S.M. Ent. CEO Makes Multiple Attempts to Recruit Bada as a Lead Vocalist

Aug 4, 2017

Recently, at an online community a post called 'S.M. Idol who was persuaded by Lee Soo-man to become a singer' went viral.

According to the post, former S.E.S. member Bada had a hardship when she was little. Due to her father's illness, she was considering about giving up on transitioning into high school. 
Despite her difficult environment, her parents supported her with education, thus she was able to attend Anyang Arts High School.

As Anyang Arts High School is known to be a home to many celebrities, Bada became an attentive student, and attended school in order to achieve her dream―musical actress.  

In 1996, when Bada was only a sophomore in high school she was chosen to sing Jang Hye-jin's 'New Arrangement' at her school's festival. S.M. Entertainment's founder Lee Soo-man was also at the festival.
 
After hearing Bada's song, Lee Soo-man was shocked by her singing talent, and wanted to recruit her as a lead vocalist in a new K-pop girl group called S.E.S. However, she refused his offer by telling him, "My dream is becoming a real singer, not an idol". But Lee Soo-man didn't give up. He made several attempts to recruit her. 

After making multiple attempts, Lee Soo-man finally persuaded her by telling that, "I'll promise you that I will help you with music career" and granting her with full-scholarship for her college.

In 1997, after Lee Soo-man's painstaking effort, Bada finally makes a debut stage with Eugene and Shoo in a girl group called S.E.S.

(Credit = 'bada0228' Instagram, Online Community)

(SBS Star)