AKMU (악뮤) is a South Korean sibling duo music group consisting of Lee Chan-hyuk (Chanhyuk) and Lee Su-hyun (Suhyun). They debuted after winning the final of SBS's K-pop Star Season 2 in 2012 and are currently under YG Entertainment. The name AKMU is an abbreviation of 'Akdong Musician' (악동뮤지션, meaning 'mischievous musician'), reflecting their playful musical identity.
== History ==
=== Before K-pop Star Season 2 and Debut ===
Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun showed musical talent from a young age. In 2012, they participated in SBS's audition program K-pop Star Season 2, gaining significant attention for their unique musicality and exquisite sibling harmony. During the program, they performed self-composed songs such as "Foreigner's Confession" (외국인의 고백), "Galaxy," and "Don't Cross Your Legs" (다리꼬지마), earning praise from judges and audiences, and ultimately winning the season. After their victory, they signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment and began preparing for their official debut.
=== 2014: First Studio Album PLAY and Mainstream Success ===
In April 2014, AKMU debuted with their first studio album PLAY. The title track "200%" and follow-up songs "Give Love" and "Melted" all became hugely popular, with "200%" achieving a 'perfect all-kill' by topping multiple music charts. PLAY dominated music charts upon release, establishing AKMU as top-tier digital music powerhouses right from their debut. The album won several rookie awards, including 'Album of the Year' at the 2014 Melon Music Awards.
=== 2016–2017: Remake Album and Military Service ===
In 2016, ahead of Lee Chan-hyuk's military enlistment, the duo released a remake album Words of Love Are Not Enough (사랑한다는 말로는 부족해) as a gift for fans. The album reinterpreted classic ballads in AKMU's unique style and received positive reviews. During Chan-hyuk's military service, Lee Su-hyun continued solo activities, releasing the solo single "Boy, Girl" (소년, 소녀) in 2017, showcasing her musical growth.
=== 2019: Discharge and Second Studio Album Sailing ===
After Chan-hyuk's military discharge in 2019, AKMU made a comeback with their second studio album Sailing (항해). The title track "How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You're the One I Love" (어떻게 이별까지 사랑하겠어, 널 사랑하는 거지) topped music charts immediately upon release, becoming a 'reverse-run' hit and gaining widespread love for its emotional lyrics and melody. Sailing showcased a more mature musical world than their previous work and included experiments with various genres.
=== 2021 and Beyond: Third Studio Album NEXT EPISODE and Continued Activities ===
In July 2021, AKMU released their third studio album NEXT EPISODE. The album featured the title track "NAKKA" (낙하, featuring IU) along with diverse tracks like "Battlefield" (전쟁터) and "Prisoner's Song" (楚囚歌/초수가). "NAKKA" in particular introduced a new direction with its intense electronic sound and IU's featuring. Since then, they have continued active releases with singles such as "Love Lee" and "Fry's Dream."
== Musical Style and Characteristics ==
AKMU's music is typically created with Lee Chan-hyuk handling lyrics, composition, and arrangement, while Lee Su-hyun takes on vocals. Their music spans various genres including pop, folk, acoustic, rock, and electronic, characterized by unique lyrics and emotional melodies. Su-hyun's clear, emotive vocals harmonize with Chan-hyuk's versatile producing skills to create AKMU's distinctive color. Their lyrics often express everyday subjects in unique, poetic language.
== Members ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Real Name !! Role !! Date of Birth
|-
| '''Chanhyuk''' || Lee Chan-hyuk || Producing, lyrics/composition/arrangement, vocals, guitar, keyboard, various instruments || September 12, 1996
|-
| '''Suhyun''' || Lee Su-hyun || Main vocal, lyric participation || May 4, 1999
|}
== Discography ==
=== Studio Albums ===
PLAY* (2014)
Sailing* (항해) (2019)
NEXT EPISODE* (2021)
=== Remake Album ===
Words of Love Are Not Enough* (사랑한다는 말로는 부족해) (2016)
=== Singles and EPs ===
Time and Fallen Leaves* (시간과 낙엽) (2013) – Debut single
SPRING* (2016) – Special single
SUMMER EPISODE* (2017) – Special single
WINTER* (2017) – Special single
How to Love* (사랑하는 방법) (2018) – Special single
- Various digital singles ("RE-BYE," "LAST GOODBYE," "Love Lee," "Fry's Dream," etc.)
== Awards ==
Since their debut, AKMU has won numerous awards at major ceremonies including the Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. Key awards include 'Album of the Year' for PLAY at the 2014 Melon Music Awards, and 'TOP10' and 'Song of the Year' for "How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You're the One I Love" at the 2019 Melon Music Awards.
== Influence and Reception ==
AKMU is considered one of the most successful artists to emerge from K-pop Star. Their special sibling chemistry and original musicality that maintains mainstream appeal have earned them a large fanbase. Their power as digital music leaders has persisted from their debut to the present, consistently maintaining top positions on various charts. Music critics highly regard them as musicians who create authentic music.
== Trivia ==
Lee Su-hyun was the youngest contestant on K-pop Star Season 2* at age 13.
- AKMU's fandom name is 'Akdongdeul' (악동들, meaning 'mischievous kids').
- Lee Chan-hyuk served in the Air Force military band during his military service.
- The siblings spent about three years as missionary children in Mongolia during their childhood.
== External Links ==
- [Official YouTube Channel]
- [Official Instagram]
- [YG Entertainment Official Profile]