Lee Soo Man, the former CEO of SM Entertainment, is conducting idol auditions in Beijing, China for talented teenagers in the region.

According to an article released by Korean media outlet TenAsia on July 10 KST, Lee Soo Man is currently staying in Beijing and is in the middle of auditioning Chinese teenagers for future idol projects. He is said to be joined by Kim Han Goo, a close aide known to be an expert of the Greater China region.

The move seems to be part of the businessman's new start. As previously reported, he has set up his own private office in Gangnam's plush Cheongdam district, not too far from where the original SM Entertainment office stood. He was also recently photographed at the Hong Kong airport with SM producer Yoo Young Jin.

In the article, a source within the music industry commented, "Lee Soo Man has been very interested in the Chinese market for a long time, and he's currently staying in Beijing."

Previously, Lee Soo Man sold his 14.8% stake in SM Entertainment to HYBE at 120,000 won per share for a total of 430 billion won and withdrew from the company. Upon his exit, he released a statement to the press alluding to his next move, saying, "I always dream. Kwangya was my newest dream. As always, I'm heading towards the future. Now, K-pop must evolve beyond K-pop into the global music that accompanies the world."