Countdown begins for K-pop pioneer Lee Soo-man's return to Korea

Lee Soo-man, one of the first to introduce K-pop overseas, may be preparing for a return to Korea’s music scene next year as hemakes more public appearances as a visionary and producer, delivering speeches on the future of K-pop in Seoul and promoting hisChinese girl group “A20 May” globally. Lee, founder of SM Entertainment, reportedly agreed to a three-year domestic musicproducing ban when he sold his entire 14.8 percent stake in the K-pop powerhouse to Hybe for 422.8 billion won ($290 mill