A2O MAY breaks China’s hallyu ban with national music show debut
A2O MAY appears on CCTV’s China Music Top Chart in China. Courtesy of A2O Entertainment
A2O MAY, the new global girl group produced by former SM Entertainment CEO Lee Soo-man, has made a high-profile appearance on Chinese television, signaling a breakthrough in cultural exchange amid the lingering effects of the unofficial Korean Wave — or “hallyu” — ban.
The group, composed of two Chinese Americans and three Chinese members, performed its second single “BOSS” on China Central Television’s (CCTV) popular music program “China Music Top Chart” on Wednesday.
The show is resuming a new season after a yearslong hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A2O MAY’s participation is seen as a landmark moment, showcasing the group’s growing popularity in the Chinese market following their debut last December. Upon its release on April 25, “BOSS” debuted at No. 3 on the new songs chart of QQ Music, China’s largest streaming platform, and quickly rose to No. 1 for three consecutive days.
The strong chart performance led to the group’s invitation to perform on “China Music Top Chart,” which regularly features high-profile artists.
During the broadcast, the show’s host praised the group’s youth and visual appeal, highlighting the members’ ability to execute challenging choreography despite their age.
Five-member girl group A20 MAY / Courtesy of A20 Entertainment
In an interview segment, an A2O MAY member pointed to the track’s signature “jump rope dance” as a key point of the performance, adding, “It’s a move that requires tight teamwork, and we hope many people enjoy our stage.”
On the live broadcast, A2O MAY delivered a powerful performance of “BOSS,” combining dynamic movement with live vocals. The group showcased not only high-level choreography but also vocal stability, solidifying their position as rising global performers capable of commanding major international stages.
“BOSS” belongs to the group’s signature genre, Zalpha Pop — a style conceptualized by A2O Entertainment producer Lee Soo-man. Zalpha Pop reflects the spirit of a new generation through a fusion of musical and cultural expression.
With “BOSS” following their debut single “Under My Skin (A2O),” the group is steadily establishing itself as a global force.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.