AKMU

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**Akdong Musician** (Hangul: 악동뮤지션, also known as **AKMU**) is a duo under YG Entertainment. The duo consists siblings Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun and officially debuted on April 7, 2014 with the first full-length album *PLAY*, after winning SBS *K-pop Star 2*.

## Career

### Pre-debut: *K-pop Star 2*

Lee Chan-hyuk was born on September 12, 1996, while Lee Su-hyun was born on May 4, 1999, both in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun lived with their missionary parents in Mongolia for almost five years before returning to South Korea to pursue a career in the music industry. While in Mongolia, they were home-schooled by their mother. The siblings, under the name Akdong Musician, joined their first label, the Proteurment agency and soon performed on several stages and even released an original song titled "Galaxy", which later was used as a soundtrack for a Samsung Galaxy S4 film commercial in May 2013.

In August 2012, the duo participated in the preliminary auditions of *K-pop Star 2*, at Jamsil Arena in Seoul. They soon passed and were eligible to perform in the first round, where they sang a cover of Miss A's "Breathe" and an original song titled "Don't Cross Your Legs". One of the 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, while Yang Hyun-suk, described them as "true artists". The duo continued to awe the judges, until after where their lack of confidence resulted in lukewarm performances in the succeeding rounds. In spite of this, they finished the competition in first place. Some of their original songs performed were released under LOEN Entertainment, where "You are Attractive", for example, was released on 12 December and immediately reached number one on the Gaon Charts. Despite not being signed under an agency, they participated in commercials and composed several songs, including "I Love You" for tvN drama *All About My Romance*. On 24 May 2013, a month after winning, the siblings signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment.

### 2014–2015: Debut with *Play* and first concert

Akdong Musician debuted with album *Play* and three lead singles on 7 April, twelve months after winning *K-pop Star 2*. All tracks were written and produced by Chan-hyuk. The first single, "200%", was chosen by Yang Hyun-suk, "Melted", was chosen by Akdong Musician, and "Give Love", was determined by the fans. *Play* claimed number one on the Gaon Charts and number two on Billboard's US World Albums Chart. The duo's debut stage was on *K-pop Star 3* on 6 April. The music video for "200%" was released on 7 April, where "200%" topped all South Korean charts, with all songs on *Play* also charting high. The music video for "Melted" and "Give Love" was out on 14 April and 2 May respectively. "Give Love", became the third high-charting song, after "200%" and "Melted". On 16 June, they participated in YG Family's cover project of Taeyang's "Eyes, Nose, Lips". Their first live concert tour, "AKMU Camp", began on 21 November at Blue Square Samsung Card Hall, Hannam-dong, Seoul.

On 10 October, Akdong Musician released the digital single, "Time and Fallen Leaves", written and composed by Lee Chan-hyuk. Originally, it was planned as a lead single of *Play*, but was held back for an October release due to suiting the autumn season more. The song made an "all-kill" two consecutive days after release by ranking number 1 on nine major real-time music charts. It also ranked number one on the weekly Gaon Digital Chart the second week of release. The song was not given a music video so the listeners would imagine their own stories.

On 5 November, Su-hyun joined YG Family sub-unit "Hi Suhyun" with labelmate Lee Hi. Their debut single, "I'm Different" (나는 달라), was released on 11 November, followed first stage at SBS' Inkigayo on 16 November and first win one week later.  On 9 October 2015 the duo released the single "Like Ga, Na, Da" (가나다같이) with a video in celebration of South Korea's "Hangul Day". It was a joint production of YGE and Woori Card.

### 2016–2018: *Puberty* series and Military enlistment

On 4 May 2016, they released their first EP titled *Spring*, the first record on a new album series named *Puberty*. The album was promoted with the release of two lead singles: "RE-BYE" and "How People Move". Ahead of comeback, the art film "Welcome Home" was released on 26 April. It starts out playful in a fantasy-like world until later the ending gives the feeling of an "Uncanny Valley" effect. All songs debuted within the top ten of the Gaon Chart, with "Re-Bye" becoming a chart-topper. *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." To promote *Spring*, the duo performed at the Seoul Forest park in front of 10,000 people. Later in the year, they toured throughout Asia, holding showcases at Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Shanghai.

