At the end of last year, Lee Soo Man former chairman of SM Entertainment surprised the industry by launching a new girl group under his company A20 Entertainment. The group, A2O MAY, is made up of five members: Zhū Chényǔ (Chenyu), Lǐ Shījié (Shijie), Qǔ Chàng (Quchang), and twin sisters Chén Jiāyí (Miche) and Chén Jiāchén (Kat).
This debut marked Lee Soo Man’s first project since leaving SM after an internal power struggle, signaling both his return and a bold new direction.
Rising Impact in China
A2O MAY’s debut track Under My Skin drew attention for its resemblance to DBSK’s iconic hit Mirotic, sparking debate but also cementing the group’s visibility in China’s music scene. While still relatively unknown among K-pop fans, the group has been strategically aimed at the Chinese and global markets.
Their August comeback with B.B.B (Bigger Badder Better), featuring A2O LTG, quickly went viral, amassing more than 11 million views on YouTube and spreading across TikTok.
Zhū Chényǔ: The Voice Everyone Remembers
Much of the buzz comes down to one member — Zhū Chényǔ, the group’s youngest star. At just 17 years old, she has stunned audiences with a voice so deep and distinctive that many describe it as unmatched in the industry.
Her verse in B.B.B has become one of the most replayed clips online, with fans admitting they’ve looped her part hundreds of times. Her tone — rich, heavy, and bordering on a male vocal register — stands out even among idols with lower voices such as Yuqi (i-dle), J (STAYC), Moonbyul (MAMAMOO), Liu Yuhan, and Zhao Xiaodong. Netizens even joke that if you close your eyes, you might mistake her for a male singer.
Born in 2008, Zhū Chényǔ also commands attention with her striking visuals. Standing at 173 cm, she has sharp yet harmonious features that fit Chinese beauty ideals, along with a toned figure that allows her to pull off any style. Though A2O MAY does not assign official positions, she has naturally emerged as a standout performer — excelling in rap, dance, and stage presence.
Lee Soo Man & Sunny’s Influence
Industry watchers praise Lee Soo Man’s sharp eye for talent, calling Zhū Chényǔ proof that his knack for discovering extraordinary voices remains as sharp as ever.
Supporting him is Sunny (SNSD), Lee Soo Man’s niece, who now works behind the scenes at A20 Entertainment. With nearly two decades of experience as an idol, she oversees training systems, mental health programs, choreography, styling, and creative direction, providing the next generation of idols with insider knowledge and guidance.
B.B.B (Bigger, Badder, Better) is a bold Zalpha Pop anthem — blending nostalgia with futuristic flair — that sends a message of confidence and individuality. The collaboration with rookie group A2O LTG adds a symbolic “passing of the torch” between artists.
With Zhū Chényǔ’s one-of-a-kind voice and Lee Soo Man’s proven track record, A2O MAY is positioning itself not just as a domestic act, but as a global contender in the next wave of Asian pop.
Sources: K14
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