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South Korean sibling duo AKMU has officially announced the launch of their own independent agency, marking a significant new chapter after more than a decade under YG Entertainment. The move ends a 12-year partnership that began when the duo first rose to prominence as teenagers.
The announcement was made through Weverse, where AKMU confirmed that their contract with YG Entertainment will formally conclude on January 27. Their newly established agency, named “Fountain of Inspiration“, will oversee their future musical and artistic activities. Both parties emphasized that the separation was amicable and rooted in mutual respect.
SOURCE: https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/108/0003401580
AKMU, consisting of siblings Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun, debuted in 2014 after winning SBS’s “Superstar K6″ in 2012. Over the years, they built a reputation for introspective songwriting, genre versatility, and emotional authenticity. Songs such as “200%,” “How can I love the heartbreak,” and tracks from their 2024 album “Summer Episode” helped define AKMU as one of YG Entertainment’s most distinctive non-idol acts.
Industry observers note that AKMU’s transition reflects a broader trend of established artists seeking creative autonomy after long-term label relationships. By forming their own agency, the duo is expected to gain greater control over music production, visual concepts, and cross-disciplinary projects.
Fans responded positively to the news, highlighting the symbolic meaning behind the agency’s name. “Fountain of Inspiration” appears to reference Lee Chan-hyuk’s previous involvement in visual art exhibitions, reinforcing AKMU’s identity as artists beyond conventional pop boundaries.
YG Entertainment also issued a statement expressing gratitude for the duo’s contributions and wishing them success in their future endeavors. As AKMU prepares for this independent era, anticipation is growing around how their sound and storytelling may evolve under full creative ownership.
The transition signals not an ending, but a carefully chosen new beginning for one of Korea’s most respected musical acts.
