According to a November 21 report by Xports News, AKMU will officially end their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment at the end of December 2025. Rather than joining another label, the duo is reportedly in discussions to launch their own independent company with their longtime YG manager.
A music industry insider revealed that a few months ago, AKMU had a meal with YG’s Executive Producer Yang Hyun Suk. During the conversation, the future direction of AKMU’s career naturally became the focal point. Yang, who has overseen the duo’s growth for over a decade, was reportedly the one who suggested the idea of independence. He is said to have expressed that exploring new opportunities outside YG could serve as a powerful catalyst for AKMU’s continued artistic evolution.
On November 21, YG officially announced the end of their exclusive contract with AKMU, expressing deep gratitude for their time together and stating, “We sincerely support their new journey ahead.”
YG expressed honor in having supported AKMU from their innocent beginnings to their rise as mature musicians, adding, “We deeply thank AKMU for the beautiful music and emotion they brought to the public.”
In their final meeting with YG, AKMU offered a deep bow and delivered a handwritten letter to Yang Hyun Suk, affirming, “We are forever YG Family.” Though their official contract ends, both parties made it clear they would continue supporting each other as part of an “extended family” dynamic.
YG concluded their statement with warm wishes: “We wholeheartedly support AKMU’s new beginning and hope fans will continue to show them love and encouragement.”
AKMU first rose to fame as the winning act of SBS’s K-pop Star Season 2 in 2012. With their exceptional songwriting, composition, and vocal abilities, the siblings quickly captured the public’s attention. They signed with YG Entertainment in 2014 and officially debuted that year. In 2019, they rebranded their stage name from “Akdong Musician” to “AKMU.”
They have produced numerous hits such as How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love, NAKKA, DINOSAUR, 200%, and Last Goodbye. Both Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun have also developed solid solo careers. Recently, they held a 9-show small theater concert series titled AKDONGDEUL at the Myunghwa Live Hall, marking a bold new performance challenge.
Back in 2021, AKMU surprised fans by renewing their contract with YG for five more years after the original seven-year term expired. At the time, Lee Chan Hyuk expressed deep trust in the company, stating, “For seven years, YG never once clashed with us or restricted our direction. They supported us like family.”
As they close their chapter with YG Entertainment, fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see what bold moves AKMU will make next on their creative journey.
Sources: Daum, Nate
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