AKMU

Pre-debut: Early life and K-pop Star 2

Lee Chan-hyuk (born September 12, 1996) and Lee Su-hyun (born May 4, 1999) lived with their missionary parents in Mongolia for five years before returning to South Korea to pursue a career in music.^[4] Living an impoverished life, they were home-schooled, unable to afford education;^[5] detesting the idea of studying, they turned to music out of sheer boredom,^[6] learning to play the guitar and piano, respectively.^[7] Lee Su-hyun, the younger sister, abruptly returned to Korea for a short stay to resolve visa problems; her brother soon followed, deciding to stay.^[7] The siblings, under the name Akdong Musician, joined Proteurment, an intercollegiate association that supports amateur artists, after they were discovered on YouTube,^[8] and performed on stages with an original song titled "Galaxy".^{[9][unreliable source?]}

In August 2012, the duo participated in the preliminary auditions of K-pop Star 2 (2012–2013) at Jamsil Arena in Seoul.^[10] Eligible to perform in the first round, they sang a cover of Miss A's "Breathe" and an original song titled "Don't Cross Your Legs",^[11] an instant audience favorite.^[12] Amidst the panel of judges, Park Jin-young praised the chemistry between the siblings and the techniques they had incorporated in their performances; BoA praised the lyrics of their original song; Yang Hyun-suk described them as "true artists".^[11] Crowned as the winners of the competition, Akdong Musician received a cash prize of ₩300 million ($260,000), a Renault Samsung sedan,^[13] and the freedom to sign a contract with one of the three largest entertainment agencies in the country: S.M. Entertainment, YG Entertainment, or JYP Entertainment.^[14] Following almost two months of contemplation,^[12] the siblings signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, believing it was the best place to support their music.^[15] Its founder, Yang Hyun-suk, cited the label would not change their unique image or their music style.^[12] The duo have since garnered a significant following, where songs performed on the show, namely "Don't Cross Your Legs," spawned to number two on the Gaon Digital Chart in December 2012.^[14] "You Are Attractive" topped the charts weeks after, beating the dominance of Christmas carols,^[14] and further compositions such as "A Foreigner's Confession", "Crescendo", and "It is Ramen", also displayed its reach.^[12] In the two months they were unafflicated, the duo filmed for commercials and released several singles, including "I Love You" for tvN drama All About My Romance (2013).^[16]

2014–2018: Debut, Puberty series, and military enlistment

Akdong Musician debuted with the studio album Play on April 7, 2014, twelve months after winning K-pop Star 2 (2012–2013).^[4] It was promoted through three titular singles: "200%", selected by Yang Hyun-suk; "Melted", chosen by the duo; and the third, decided by the public through the reflected chart performance of the other songs.^[17] "Give Love" achieved the highest popularity, peaking at number four and three on the Gaon Digital Chart and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, respectively, becoming the third single.^[17] "200%" charted atop the aforementioned charts for two weeks,^[18][19] while "Melted" peaked at number five and eight, respectively. Both lead singles appeared on the US World Digital Songs Chart at number 5 and 21, respectively, their first entries on the chart. Entirely written and produced by Lee Chan-hyuk,^[20] Play claimed number one on the Gaon Album Chart,^[21] number two on the US World Albums Chart,^[22] and number twenty on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums Chart, nearing a Billboard 200 entry,^[23] an uncommon achievement for a new K-pop act.^[24] Following the Sewol Ferry Incident, all of the sibling's activities were cancelled to share a state of mourning.^[25] The duo dedicated their single, "200%", to the victims of the sunken Sewol ferry and their families,^[26] and honored its victims by inserting an image of a yellow ribbon in the music video of "Give Love", released on May 2, 2014.^[27] Initially created for their debut album,^[28] the acoustic-ballad, "Time and Fallen Leaves" (시간과 낙엽), was held back for the autumn season.^[29] Released on October 10, the digital single peaked atop the Gaon Digital Chart in its second week of release, the latest addition of autumnal hits in the country;^[30] the single was not accompanied by a music video so the listeners would imagine their own stories.^[31] In November 2014, the duo embarked on a nationwide tour commenced in Seoul, titled "AKMU Camp".^[32]

