According to Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service, Blooming Grace (led by former CEO Lee Sooman) applied for the trademark 'A20 Entertainment' on May 3rd.
Blooming Grace registered this trademark under various product classifications such as entertainment business, video gaming devices, advertising, real estate, downloadable media, advisory services for animal care, clothing, transportation and design services, food and beverage provision services, medical services, and legal services.
This trademark has been registered as a 'domestic trademark.' Last year, Lee Sooman promised not to engage in the domestic entertainment business for 3 years after signing contracts with HYBE and SM. However, Blooming Grace's objectives are registered as research and studies on management, economics, capital markets, real estate trading and leasing, not entertainment business.
Lee Sooman previously parted ways with SM Ent. in March last year, then he established Blooming Grace and embarked on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) project activities. Lee Sooman's decision to not establish a new domestic entertainment company and focus on ESG activities abroad is because of the 'non-compete' clause they signed with HYBE. This clause prohibits Lee Sooman from employing SM Ent. employees or signing contracts with SM Ent. artists for the next three years. This might be why Lee Sooman has shifted his focus overseas. He was reported to hold auditions in China last July.
-ㅋㅋㅋㅋ It's probably because he actually didn't want to leave SM Ent. He's someone who has only been in the entertainment busniness, so I'm not really surprised.
-This grandpa is really amazingㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-He's really amazing. It's surprising that he still wants to do something at his ageㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-It would be hilarious if he partners with Min Heejin and does something.
-Until how much longer does he want to keep starting businesses?
-Honestly, I'm looking forward to it...
-His passion makes me want to re-evaluate my life...
-He's full of energy.
-This grandpa is amazing in many ways.
-Wow, I thought he would take it easy because of his age and health.
-I'm jealous for the fact that he still works until his 70s...
-He can spend those three years training some trainees. When the clause expires, he can sign him with his entertainment company and debut them.
-It's probably not just for money, right? He just doesn't want to rest?
-Grandpa, I'll be looking forward to it!ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-It's really impressive that he still wants to do something at 70 while all his friends retire and play gold. There's a lot to learn from his overflowing enthusiasm and creativityㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Why does he keep working?
-Wow, even with plenty of money, it seems like he's built for the entertainment industry.
