AKMU is a team the K-pop scene can’t easily replace. Instead of flashy choreography or a massive fictional universe, they’ve endured on Lee Chan-hyuk’s self-written songs, Lee Su-hyun’s voice, and the one-of-a-kind narrative that comes from being siblings. After winning SBS’s audition program K-pop Star Season 2 in 2013, they could have been boxed in as the “genius siblings.” But AKMU refused to be confined by that label. Since debuting in 2014, they’ve built their own timeline—singing, in turn, about the tenderness of youth, the cracks of coming-of-age, and the loss and comfort of adulthood.
They came out swinging from the start. Their 2014 debut album ‘PLAY’ rocketed AKMU straight into the heart of mainstream pop. Tracks like ‘200%,’ ‘Melted,’ and ‘Give Love’ dominated the digital charts, and ‘PLAY’ won Best Pop Album at the 12th Korean Music Awards. Crucially, they didn’t rely on fleeting audition-show buzz; they earned critical respect on their first try. From day one, AKMU won trust as “a team that crafts great songs on their own”—an assessment that’s stayed rock-solid for over a decade.
From there, AKMU proved their growth through music. During the ‘Puberty Part 1’ and ‘Puberty Part 2’ era, they explored far more delicate and layered emotions. Songs like ‘RE-BYE,’ ‘Last Goodbye,’ and ‘DINOSAUR’ were instantly catchy yet lingered beyond casual listening. Above all, rather than chasing trends, AKMU expanded their discography by steadily building their own storyline. With Lee Chan-hyuk leading the lyrics, composition, and production of every track, and Lee Su-hyun completing that vision with the most convincing voice, the team’s identity only became clearer.
But AKMU’s timeline wasn’t always smooth. One of the biggest turning points came in 2017, when Lee Chan-hyuk enlisted in the Marine Corps. The team naturally paused activities, entering a stretch without full-group promotions. For a group at a popular peak, stopping was a clear risk. After nearly two years away, AKMU returned in 2019 with their third full album, ‘SAILING.’ That hiatus didn’t drain their music—it propelled them to the next stage. After his discharge, AKMU came back without recycling their old “mischievous kids” image, instead tapping into deeper and wider emotional colors.
‘SAILING’ is an essential milestone in any discussion of AKMU’s signature works. The title track ‘How can I love the heartbreak, you’re the one I love’ received massive love and won Song of the Year at the 17th Korean Music Awards. The album also took Best Pop Album at the same ceremony, proving both musicality and popularity. More than just a hit, ‘SAILING’ showed AKMU had fully crossed from youthful brightness into mature emotional territory—just as the title signaled their voyage into a new sea.
Commercially, their staying power was undeniable. In 2021, the title track ‘NAKKA’ from mini album ‘NEXT EPISODE’ made waves thanks to their collaboration with IU, and in 2023, the digital single ‘Love Lee’ once again proved their mainstream impact. ‘Love Lee’ swept major domestic charts and topped the Circle Chart’s Digital and Streaming rankings for September 2023. With b-side ‘Fry’s Dream’ trending alongside it, AKMU reaffirmed themselves as not just “a title-track-only team,” but “a group whose b-sides live long on playlists.” In an era where trends churn at breakneck speed, that kind of longevity is priceless.
Even so, AKMU faced real crises. Recently, Lee Su-hyun candidly revealed a slump, saying, “I holed up in my room for a long time. I struggled with binge eating and lethargy.” It shows their hardships weren’t just about hiatuses or label issues. Being siblings means they know each other best—but it also means clashes can cut deeper. Still, AKMU made it through not by breaking up, but by healing. Lee Chan-hyuk stayed by his sister’s side, and Lee Su-hyun stepped back onto the stage. AKMU’s story stands out not because they were flawless, but because they didn’t hide the wobbling—and ultimately crossed the storm through music.
Their label move was another major moment. Last year, AKMU ended a 12-year run with YG Entertainment and moved to their new home, Inspiration Spring. Rather than a messy split, it reads as a choice to open the next chapter in a new environment. YG stated the contract ended with mutual respect, and Weverse also announced the transfer of their community agreement this January. Even after leaving a longtime major agency system, AKMU pushing forward their musical world in an almost “independent” way only underscores how strong their creative identity is.
That’s why the upcoming album matters even more. Tomorrow (the 7th) at 6 p.m., AKMU will release their fourth full album, ‘FLOWERING.’ It’s their first studio album since launching a new label and their first full-length since ‘SAILING,’ making it especially symbolic. Even with just official teasers and a tracklist preview, fans are hyped. The title ‘FLOWERING’ hints at a new season blooming after their pauses, shakiness, farewells, and transitions. After marking their 10th anniversary and exploring the emotions of love with 2024’s ‘LOVE EPISODE,’ this time, that feeling may expand into a broader life narrative.
Will ‘FLOWERING’ open the path ahead for them? Once again, the public is waiting for AKMU’s next song.