On February 16, industry insiders shared that Lee Soo Man expressed his sadness over SM Entertainment's CEO, Lee Sung Soo's YouTube video statement.

According to a music industry insider, Lee Soo Man came across an article talking about the YouTube video made by Lee Sung Soo and expressed that he is heartbroken. Lee Soo Man is said to have shared, "I have watched him since he was four as the nephew of my late wife." He continued to say, "He entered SM at the age of 19 and started with the work of managing fans. He is a kind nephew who grew up in a family with his father being a pastor. This hurts my heart."

Earlier in the day, Lee Sung Soo exposed Lee Soo Man and stated the SM founder is actually envisioning a business empire with drugs and casinos. Lee Sung Soo also explained that the reason for the delay in aespa's comeback is due to Lee Soo Man's unreasonable business plans.

Although Lee Soo Man has expressed his sorrow over his nephew, he did not mention anything about the accusations raised against him.

Netizens commented, "He's sad but he doesn't deny the accusations," "His nice nephew probably really couldn't just stand and watch his crazy business plans," "He made his kind nephew become awakened," "Does he expect us to feel bad for him?" "He should listen to his kind nephew," and "He doesn't refute those claims but wants us to feel bad for him?"