Biography
AKMU (악뮤), formerly known as Akdong Musician (악동뮤지션), are a South Korean pop, folk pop, and acoustic pop duo composed of siblings Lee Chan-hyuk (이찬혁; vocals, songwriting, guitar) and Lee Su-hyun (이수현; vocals). They are celebrated for their thoughtful lyricism, intricate harmonies, and creative self-production, which have earned them a singular place in Korean popular music.
The pair rose to prominence as the winners of K-Pop Star Season 2 in 2013, performing Chan-hyuk’s original compositions rather than covers — a bold move that won both critical and public acclaim. They signed with YG Entertainment shortly afterward and debuted on April 7, 2014 with their first studio album PLAY, featuring the chart-topping single “200%”. The album’s success introduced a sound that blended the warmth of acoustic folk with the wit and polish of modern pop.
AKMU’s subsequent releases — SPRING (2016), WINTER (2017), and SAILING (2019) — charted their artistic evolution from youthful introspection to lyrical sophistication. The 2021 conceptual EP NEXT EPISODE featured collaborations with artists such as IU, Crush, and Sam Kim, exploring cinematic storytelling through themes of connection and distance.
In 2023, AKMU returned with the bright, nostalgic single “Love Lee”, followed by the mini album LOVE EPISODE (2024), which reflected on affection and growth with playful yet mature songwriting. Their most recent release, “DADA” (2025), created in collaboration with the CookieRun franchise, continues their pattern of experimenting with concept-driven pop.
Throughout their career, AKMU have redefined the boundaries between K-pop and independent artistry. Combining humor, vulnerability, and meticulous composition, the siblings have established a rare balance of mainstream appeal and personal authenticity — crafting music that feels both intimate and universal.
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