Two years since their last album, Akdong Musician returned with their first EP titled Spring on May 4, 2016,^[33] the first record of the two-part series, Puberty.^[34] It was promoted with two lead singles: "Re-Bye" and "How People Move" (사람들이 움직이는 게),^[33] and represented the duo "growing up" through the themes of adolescence,^[33] where all six tracks are about their youth during their five-years in Mongolia.^[34] It caught the attention of domestic and international listeners alike; every song charted in the top ten of Korean and foreign music charts,^[35] including the Gaon Digital Chart, with "Re-Bye" becoming a chart-topper.^[36] Billboard named Spring the fourth best K-pop album of the year, where the record "boast a more theatrical feel to them to show the young duo is growing an exciting pace."^[37] To promote the EP, the duo performed at Seoul Forest on Children's Day in front of 10,000 people and 100,000 live streamers via V Live, simultaneously.^[38][39] and toured in Asia, holding showcases at Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Shanghai.^[40] On New Year's Day, they released the short film "Spring of Winter", correlating to their second seasonally themed album, Winter (2017).^[41] In the film, playing themselves, they argue and disband Akdong Musician, while songs from the new album acted as its soundtrack.^[42] Two days later, the duo released their second studio album, the second in a conceptual two-part album series Puberty.^[41] Its lead single, "Last Goodbye" (오랜 날 오랜 밤)^[43] became the second best-selling song within the first half the year,^[44] and the fourth within the entire year.^[45] It also became one of twelve songs to surpass 100 million streams in 2017,^[46] and was awarded Song of the Year (January) at the 7th Gaon Chart Music Awards and the Digital Bonsang at the 31st Golden Disc Awards.^[47][48] Its second lead single, "Reality" (리얼리티),^[43] was chosen by the viewers of My Little Television's live broadcast. The duo began a tour titled "AKMU Diary", holding concerts in seven cities nationwide, including eight sold-out shows in Seoul from March 23.^[49] Originally planned for six shows, two more shows were added due to the positive response of fans.^[50]

Marking their first experimentation in music with EDM, a challenge initiated to breakfree from the duo's usual acoustic mould,^[51] they released their first single album titled Summer Episode, on July 20, 2017, fronted by the lead singles "Dinosaur" and "My Darling".^[52] Based on the siblings' childhood,^[53] the former single peaked at number six on the Gaon Digital Chart,^[54] number nine on the US World Digital Song Sales Chart,^[55] and received greater attention in the following years, re-entering charts six years after its release.^[56] Summer Episode served as the duo's last release ahead of Lee Chan-hyuk's mandatory military enlistment with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps on September 18.^[57] Voluntarily enlisted early in comparison to other K-pop celebrities, he entered a training center in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province.^[58] In this time, he wrote most of Sailing (2019) while living on a ship over two years during his enlistment, as he was inspired by the new experience.^[59] The 22-year-old fulfilled his mandatory military service with the Marine Corps and was discharged on May 29, 2019, thus also simultaneously resuming the activities of Akdong Musician.^[60]

2019–2022: Sailing and continued success

After a two-year hiatus from the industry,^[61] the newly-renamed AKMU decided to permanently use the abridged version of the name, Akdong Musician, referencing a "mischievous child", to avoid feeling constrained in their musical pursuits by its meaning.^[62] The duo returned with their third studio album, Sailing, on September 25, 2019, supported by the lead single "How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You're the One I Love" (어떻게 이별까지 사랑하겠어, 널 사랑하는 거지),^[62] a song they had originally performed at the 2017 Someday Festival.^[61] The lead single topped the Gaon Digital Chart for the month of October,^[63] remained atop their country's largest streaming platform for over a month, the longest period since the chart's creation,^[64] and stayed within its top ten for one year and two months after its release.^[65] It sold 2.5 million copies, receiving a platinum certification for download from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA), and was certified triple platinum for streaming.^[66] The song further won Artist of the Year (September) at the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards and the Digital Bonsang at the 34th Golden Disc Awards.^[67][68] Notably, the album marked Su-hyun's first credited contribution to an AKMU song, "Farewell" (작별 인사), which she arranged.^[69] To commemorate the launch of Sailing, AKMU held a guerilla stage at Yeouido Hangang Park on September 29; it gathered over 30,000 people,^[70] 7-8 times larger than the size of the venue.^[71] Released on November 16, 2020,^[72] the digital single "Happening" expanded on the themes of their previous single and stylistically acted as a bridge to AKMU's next studio album.^[73]

