He Left SM for This Girl Group—Now They’re on Stage with Doja Cat

Lee Soo-man, the legendary former head of SM Entertainment, has officially launched his new global girl group A2O MAY, and they’re already turning heads worldwide. The five-member act—CHENYU, SHIJIE, QUCHANG, MICHE, and KAT—recently made a historic debut on the U.S. stage, becoming the first Chinese girl group ever to be officially invited to perform at Wango Tango, one of America’s largest and most prestigious music festivals.

Held on May 10 (local time) in Huntington Beach, California, the 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango Festival, hosted by iHeartRadio, featured a massive lineup that included global icons such as Doja Cat, Meghan Trainor, and David Guetta. A2O MAY’s invitation marked a major milestone—not just for the group, but for Asian artists seeking a breakthrough in the Western market.

A Show-Stopping U.S. Debut with “Zalpha Pop”

Taking the stage, A2O MAY performed their original songs “Under My Skin (A2O)” and “BOSS,” delivering both live vocals and high-energy choreography. Their genre, dubbed Zalpha Pop—a unique blend of Gen Z boldness with Alpha-level innovation—instantly captivated the crowd. The group’s stage presence, power-packed vocals, and dazzling visuals left a lasting impression.

During the performance, the members addressed the crowd in fluent English, saying:

“Some of you might be hearing A2O MAY for the first time… but this is just the beginning. Stay tuned.”

Global Media Spotlight & Doja Cat Moment

Popular KIIS FM DJ JoJo, who had previously interviewed the group via Zoom, introduced A2O MAY on stage with enthusiasm, saying:

“They’re full of energy and stories. Their performance is truly next-level, and I’m excited to be part of their journey.”

JoJo also confirmed A2O MAY will soon appear on “iHeart Kpop with JoJo” and other U.S. radio platforms, signaling the group’s official expansion into the global music market.

Backstage, the group shared a candid moment with Doja Cat, snapping photos and chatting with the pop superstar. Their lighthearted reunion with JoJo also included an impromptu interview, showing their charm both on and off stage.

Lee Soo-man’s Global Vision

A2O MAY is the flagship act of A2O Entertainment, led by visionary producer and SM Entertainment Founder, Lee Soo-man, who shared his ambitions:

“A2O MAY is a strong contender for the No.1 global girl group. I believe the next true global superstar will rise from Asia. Please continue supporting A2O MAY on their journey.”

What’s Next?

Following their explosive Wango Tango debut, A2O MAY plans to release more Zalpha Pop hits and expand their promotions across key global markets. This performance marked not only their official U.S. debut but the beginning of what could be a transformative rise in K-pop and C-pop crossover history.

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