The group Akdong Musician (Lee Chan-hyuk, Lee Su-hyun) is leaving YG Entertainment after 12 years.
On the 21st, YG Entertainment issued an official statement with this content.
YG Entertainment said, "About six months ago, executive producer Yang Hyun-suk visited the home where Akdong Musician members Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun live and had dinner together," and "While sharing food the members prepared themselves, they talked about the enjoyable stories from when they first met on the 2012 audition program 'K-pop Star Season 2' through the past 12 years."
It continued, "Akdong Musician's only dilemma was an honest one about whether to continue with YG, with whom they have shared joys and sorrows over the past 12 years, or to go independent for a new challenge," and "At that crossroads, Yang first conveyed to Akdong Musician that leaving YG's embrace to pursue music activities in a new environment could be a valuable experience, encouraged the members, and expressed a heartfelt intention to support them from behind."
It also said, "We express deep gratitude to Akdong Musician for gifting the public with amazing music and moving performances during our time together," and "Just as Akdong Musician's sincerity remains, so does the fact that they are family to YG. We sincerely support their new challenge and will actively assist whenever needed."
Akdong Musician chose YG Entertainment as their agency after winning 'K-pop Star Season 2' in 2013. They subsequently released "200%" and "Give Love," among others, and gained great popularity.