-man’s Company Nears Launch of AI Fan Platform ‘Blooming Talk’… Will It Shake Up HYBE and SM?

[비즈한국] SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man is signaling a new wave in the idol ecosystem. It has been confirmed that 'Blooming Grace,' a company established by former SM executive producer Lee Soo-man, is nearing the launch of its self-developed global fan communication platform, 'Blooming Talk.'

According to BizHankook's coverage, Blooming Grace is preparing for the official launch of 'Blooming Talk.' 'Blooming Talk' is a messenger platform designed for communication between artists and fans, developed based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The company plans to launch it simultaneously in the global market, including South Korea.

Trademark applications have also been completed ahead of the launch. On June 13, Blooming Grace filed for the 'Blooming Talk' trademark in classes 09, 38, 42, and 45. The designated goods include items necessary for building a fan platform, such as computer software for messengers, online chat service provision, internet platform software for operating content based on metaverse and blockchain technology, and software development for social networking services.

Changes are expected in the idol fan platform market. Currently, the leading fan communication platforms are 'Weverse,' operated by HYBE352820 subsidiary Weverse Company, and 'Bubble,' operated by SM subsidiary DearU376300. Both platforms are designed for idols and fans to exchange private messages and consume various content. In particular, Weverse sells albums, merchandise, and concert tickets through 'Weverse Shop.' With the addition of Lee Soo-man's 'Blooming Talk,' the competitive landscape of the fan platform market is expected to shift.

Unlike existing platforms, Blooming Talk is a global platform built on AI technology. Starting with Blooming Talk, Blooming Grace is expected to expand its reach into AI-based industries. On July 2, Blooming Grace filed a trademark for 'MAYnia,' named after 'A2O MAY,' an idol group under A2O Entertainment. The designated goods include 'downloadable digital music files authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs)' and 'downloadable blockchain-based entertainment.' On August 23 of last year, the company also added investments in new technologies and the provision of information and services to its corporate business objectives.

Former executive producer Lee Soo-man shared his thoughts on AI at the '2024 CISAC General Assembly' on May 30 last year. At the time, Lee stated, "I think that in the near future, it could develop into humanity's best friend and lover. I am confident that the fusion of K-pop and AI will greatly contribute to K-pop communicating with fans around the world," adding, "It is the convergence of culture and technology that I have been talking about for a long time, and it heralds a longer, broader, and all-encompassing encounter with fans. A direct, all-encompassing encounter. It is demonstrating amazing capabilities in music composition and image creation."

Blooming Grace is a private company established by Lee Soo-man after he stepped down as SM's executive producer. Lee resigned from his position as CEO on December 31 last year and remains an internal director. His nephew Lee Jin-kyu and Seo Hyung-jun are currently serving as co-CEOs of Blooming Grace.

Based on the 'A2O Entertainment' trademark filed by Blooming Grace, former executive producer Lee Soo-man has established A2O Entertainment in the United States. On December 20 last year, 'A2O MAY,' the company's first girl group, made its debut.