On 1 January 2017, they released the short film "Spring of Winter" ahead of comeback for their second seasonally themed album, *Winter*. In the film, playing themselves, they argue and disband Akdong Musician, while songs from the new album act as the soundtrack. On 3 January, the duo released their second studio album *Winter*, the second in a conceptual two-part album series *Puberty*. with lead singles "Last Goodbye" (오랜 날 오랜 밤) and "Reality" (리얼리티). Both lead singles were chosen by fans through the live broadcast of MBC's My Little Television. "Last Goodbye" became the second best-selling song within the first half of 2017, earning "Song of the Year" for the month of January at the Gaon Chart Awards and a digital bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards. The duo began a tour holding concerts in seven cities nationwide, including eight sold-out shows in Seoul from 23 March onward. The siblings choose small yet multiple venues so they are able to interact and be more intimate with the audience.

On 15 March 2017, Akdong Musician released a digital single in collaboration with Yang Hee-eun called "The Tree" (나무). On 20 July, the siblings released their first single album titled *Summer Episode*, with lead singles "Dinosaur" and "My Darling". Notably, the single "Dinosaur" marks the duo's first time experimenting with the genre EDM, whereas "My Darling" is an upbeat acoustic track. They decided not to promote the singles on music shows as they believed the single "Dinosaur" would not fit well with the music program's fancy stages, further adding the key is too high for a live performance thus wasn't viable. On 13 September, YG Entertainment confirmed Chan-hyuk would enlist for his mandatory military enlistment on 18 September with the Korean Marines, thus halting all Akdong Musician activities. Meanwhile, Su-hyun occupied her time with solo activities as a Radio DJ at KBS Cool FM's Volume Up, permanent cast member on JTBC's Begin Again, soundtrack release for tvN drama Mr. Sunshine and more.

### 2019: *Sailing* and continued success

On 29 May 2019, Chan-hyuk successfully fulfilled his mandatory military service with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and was discharged, thus also simultaneously resuming the activities of Akdong Musician. While serving, they officially chose Chan-hyuk's self-written and produced song to represent the Corps. Su-hyun first revealed the song through KBS Cool FM Volume up. The sibling duo's first appearance since hiatus was on JTBC variety show Knowing Bros with Jeon So-mi on 8 June. Filming took place a day after release. The duo performed at the 2019 Someday Festival on 31 August, where they also revealed an unreleased song titled "시간을 갖자", later revealed to be on their album *SAILING*.

On 4 September, it was announced Akdong Musician will return with their first comeback since 2017 in late September. Ahead of their comeback, a mood teaser was released with Su-hyun's voice among crashing waves and an acoustic guitar, followed concept teaser "Begin Sailing." The sibling duo released their third studio album *Sailing* on 25 September with lead single "How can I love the heartbreak, you're the one I love" (어떻게 이별까지 사랑하겠어, 널 사랑하는 거지). Through Nylon, Chan-hyuk revealed he wrote most of the songs on *Sailing* inside a ship over two years in midst of enlistment inspired by the new profound experience. Ahead of release, their lead single was first performed on 19 September at the 2017 Someday Festival. Notably, this release marks Su-hyun's first participation among their albums with song "작별 인사", where she was credited as the arranger. Their lead single reigned as the number one spot on all seven major music streaming platforms in South Korea upon release, alongside the rest of the tracks also charting relatively high. The lead single went on to claiming the number one spot on the Gaon Digital, Download, and Streaming chart for the month of October. The same day. they also announced they would primarily go by AKMU, to symbolize their growth, as their original name translated to "mischievous child." The duo further elaborated the decision was made in order to not be limited in their future music. The duo held a live stage titled *Sailing On A Fall Night* at Yeouido Hangang Park on 29 September garnering over 30,000 people, 7-8 times larger than the size of the venue.

## Members

 Lee Chan Hyuk (이찬혁)
 Lee Su Hyun (이수현)

### Studio albums

* PLAY (2014)
* WINTER (2017)
* SAILING (2019)

### Digital singles

* Time and Fallen Leaves (2014)
* SUMMER EPISODE (2017)
* Happening (2020)
* Love Lee (2023)

### Promotional singles

* "KTBS" (2013)
* "KTBS Extreme Cool Summer Edition" (2013)

### OSTs

* "All About My Romance OST Part.3" (2013)
* "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo OST Part.12" (2016)

## Links

### Korean

* Website
* Daum Cafe
* Facebook
* Instagram
* TikTok
* Twitter
* Weverse
* YouTube

