AKMU Leaves YG Entertainment After 12 Years for Independent Activities
Nov 21, 2025
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YG Entertainment (YG) officially announced the news of the independence of Akmu Lee Chan-hyuk and Soohyun Lee on the 21st.
YG Entertainment said on the 21st, "About six months ago, Executive Producer Yang Hyun-suk visited the house where AKMU members Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Soo-hyun live and had dinner together." "AKMU's only concern was whether to continue with YG, which has been in the company for the past 12 years, or to become independent for a new challenge." he explained.
Director Yang then encouraged the members by expressing his opinion that it would be a good experience to try music activities in a new environment out of YG's arms to Akmu, who was struggling at the crossroads of two choices, and expressed his sincere intention to support them from behind," he added. "Thanks to the encouragement, AKMU decided to try a new path after much consideration..." he said.
Akmu first appeared on the audition program 'K-Pop Star Season 2" in 2012. After winning in 2013, he signed a contract with YG and released his first full-length album in 2014, receiving great love for his hits such as '200%' and 'Give Love'.
The two members directly sent a handwritten letter and a big bow to Yang Hyun-seok, saying, "We are the YG family forever. If you call me anytime, I'll run to you," he expressed his appreciation. YG also supports AKMU's new challenge, and if there is any need, I will spare no support" he said.
Next is the full text of YG Entertainment's entrance
YG Entertainment.
About six months ago, executive producer Yang Hyun-suk visited the house where AKMU members Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Soo-hyun live and had dinner together.
It was a time to share pleasant stories over the past 12 years since we first met on the audition program 'K-pop Star Season 2' in 2012. In addition, we talked honestly about what AKMU is currently worried about.
AKMU's only concern was honestly about whether to continue with YG, which has been in the company of the past 12 years, or whether to become independent for a new challenge.
Director Yang encouraged the members by expressing his opinion to AKMU, who was struggling at the crossroads of two choices, that it would be a good experience to get out of YG's arms and perform music in a new environment, and expressed his sincere intention to support them from behind.
This is because Yang was more aware of AKMU's tendency and concerns to always challenge new paths. Thanks to Yang's support and warm encouragement, AKMU decided to try a new path after much consideration
AKMU, which became the winner of 'K-pop Star Season 2" in 2013, chose YG as its agency at the time. Since releasing their first full-length album with title songs '200%' and 'Give Love' in 2014, they have been loved by the public as a brother-sister duo in name and reality with numerous hits over the past 12 years.
It was also a great pleasure for us to watch the brother-sister duo, who were full of pure music passion, grow step by step. I would like to express my deep gratitude to AKMU for presenting amazing music and emotion to the public during our time together.
AKMU members expressed their intention to run to the end whenever they call us, saying 'We are forever YG Family'. In addition, the members each delivered a heartfelt handwritten letter to the general manager Yang, who raised them, and expressed their gratitude with a big bow.
Like AKMU's sincere heart, the fact that they are family remains the same for YG. I sincerely support their new challenge, and I will actively support them whenever I need anything. Please show a lot of interest and warm support to AKMU, who is on the new starting line.
yaqqol@sportschosun.com
