AKMU Leaves YG After 12 Years of Collaboration — Yang Hyun-suk Gives His Blessing: “They Will Always Be Family”

According to Korean media reports, popular sibling duo AKMU (Akdong Musician) will part ways with YG Entertainment after their exclusive 12-year contract expires at the end of December. Rather than signing with another agency, the duo plans to establish their own independent label with the support of their longtime manager, officially ending their long-standing partnership with YG.

Xportsnews revealed that after months of discussion, AKMU decided to embark on a new chapter. A few months ago, Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun met with YG’s chief producer Yang Hyun-suk over dinner, where they naturally touched on their future direction. According to insiders, Yang felt that a new environment would help AKMU grow even further and wholeheartedly supported their independence.

Debuting under YG in 2014 after winning K-pop Star 2, and renewing their contract for five years in 2021, AKMU has worked with YG for nearly 12 years. They have released numerous hits such as How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love, NAKKA, DINOSAUR, 200%, and Last Goodbye, cementing their status as one of Korea’s most influential musical duos.

Their decision to go independent is widely seen as a move toward greater creative freedom and artistic autonomy. AKMU is currently discussing details of their new independent label with their longtime team and is expected to maintain their original staff structure. They are also considering more intimate formats, such as small-theater concerts, for future performances.

YG Entertainment officially announced their departure on the 21st, stating that the two sides honestly discussed the possibility of continuing or parting ways during a “family meeting” six months ago. AKMU ultimately chose to pursue a new path. YG further revealed that the siblings wrote Yang Hyun-suk a handwritten letter and presented him with a farewell gift, saying, “We will always be YG Family.”

YG emphasized that AKMU will always be considered family and that the company will continue to support their endeavors, asking fans to show continued love and encouragement.

AKMU’s departure marks another heavy blow to YG, which has already seen major groups like BIGBANG and iKON leave in recent years. With AKMU gone, YG’s core lineup now consists mainly of BLACKPINK, BABYMONSTER, and TREASURE, raising concerns about the company’s future stability.