A forthcoming Amazon Prime Video documentary spotlighting SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo Man has ignited significant controversy ahead of its May 13 release. Titled Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop, the film has drawn sharp criticism from fans and observers after the release of its first trailer on April 29.
The documentary aims to explore Lee Soo Man’s pivotal role in shaping the modern K-pop industry, charting his influence from founding SM Entertainment to popularizing the idol trainee system that has since become standard across Korea’s entertainment landscape. While his contributions are widely acknowledged, his career has also been shadowed by longstanding debates over power, control, and the darker aspects of the industry.
The trailer features interviews with idols and insiders who have worked with or been influenced by Lee, portraying him as both a visionary and a controversial figure. It also touches on issues often dubbed by Western media as “the dark side of K-pop,” including the intense pressure placed on idols.
But one moment in particular has sparked widespread outrage: the inclusion of footage from the 2017 funeral of SHINee member Jonghyun, who died by suicide after struggling with depression. Viewers were quick to condemn the use of this deeply personal and painful event in a documentary that many believe centers Lee Soo Man’s narrative rather than Jonghyun’s.
Fans and critics have accused the filmmakers of exploiting a tragic moment for emotional impact, especially given Jonghyun’s outspoken stance on mental health and the harsh realities of idol life. Many feel the footage reduces his complex legacy to a fleeting symbol in a broader narrative that lacks the proper context or sensitivity.
Social media platforms have since been flooded with backlash, with fans demanding accountability and questioning the documentary’s ethical boundaries. Concerns have also resurfaced about Lee Soo Man’s past, including allegations of mismanagement and perpetuating harmful industry norms.
Particularly upsetting to many is the way the trailer juxtaposes funeral footage with commentary on industry criticism, a move perceived as both dismissive and manipulative. Viewers say the scene trivializes not only Jonghyun’s legacy but also the broader mental health struggles faced by many K-pop artists.
As of now, neither Amazon Prime Video nor the production team behind the documentary has issued a response to the mounting criticism. The backlash has renewed public discussion around responsible storytelling, especially when dealing with grief, mental health, and real-life tragedies within the entertainment world.
It remains uncertain whether the filmmakers will alter the documentary before its release—but the controversy has already cast a long shadow over what was intended to be a tribute to one of K-pop’s most influential architects.
