Korean media reported that the talented duo AKMU (brothers Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun) will end their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment at the end of December this year.
Instead of joining another company, they chose to be independent and are discussing the establishment of their own company, along with the long-time manager who has accompanied them during their time working at YG.
A source in the music industry revealed that a few months ago, Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun had a meeting to have a meal with executive producer Yang Hyun Suk.
Regarding AKMU's future operational orientation, Yang Hyun Suk is said to have supported AKMU's decision to separate as independent. He believes that freedom in a new environment will be the driving force for AKMU to develop more strongly.
Immediately afterwards, YG company issued a confirmation notice: After a lot of consideration, AKMU has decided to start a new journey.
After winning Kpop Star 2 in 2013, AKMU chose to debut under YG. The duo officially debuted with their debut album in 2014, including the title tracks 200% and Give Love, then continued to release countless hits throughout their 12-year career.
According to YG, despite saying goodbye to the company, AKMU still expressed: "We have always been YG's family. When needed, call us, we will be there immediately. The two members also sent their deep gratitude to producer Yang Hyun Suk for contributing to creating them today.
YG emphasized: Nothing can change the fact that AKMU has always been a part of the YG family. The company has always supported all of AKMU's future activities and promised to support them in any way.
AKMU's departure from YG caused a stir, as the duo is one of the company's key artists and has built a solid reputation in Korea.
On the other hand, in the past 2-3 years, a series of famous artists have decided to leave YG without renewing their contracts.
Daesung and Taeyang (Big Bang) broke up with YG after their contracts ended in December 2022. A year later, Big Bang leader G-Dragon also did not renew his contract and left YG after two decades of association.
At the end of 2023, 4 Blackpink members - Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, Lisa - only re-signed their group activities contracts, but did not renew their individual contracts with YG.
Jennie, Lisa and Jisoo later founded their own company, while Rose joined Teddy's The Black Label to develop her solo career.
In addition to Blackpink's joint activities, YG currently has almost only 3 active groups: Baby Monster, Treasure and Winner. But Winner's schedule is very limited.
Fans are worried about YG's future as the company's most famous artists have left one by one. Earlier this year, YG also closed its cast management department to focus on music, but the number of their current artists is too small.
