AKMU leaves YG after 12 years, decision to go independent causes shock in Kpop music industry

After 12 years together, the duo AKMU officially left YG Entertainment and established their own company with their long-time manager. This received special attention from the public as AKMU has been YG's main and most stable artist for many years.

AKMU's departure from YG Entertainment after more than a decade of association has created one of the most notable news in Kpop at the end of the year. The brother duo Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun, always considered talented and unique young artists of YG, decided not to renew their contracts when the exclusive agreement ended at the end of December. Instead, they will establish their own company and manage their activities in the new period.

AKMU debuted under YG in 2014 after winning Kpop Star 2. During their 12 years of activity, they have rarely been involved in controversies, always maintaining a clean image and unique musical style. What surprised the audience was that the duo renewed their contract in 2021 for up to seven years, showing a deep trust between them and the company.

However, according to inside sources, the two have been considering a new step for months now. They and their close manager – who has accompanied AKMU in most of their projects – plan to establish their own company instead of looking for another place to stay. This move shows a strong desire to be more creative, experimental and shape their own unique style.

A meeting between AKMU and YG founder Yang Hyun Suk was also revealed, in which Yang Hyun Suk fully supported their decision. He believed that the new environment would help the duo develop more strongly, freely expressing their own musical personalities. Shortly after, YG made an official announcement, confirming AKMU's departure and affirming that the relationship between the two sides was still good.

YG said, "We have always been proud to see AKMU grow with a pure passion for music. Even though they are leaving, AKMU is still a part of the YG family and we will always support them in the future." As for AKMU, the two artists also sent their deep thanks to Yang Hyun Suk and expressed that they always consider YG as the place that created the foundation for them today.

AKMU's departure continues the long list of major artists leaving YG in the past two years, following G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, and four members of Blackpink. This has many people worried about the future of the company as the number of key artists is decreasing. However, for the majority of the audience, AKMU's decision to go independent is reasonable and has received strong support. Many believe that the duo's unique musical thinking and composing ability will be maximized when no longer limited by the company's framework.

Throughout their career, AKMU has established a solid position with a series of hits such as 200%, Give Love, How Can I Love the Heartbreak,... with an unmistakable musical style. The establishment of their own company marked an important turning point, opening a new chapter where they can have full control over all creative activities.

Starting in 2026, fans expect AKMU to return with freer, bolder, and more personal musical projects. The decision to leave YG is not just the end of a phase, but also the beginning of a promising journey of growth for this talented duo.