AKMU is parting ways with YG Entertainment after 12 years, as announced on Friday. The sibling duo, Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun, chose not to renew their contract and close a long chapter that began right after they won K-Pop Star Season 2 in 2013.
On November 21, YG shared the news in a detailed press release and explained that the decision was made after months of honest talks. According to the agency, Yang Hyun Suk visited the siblings at their home about six months ago. They cooked for him, shared memories from the past decade, and talked about AKMU’s future.
YG said the duo had one main concern. They were not sure whether they should continue with the company they grew up in or step out and try something new. Yang Hyun suk encouraged them to think about independence. He told them that working outside YG could be a “good experience,” especially at this point in their careers.
It is unusual for a major agency to suggest independence to an artist as successful as AKMU.
After thinking it over, AKMU decided to take on a new challenge. They chose independence, but they did not cut ties. Both Chanhyuk and Suhyun also wrote handwritten letters to Yang Hyun-suk to thank him for supporting them since their teens. YG added
It was a great joy for us to watch the sibling duo, filled with pure passion, grow step by step. We express our deep gratitude to AKMU for giving the public amazing music and touching moments during our time together.
The agency said, “Until the very end, they said, ‘We are forever YG Family,’ and expressed that they would come running anytime we call for them.”
AKMU has been one of YG’s most unique and steady artists. They debuted in 2014 with their first full album, which included the hits “200%” and “Give Love.” Since then, they have produced songs like “Dinosaur,” “Nakka,” and many others.
YG said it was a joy to watch them grow and that they will continue to support the siblings, even after the contract has ended. The company also said it believes AKMU will continue to walk their own path with confidence.
For now, AKMU hasn’t announced a new agency. Reports say they are discussing the idea of starting their own independent label.