AKMU’s Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun have begun a new chapter after ending their long partnership with YG Entertainment. On January 20, the sibling duo announced a fresh start through a notice on Weverse.
After the expiration of their exclusive contract with YG, their agency will change to “Fountain of Inspiration.” The contract transfer will take effect on January 27, 2026.
AKMU debuted under YG Entertainment in 2014 after winning SBS’s audition program K-Pop Star Season 2 in 2012 and signing with the company the following year. After 12 years together, the duo confirmed last year that they would be parting ways with YG. This marked the end of an era that produced numerous hit songs and earned them nationwide love as “the nation’s siblings.”
After their departure, rumors circulated that AKMU would establish their own one-person agency and continue working with their longtime manager. With the reveal of the agency name, their future path has now become clear.
“Fountain of Inspiration” is a name already familiar to AKMU fans, as it reflects Lee Chanhyuk’s long-running creative project. He first used the title for a free exhibition held in 2023, which focused on sharing his creative process. Lee later expanded the concept with a 2025 exhibition titled Lee Chan Hyuk: Fountain of Inspiration: The Last Drop.
According to reports, AKMU’s decision to leave YG was made amicably. It was revealed that about six months ago, Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun had a heartfelt dinner with YG founder Yang Hyun Suk, during which he encouraged them to take on new challenges outside the company. Touched by his support, the siblings decided to move forward independently.
They later expressed their gratitude by presenting Yang Hyun Suk with handwritten letters and a deep bow. Both sides emphasized that AKMU would always remain part of the “YG family.”