Following the end of AKMU's seven-year contract with YG Entertainment, the duo re-signed with the label for five more years, citing the reliable support and creative freedom as reasons.^[74] Their second EP, Next Episode, was released on July 26, 2021, with the lead single, "Nakka" (낙하) featuring IU. Described as a "collaboration album",^[75] it comprises seven songs, each featuring different artists including Lee Sun-hee, Beenzino, Crush, Sam Kim, Zion.T, and Choi Jung-hoon of indie rock band Jannabi,^[75] and served as an extension of Summer Episode (2017), exhibiting themes of freedom.^[76] Inspired by the film The Greatest Showman (2017),^[77] "Nakka" debuted at number three on the Gaon Digital Chart in the issue dated July 31, 2021,^[78] and rose to number one the following week, becoming their seventh chart-topping single.^[79] The single also peaked atop the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks.^[80] Furthermore, Next Episode's tracks occupied seven spots in the top ten of the Gaon Download Chart, indicating the best-selling singles of the week.^[81] "Nakka" received a platinum certification for streaming by the KMCA,^[82] their second certified single since the system's implementation, and later won Best Pop Song at the 19th Korean Music Awards,^[83] Best Collaboration at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards,^[84] and the Digital Bonsang at the 36th Golden Disc Awards.^[85] All seven songs were released with music videos, each depicting a theme from the seven songs included in the album.^[86]

2023-present: Love Lee and independent label

Released on August 21, 2023, their digital single, Love Lee, primarily supported by the titular single of the same name,^[87] topped the Circle Digital Chart (formerly Gaon Digital Chart) for six non-consecutive weeks,^[88] and remained at number one on Korea's largest streaming platform for nine consecutive weeks, the longest among all releases that year.^[89] "Love Lee" became their first entry on the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs Chart, peaking at number 91 and 4, respectively.^[90] Its choreography also garnered interest, with related dance challenges and short-form videos posted on TikTok amassing over 200 million views.^[91] "Love Lee" was later awarded Best Pop Song at the 21st Korea Music Awards, their second trophy in the category,^[92] and Best Vocal Performance Group at the 2023 MAMA Awards (formerly Mnet Asian Music Awards).^[93] Its B-side "Fry's Dream", found similar success, peaking at number two on the Circle Digital Chart, only behind "Love Lee", and topped the V Coloring Chart, a component chart of the Circle Chart, for two consecutive months,^[82] presented with V Coloring of the Year at the 13th Circle Chart Music Awards.^[94]

In commemoration of AKMU's tenth anniversary, the act held a two-day concert titled "10VE" at KSPO Dome in Seoul, garnering 21,000 attendees.^[95] In addition, their project further consisted their third EP Love Episode, with the lead single "Hero", released on June 3, 2024. It featured of six tracks, including their 2023 hit singles "Love Lee" and "Fry's Dream",^[96] and served as the third installment of AKMU's Episode series, following Summer Episode (2017) and Next Episode (2021).^[97] The EP was praised for its exploration of the universal emotion of love, conveyed through their distinct sensibility and language, and was met with widespread acclaim, securing high positions on Korean music charts.^[98]

