GroupCemter of Inspiration
AKMU
AKMU (악뮤; short for Akdong Musician) is a South Korean sibling duo comprising composer-vocalist Lee Chan-hyuk (이찬혁) and vocalist Lee Su-hyun (이수현). Widely nicknamed "The Nation's Siblings," they are among the most commercially successful and critically respected acts in Korean music.
The siblings grew up in Mongolia before returning to South Korea. In 2013, they won the second season of SBS K-pop Star as teenagers and signed with YG Entertainment. They debuted on April 7, 2014, with the studio album Play, written entirely by Chan-hyuk. The album topped the Gaon Album Chart and spawned the beloved singles "200%," "Give Love," and "Melted." Winter: One Season followed in 2017, and Sailing in 2019, with the single "How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You're the One I Love" topping the Circle Digital Chart.
In November 2025, after 12 years with YG Entertainment, AKMU announced their departure. On January 20, 2026, they launched Cemter of Inspiration, a self-founded independent label named after Chan-hyuk's solo art exhibitions of the same name. A fourth studio album, Polaroid, is in development.
3 articles6 creditsDebut: April 7, 2014South Korean
Gallery
Discography
2024
Love EpisodeEP
Full GroupYG Entertainment
2023
Love LeeSingle
Full GroupYG Entertainment
2019
SailingAlbum
Full GroupYG Entertainment
2017
Winter: One SeasonAlbum
Full GroupYG Entertainment
2016
SpringEP
Full GroupYG Entertainment
2014
PlayAlbum
Full GroupYG Entertainment
Fans Also Ask
Who are the members of AKMU?
AKMU consists of two siblings: Lee Chan-hyuk (born September 12, 1996) and Lee Su-hyun (born May 4, 1999). Chan-hyuk is the songwriter, producer, and vocalist, while Su-hyun is the main vocalist. They are often called The Nations Siblings in Korea.
How did AKMU become famous?
AKMU rose to fame by winning SBS K-pop Star Season 2 in 2013 as teenagers. They chose to sign with YG Entertainment over other major labels, debuting in April 2014 with the album Play. Their win was considered historic given their young age and sibling dynamic.
What are AKMUs biggest hits?
AKMUs biggest hits include Love Lee (2023), 200% (2014), Give Love (2014), and How Can I Love the Heartbreak, Youre the One I Love (2019). Love Lee became a viral hit in 2023, dominating Korean charts and streaming platforms.
What label is AKMU under?
As of January 2026, AKMU is under Cemter of Inspiration, their own independent label founded by Lee Chan-hyuk. They left YG Entertainment in November 2025 after 12 years. The label name comes from Chan-hyuks solo art exhibition series.
Who writes AKMUs songs?
Lee Chan-hyuk writes and produces all of AKMUs music. He began composing as a teenager before their K-pop Star appearance. Every song on their debut album Play was written by Chan-hyuk, a rare feat for rookie artists in the K-pop industry.
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