## References

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2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specifiedPark, Soo-jin (26 March 2013). (Korean). The Kyunghyang Shinmun. Retrieved on May 16, 2013.
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4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specified (Korean) (9 May 2013). Retrieved on May 25, 2013.
5. ↑ Yoon, Sang-geun (3 August 2012). 'K팝★ 시즌2', 국내오디션 돌입..제2의 박지민은? (Korean). StarNews. Retrieved on May 12, 2013.
6. ↑ Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specifiedKang, Seon-ae (19 November 2012). (Korean). SBS & SBS Contents Hub. Retrieved on May 12, 2012.
7. ↑ Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specified (Korean). SBS & SBS Contents Hub (10 December 2012). Retrieved on May 13, 2012.
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9. ↑ Kim, Jae-yun (10 February 2013). [K팝 악동뮤지션, 6번째 자작곡 선보이며 '절치부심'] (Korean). SBS & SBS Contents Hub. Retrieved on May 16, 2013.
10. ↑ 'K팝스타2' 악동뮤지션 '매력있어', 음원 공개 직후 '실시간 1위' (Korean). SBS & SBS Contents Hub (13 December 2012). Retrieved on May 13, 2013.
11. ↑ 'YG행' 악동뮤지션, 이틀째 음원차트 석권 '돌풍' (Korean). JCube Interactive Inc. (24 May 2013). Retrieved on May 24, 2013.
12. ↑ 악동뮤지션 YG행 "이하이 이어 양현석 품으로"...이유 들어보니 (Korean). SBS Contents Hub & SBS Business Network (24 May 2013). Retrieved on May 25, 2013.
13. ↑ Yang Hyun Suk CEO (31 March 2014). NEWS ABOUT AKDONG MUSICIAN. *YG Life*. YG Entertainment. Retrieved on April 1, 2014.
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Template:Cite news
15. ↑ 악동 뮤지션 데뷔, 'K팝스타3'에서 데뷔 무대 "전곡을 직접 프로듀싱" 기대만발 (Korean). Chosun (31 March 2014).
16. ↑ Lee Ji-hyun (2 May 2014). Music Video of AKMU's "GIVE LOVE" Has been Disclosed… With Eye-Catching Happy Ending". *YG Life*. YG Entertainment. Retrieved on July 12, 2017.
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28. ↑ 악동뮤지션, 한글날 '가나다같이' 음원 깜짝 공개. TV Report. Retrieved on October 20, 2015.
29. ↑ AKMU confirmed double title tracks for new mini-album… To be released on May 4 at 0 o'clock. *YG Life*. YG Entertainment (28 April 2016). Retrieved on April 28, 2016.
30. ↑ 2016년 19주차 Digital Chart (Korean). Gaon Chart. Retrieved on March 18, 2017.
31. ↑ 10 Best K-Pop Albums of 2016: Critic's Picks. *Billboard K-Town*. Billboard (22 December 2016).
32. ↑ Ko Dong-hwan (8 May 2016). 'Acoustic' the new K-pop. *The Korea Times*.
33. ↑ AKMU Continues Its Showcase in Malaysia. *Yahoo! Lifestyle Singapore*. Yahoo! (18 December 2016).
34. ↑ AKMU – MUSICAL SHORT FILM 'SPRING of WINTER'. *YG Life*.
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Chung Jin-hong (4 January 2017). Akdong Musician returns on top. *Korea Joongang Daily*.
36. ↑ Tamar Herman (2017-01-03). Akdong Musician Breaks Up (But Makes Amends) In 22-Minute Musical Film. *Billboard K-Town*. Billboard.
37. ↑ AKMU – 'WINTER PLAN : 사춘기과정'. *YG Life*. YG Entertainment (24 December 2016).
38. ↑ 2017년 상반기 결산 DIGITAL CHART. *Gaon Digital Chart*. Retrieved on July 16, 2017.
39. ↑ Template:Cite news
40. ↑ AKMU concert "Diary" will be held nationwide. *YG Life*. YG Entertainment (14 March 2017).
41. ↑ [정오의 신곡 양희은X악동뮤지션, '나무' 향기가 나는 짙은 울림] (ko). *Chosun.com* (15 March 2017). Retrieved on July 16, 2017.
42. ↑ AKMU – NEW SINGLE ALBUM 'SUMMER EPISODE' TRACKLIST. YG Entertainment (19 July 2017).
43. ↑ 악동뮤지션, '다이노소어'로 데뷔 첫 EDM 도전 (ko). 한국경제TV (20 July 2017).
44. ↑ 악동뮤지션 이찬혁, 9월 18일 해병대 軍입대 확정 (13 September 2017).
45. ↑ Akdong Musician's Chanhyuk completes military service after two years in marine corps (29 May 2019).
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47. ↑ 악동뮤지션, 2년 2개월 만에 컴백..새로운 로고 티저 기습 공개 [공식] (5 September 2019).
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56. ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s Taeyang, Crush, AKMU, Epik High, And More To Perform At Seoul Jazz Festival 2023