Bite Review: A2O Lite’s “Neon” Recaptures the Essence of 2010s K-pop

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In today’s K-pop landscape where shorter and hook-heavy songs designed for viral TikTok moments are the norm, A2O Lite × About group A2O LITE A2O LITE is a nine-member multinational girl group under A2O Entertainment. The group consists of YOUNG, OA, AYUNE, AIJING, HIMEKI, RADA, XILI, VORA, and MERCI. A2O LITE released their debut single NEON on October 13, 2026. The members come from several countries, including Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Tap again to view profile → Close relieves this fatigue with “Neon”. Like a breath of fresh air, “Neon” showcases what former SM Entertainment and current A2O founder, Lee Sooman, does best: standing out.

One way to describe “Neon” is visionary yet nostalgic. Doesn’t this draw a similarity to a certain Neo-coded group? Of course, that’s no coincidence. Having conceived NCT × About group NCT NCT is a South Korean boy group formed by SM Entertainment with a unique multi-unit concept. There are 6 units within NCT; NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, WayV, NCT U, NCT DOJAEJUNG. Tap again to view profile → Close , it’s no surprise that Lee Sooman wants to recreate a tried-and-tested formula with his own nine-member girl group. Hand in hand with former SM director Yoo Youngjin, the genius behind hits like “Sorry, Sorry”, “Lucifer”, and “The Boys”, much of the familiar SM sound is injected into “Neon”. 

“Neon” evokes the energy of Girls’ Generation × About group Girls’ Generation Girls’ Generation, also known as SNSD, is a legendary South Korean girl group that debuted in 2007. They are widely credited with shaping the global rise of K-pop and remain active through group and individual projects. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s “The Boys”, the hypnotism of Shinee’s “Lucifer,” and the experimental sounds that defined f(x) throughout the 2010s. There are also shades of NCT Dream’s “Ridin’” and Aespa × About group aespa aespa is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment, consisting of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. Since their debut in 2020, aespa has gained international recognition for their innovative concept that combines music, storytelling, and virtual avatars, creating a unique identity within the K-pop industry. Known for their powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and futuristic sound, the group has consistently topped charts and attracted a growing global fanbase. With hit songs such as “Black Mamba,” “Next Level,” “Savage,” “Spicy,” and “Supernova,” aespa has established itself as one of the leading fourth-generation K-pop groups. Their distinctive blend of pop, electronic, and experimental music, combined with strong visual concepts and world tours, continues to expand their influence and popularity among fans around the world. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s futuristic sonic identity.

Not just that, the high notes, layered harmonies, vocals that build towards an addictive bridge, a dance break, and an underlying lore that invites listeners to look beyond the surface. It feels familiar without being entirely derivative, drawing from the sounds and concepts that helped shape SM’s musical identity in the 2010s.

What also makes “Neon” compelling is its sense of ambition. In its first lines, it declares its vision of going beyond and exceeding expectations: Neon and beyond, that’s what we on and beyond, yeah.

And later:

> We are neon and beyond, see the sparkles in our stones
>
> Light it up again a rainbow-colored flame (Neon)
>
> We are neon and beyond, see me in a different form
>
> Fly low so no one will notice (Neon)

Neon shades shine bright, standing out wherever they go. “Neon” commits to going “beyond”, to “sparkle in our stones” and take on “a different form”, hinting at their limitless potential. There’s a sense of confidence that makes listening to “Neon” a rewarding experience. It’s the kind of song that invites listeners to listen from beginning to end.

And then there’s the lore. A2O Lite’s launch, alongside their male counterpart, A2O Soul × About group A2O SOUL A2O SOUL is a 15-member multinational boy group under A2O Entertainment. The group consists of MOON, TAI, GAKU, SEE-ONE, SEOHA, SONO, LUCIEN, ZAI, AYDEN, ALURE, ZET, SORA, TEO, JUNE, and HANSUNG. On October 13, 2026, A2O SOUL released the pre-release single SUPERSTAR. The group includes members from Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Tap again to view profile → Close , is part of a shared universe, “Soulite”. With references to a “hypnotic elixir” and “see me in a different form”, A2O hint at a larger universe waiting to be explored. It shares the same world-building element as Exo × About group EXO EXO is a globally influential K-pop boy group known for powerful vocals, polished performances, and a strong legacy in modern K-pop. Since debuting in 2012, EXO has shaped the sound and visuals of an entire generation. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s Exo Planet and their superpowers, which was an integral part of the group’s early identity. 

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Of course, a great song is nothing without impressive performers to bring it to life. A2O’s performance aspect is promising, with both Aijing × Artist bio AIJING Real name: Sheng AijingPosition: MaknaeNationality: ChineseBirthday: 2013-04-24Birthplace: Beijing, China AIJING is the youngest member of A2O LITE. An energetic young performer with both athletic and dance experience. Tap again to view profile → Close and Xili × Artist bio XILI Real name: Liang XiliNationality: ChineseBirthday: 2010-11-06Birthplace: Zhejiang, China XILI is a Chinese singer and dancer in A2O LITE. Expressive and strongly interested in dance and performance. Tap again to view profile → Close , commanding attention without needing elaborate staging. The simplicity of the “Neon” MV also works in A2O Lite’s favour. Against plain backdrops, with simple styling and no distracting hair colours or elaborate sets, the focus remains where it should be: on the girls and their performance. 

“Neon” is the kind of K-pop that long-time fans have been missing. It’s not necessarily about recreating past successes, nor is it about rejecting trends. It’s about music that demands to be heard and concepts that extend beyond a catchy chorus. K-pop fans have always craved that signature SM flavour, and “Neon” delivers a taste of it.

(YouTube. Lyrics via Genius. The Korea Times. Images via A2O Entertainment.)