[talk] Akdong Musician to Part Ways with YG after 12 Years

This is YG Entertainment.

About six months ago, executive producer Yang Hyun-suk visited the home of AKMU members Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun and had dinner with them.

It was a time for the members to share fun stories from the past 12 years, starting with their first meeting on the 2012 audition program "K-Pop Star Season 2," while enjoying food they prepared themselves. They also shared honest stories about AKMU's current concerns.

AKMU's only concern was whether to continue with YG, with whom they had been through thick and thin for the past 12 years, or to go independent and take on a new challenge.

Director Yang encouraged the members by telling them that it would be a good experience for AKMU to leave YG and pursue music in a new environment, as they were struggling to decide between two choices, and expressed his sincere intention to support them from behind the scenes.

This is because Director Yang, better than anyone else, understood AKMU's tendency and struggles to always take on new challenges. Thanks to Director Yang's support and warm encouragement, AKMU, after much deliberation, decided to take on this new challenge.

AKMU, the winners of "K-Pop Star Season 2" in 2013, chose YG Entertainment as their agency. Since releasing their first full-length album in 2014, featuring the title tracks "200%" and "Give Love," they have gone on to release numerous hit songs over the past 12 years, earning the public's affection as a true brother-sister duo.

It has been a great joy for us to witness the sibling duo, brimming with pure musical passion, grow step by step. We extend our deepest gratitude to AKMU for giving the public such amazing music and inspiring moments during our time together.

The AKMU members expressed their determination to run to him whenever he called, saying, "We are forever YG family," until the very end. They also each delivered a heartfelt handwritten letter to CEO Yang, who helped raise them, and bowed deeply to express their gratitude.

Just as AKMU sincerely embraces their family, YG remains steadfast in its commitment to them. We wholeheartedly support their new endeavors and will always provide active support should they need it. We ask for your continued interest and warm support as AKMU embarks on a new journey.

I'm also really looking forward to the music AKMU will show us after leaving YG😊