AKMU Hints at Wanting to Leave YG Entertainment

Over the past few years, numerous artists have chosen to leave YG Entertainment despite it being one of the most popular and influential entertainment labels in the country. While many cite artistic differences on paper, fans (and sometimes the artists themselves) reveal it is truly because of the companies’ poor management and the series of scandals that surround the company.

Recently, netizens have suspected that the sibling duo AKMU (Akdong Musician) are considering leaving YG Entertainment.

AKMU’s Chanhyuk recently appeared on episode 2 of “#HOLO,” a documentary series that follows Lee Hi’s latest music release. Lee Hi is another former YG Entertainment soloist who left the company this 2020. She had met with Changhyuk to consult which company she should sign with, if she were to select one at all.

Chanhyuk’s answer surprised the viewers. He said, “I think you should wait a little and join my company when I make one.” Lee Hi revealed that Chanhyuk has been telling her that for two years.

Chanhyuk went on to say that he has a dream in mind for Lee Hi. He dreams of being a producer for Lee Hi and producing music for her that would chart on the Billboard. For now, however, he had advised her to not pursue the mainstream style of music as it didn’t suit her. He believes Lee Hi should pursue the music she wants to, even if it means it would not be well-received.

AKMU debuted in 2014 under YG Entertainment following their appearance on SBS’ “K-pop Star 2.” Their debut album, “Play,” was a commercial success and was awarded the Best Pop Album award in the 12 Korean Music Awards. They are often hailed as “digital monsters”, as their softs often rank high on the digital charts.

Despite their success, however, many believe they have been poorly managed by YG Entertainment. They have been active in the industry for six years but had only released three studio albums, one mini-album, and one single. When Chanhyuk enlisted for the army, he had composed and produced numerous songs for his sister Suhyun so she could promote as a soloist. From his enlistment to his discharge, Suhyun did not promote as a soloist and did not promote any new music.

The last song the released was in September 2019 titled “How can I love the heartbreak, you’re the one I love”. Despite the hiatus, the two show no signs of a comeback. With the conversation Chanhyuk had with Lee Hi, fans believe that they will be leaving YG Entertainment once their contract expires in nine months. Many netizens and fans support the duo’s speculated departure, as they believe YG Entertainment had been wasting their talents and letting them rot in the dungeon.

Lee Hi debuted with YG Entertainment back in 2012 after winning runner-up on SBS “K-pop Star Season 1”. Her debut song “1, 2, 3, 4” was a digital success, but she achieved her breakthrough in 2016 with “Breathe”. 

On January 2019, she released “No On (featuring B.I)”, which topped the charts and earned the idol her first music show win. Despite the success, she did not have a comeback for the rest of the year. On December 2019, her seven year contract with YG Entertainment expired and she left the company. She is now part of the JTBC show “Begin Again”.