AKMU Ends 12-Year Run at YG, Setting Out on New Journey with Independent Company

The musicians AKMU, composed of Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun, will terminate their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, which they have been associated with since their debut, by the end of December this year. On the 21st, AKMU has decided to become independent by establishing their own company rather than joining another agency. YG Entertainment explained in an official statement that approximately six months ago, CEO Yang Hyun-suk visited the members’ homes for dinner, during which in-depth discussions took place. Yang stated that he suggested it would be a valuable experience for the group to pursue their musical activities in a new environment outside of YG’s framework. YG added, “AKMU’s only concern was the honest dilemma of whether to continue working with YG, with whom they had shared every step over the past 12 years, or to venture independently for new challenges.” The company further said it was deeply pleased to have witnessed the sibling duo grow step by step, driven solely by their passion for music. Until the very end, the AKMU members emphasized that “we will always be part of the YG family” and expressed their willingness to return whenever called upon. In 2021, when their seven-year contract expired, they opted to renew it for another five years, stating at the time that YG was a company that “steadily supported us throughout seven years without any minor conflicts or disagreements, always aligning with our vision.” Since their debut, AKMU has earned the love of music fans through numerous hit songs including “How Can I Love Even Goodbyes? I’m Loving You,” “Fall,” “DINOSAUR,” “200%,” and “Long Days and Long Nights.” With this graceful farewell to their agency with which they started out, there is growing anticipation for the music AKMU will release under their independently founded company.