Akdong Musician Releases First Full Album “FLOWERING” Since Leaving YG

The sibling duo Akdong Musician unveiled their first full album in 12 years, “FLOWERING,” at 6 p.m. on the 7th, following their departure from YG Entertainment. This new release comes seven years after their third full album, “HANGLAE,” released in 2019, with Lee Chanhyuk handling all songwriting, composition, and production to demonstrate musical autonomy.

“FLOWERING” features a total of 11 tracks, including the title track “Joy, Sadness, Beautiful Heart” and the pre-release single “Rumored Paradise.” The title track delivers a soothing yet deeply resonant experience, with lyrics that begin phrases such as “It’s a beautiful heart that brings sadness after joy” and “Hold it close instead of pushing it away / It will turn into a very pretty stone.” Other tracks on the album include “Spring Color,” “Get Rid of Insects,” “Sunlight Bless You,” “Tent,” “Young Couple,” “The Right Person,” “Elegant Breakfast,” “Festival of Refugees,” and “Stain.”

Their agency, Younggam’s Samter, described this album as a work that encapsulates the musical expertise and evolution Akdong Musician has built over time. The album description on music platforms like Melon refers to the new release as “FLOWERING, the destination reached after ‘HANGLAE,’” stating that “the two members (Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun) fully blossomed their individual strengths and preferences discovered throughout their long ‘journey’ in the fourth full album, ‘FLOWERING.’” It also adds that it represents “a paradise no longer lonely, created alongside colleagues who have gathered over time,” expressing hope that “everyone who has grown alongside them can happily welcome ‘FLOWERING.’”

Debuting in 2013 after winning SBS’ “K-pop Star Season 2,” Akdong Musician has gained popularity through emotionally resonant songs such as “Long Days and Long Nights,” “How Could I Love Even Goodbye? I’m Loving You,” “Fall,” and “Hura’s Dream.” This fourth full album marks a new chapter in their musical journey since stepping out on their own.