In November 2025, AKMU decided to part ways with YG Entertainment after 12 years and reportedly in talks to establish an independent label.^[99] In January 2026, AKMU announced the establishment of their independent label Cemter of Inspiration, with the new label name emphasising its identity as a pure creative space, originally used by member Lee Chan-hyuk for his personal exhibition.^[100]

Image and reception

AKMU have been lauded for their musical sensibility and emulated traits of a "musical prodigy" and "genius" since their first appearance in public,^[101] at ages 16 and 13.^[14] The duo quickly established themselves as "true artists",^[11] displaying skills in songwriting and singing.^{[102][14][103]} Steve Choi of the Korea Music Content Association shared AKMU serves as the best representative of a diverse artist with the broadest musical spectrums, leading as the best inspiration and motivating factor for others.^[104] Furthermore, the duo excels and encompass any musical genre they delve into.^[104]

Beloved in their home country, the duo attained the honorific title "The Nation's Siblings".^{[105][106][107][108]}

Endorsements

In the advertising industry, AKMU has represented for brands: Paris Baguette,^[109] EDM Education,^[110] Kia Motors's K3,^[111] KB Securities,^[112] and Lotte Chilsung.^[113] They have also endorsed for promotional campaigns of KT Corporation,^[114] Daum,^[115] Yogiyo [ko],^[116] Life Plus,^[117] Chevrolet Korea,^[118] and Socar [ko].^[119] Through YG Entertainment's collaboration with Woori Bank, the duo created a song with the credit card company to raise awareness of the Korean language, as part of celebrations for Hangul Day.^[120] Further collaborations include participating in a project for Daum,^[121] creating a song for Samsung,^[122] and theme songs for Nexon, namely KartRider's "Drift",^[123] and MapleStory's "We are all Adventurers".^[124] The duo are widely known to create commercial songs for the brands they endorse and represent, including for KT Corporation,^[125] Paris Baguette,^[126] and Lotte Chilsung. AKMU have also worked with governmental institutions, becoming youth ambassadors appointed by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in 2014.^[127]

AKMU's effect on the advertising industry was demonstrated through their commercial advert for KT Corporation, wherein the duo achieved results that equated an expenditure of ₩70 billion over two years to replicate the same success,^[128] raising consumer awareness by 90%;^[129] they were awarded Best Advertising Model at the 2013 Korea Advertising Awards.^[130] Paris Baguette had also observed an increase of 50% in product sales, after the duo became its newest models in 2013.^[131]

Philanthropy

Following their success on Kpop Star 2 (2012–2013) as its winners, the sibling duo donated their entire cash prize of ₩300 million ($290,000), following a discussion with their parents,^[132] including ₩100 million ($97,000) from a record production support fund.^[133] For their tenth anniversary, AKMU donated ₩141 million ($102,350) and ₩47 million each, commemorating their debut date, April 7, to Green Asia to prevent desertification by planting trees in Mongolia, Severance Hospital to support underprivileged people with incurable diseases, and the Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute (KYCWI) to aid in mental health treatment for secluded and isolated teenagers.^[134] The duo have also participated in charity campaigns, including the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, where they opted to donating in lieu of pouring a bucket of ice water,^[135] and the Genie Music Challenge in 2016, where ₩1.94 million was donated to Snail of Love,^[136] contributing towards a cochlear implant surgery for an 18-month-old infant.^[137]

AKMU have further engaged themselves in volunteering activities,^[138] and have donated their talent through performances at the Hope for Lou Gehrig's Disease Concert in 2013,^[139] the YG X UNICEF Walking Festival in 2017, where all participation fees were donated to UNICEF Korea to treat children and adolescents of malnutrition,^[140] a charity event hosted by Compassion Korea in 2019,^[141] and a concert organized by the duo for pediatric patients at Seoul National University Hospital in 2023, where they distributed gifts and personally visited the patients unable to leave their rooms.^[142] The duo had also donated their talent to create the song "Happy World", a rendition of their self-composed single "Don't Cross Your Legs", exploring themes of youth issues such as school violence, gaming and cellphone addiction, and friendship, for the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in 2014.^[127]

Tours

Concerts