AKMU reveals the real reason behind leaving YG “It’s not betrayal, our music direction just changed”

Sibling duo Akdong Musician (AKMU) opened up about their decision to part ways with YG Entertainment and establish their own independent label, explaining that the move was driven by artistic growth rather than conflict.

On April 13, a video titled 'AKMU Guest Appearance Returning with 4th Full Album' was uploaded to the YouTube channel Calm Down Man. In the episode, Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun appeared together, showcasing their signature playful sibling chemistry.

During the interview, the host asked why the duo decided to form their own agency after leaving YG Entertainment. Lee Chanhyuk responded simply, “It was time.” When comedian Lee Byeong Geon jokingly asked, “Was it when you betrayed them?”, Chanhyuk laughed awkwardly and avoided the wording, prompting more laughter in the studio. Lee Byeong Geon then rephrased it as “graduation instead of betrayal,” to which Chanhyuk agreed, adding that they had renewed their contract once and had learned a great deal during their time at YG Entertainment.

He further explained that as their involvement in production expanded, their artistic identity became clearer. “The more detailed my creative direction became, the more my musical color solidified,” he said. “At some point, the company’s direction and my musical style began to diverge.”

Chanhyuk emphasized that the separation was amicable, noting that YG Entertainment also supported their decision. “They told us, ‘AKMU will do well on their own,’ and cheered us on,” he said, stressing that the departure was “the opposite of betrayal.”

Meanwhile, AKMU left YG Entertainment in December last year after 12 years and established their independent label Inspiration Studio. The duo recently released their fourth full-length album on the 7th, marking a new chapter in their career.