After two decades away from music production, Lee Sang Min, one of Korea’s most legendary producers and entertainers, is officially returning to his roots.
On October 24, a teaser for the new YouTube reality project “Producer Lee Sang Min” was released, confirming that he will be making his first comeback as a K-pop producer in 20 years.
The project is not just another show—it’s a full-scale music journey chronicling Lee’s comeback from financial hardship to artistic rebirth.
Viewers will witness his hands-on process of discovering, mentoring, and producing a brand-new co-ed idol group, marking his return to the creative spotlight where he first made history.
From Roo’ra to Legendary Producer
Lee Sang Min first made his debut in 1994 as a member of the co-ed dance group Roo’ra, which became one of the defining acts of the 1990s Korean music scene.
Roo’ra’s vibrant sound and bold stage presence cemented their legacy, and Lee quickly gained recognition not only as a performer but as a visionary music producer.
During the late 1990s, he helped launch and produce hit K-pop acts such as Diva, Chakra, Sharp, and Country Kko Kko.
His name became synonymous with catchy hits and creative group concepts, making him one of the most influential hitmakers of his generation.
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However, by the early 2000s, Lee’s career took a dramatic turn when he was forced to halt his activities due to massive debt and financial controversies.
The incident pushed him out of the industry for years, leaving behind an unfinished legacy.
A Decade of Struggle and a New Beginning
Following his hiatus, Lee reemerged in 2012 through Mnet’s mockumentary-style show “God of Music”, where he showcased his humor and musical insight.
Over the next decade, he became a beloved television personality, appearing on variety programs such as tvN’s “The Genius,” SBS’s “My Little Old Boy,” and “Dolsing Fourmen.”
His charm, wit, and self-deprecating humor earned him the affection of audiences, but fans of classic K-pop always hoped he would someday return to music production.
Now, with his debts finally cleared and his passion reignited, Lee Sang Min is ready to create again. In the teaser for his new show, he confessed:
“From 1994, I worked nonstop as both a group leader and producer for about eight to nine years.
I didn’t have a single minute of leisure in my life, and during that time, I created several teams. I’m finally ready to do it again—with a clearer heart.”
Redefining the Future of K-Pop
What makes Lee Sang Min’s new project especially exciting is his decision to form a co-ed group—a rarity in today’s idol industry.
He believes that modern K-pop audiences have moved beyond traditional gender divisions in fandoms.
He explained:
“These days, fandoms are no longer divided by gender. Fans can love one team together, so I realized there’s no need to separate male and female groups anymore.”
Lee also expressed admiration for Teddy’s co-ed project ALLDAY PROJECT, noting that it inspired his decision to bring back the co-ed concept that once defined his career in the 1990s.
Despite his long absence from the producer’s chair, Lee remains confident in his instincts. In one candid moment from the teaser, a listener praised his new track, saying,
“This sounds like a Billboard hit.”
Lee smiled and replied,
“My instincts are still alive.”
Behind the Scenes of ‘Producer Lee Sang Min’
The YouTube reality series “Producer Lee Sang Min” promises an unfiltered look at what it takes to create a K-pop group from the ground up.
Viewers will follow Lee as he scouts talent, conducts auditions, holds creative meetings, and develops new music in real time.
The show’s production quality is also noteworthy. It is co-produced by global content studio Kapes Planet, a rising powerhouse in digital entertainment.
The studio is led by PD Yoo Chi Kok, the acclaimed producer behind iconic Korean shows such as Mnet’s “Superstar K,” “Show Me the Money,” and “No Mercy,” the survival show that launched MONSTA X.
Kapes Planet is also known for creating global digital platforms like Dingo and Hello82, both of which helped internationalize K-pop content.
Recently, the studio partnered with Lee Jung Jae’s Actor’s Studio and UK-based Imaginarium to co-develop the upcoming K-pop film “Secret Idol.”
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With such an impressive production team and Lee Sang Min’s creative genius, the project is expected to deliver both nostalgia and innovation.
A New Chapter Begins
For Lee Sang Min, this comeback is more than a professional revival—it’s a deeply personal victory.
After decades of public and private struggles, he is returning to the stage not as an entertainer but as a mentor and creator, eager to inspire a new generation of artists.
Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see whether he can recreate the magic that once made him a driving force in K-pop’s early days.
The “Producer Lee Sang Min” YouTube series will continue rolling out teasers and new episodes sequentially starting this week, inviting fans worldwide to witness his long-awaited return to music.
With his signature creativity, sharp instincts, and renewed passion, Lee Sang Min’s comeback might just mark the beginning of a new era in co-ed K-pop—one that bridges the golden age of the past with the global stage of the future.
