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(Redirected from Akdong Musician)
South Korean sibling duo
For the character from video game Jet Set Radio Future named A.KU.MU, see Jet Set Radio Future.
Propelled to national stardom through the second installation of K-pop Star (2012–2013), AKMU officially debuted in April 2014 with Play, a studio album solely crafted by Lee Chan-hyuk alone. It topped the Gaon Album Chart, became their first entry on Billboard, namely the Heatseekers Albums Chart and the World Albums Chart, and birthed the three titular singles, "200%", "Give Love", and "Melted". It was well received by the public and critics, having sold more than 6.9 million downloads, and was awarded Best Pop Album in the 12th Korean Music Awards. Following the release of their critically acclaimed Puberty series, consisting of Spring (2016) and Winter (2017), the sibling duo reached greater career heights with Sailing (2019) and its lead single "How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You're the One I Love", which not only topped the Circle Digital Chart, but also sold 2.5 million digital copies, following "Last Goodbye" (2017), and was the fourth single to be certified triple platinum for streaming in Korea Music Content Association history.
Lee Chan-hyuk (born September 12, 1996) and Lee Su-hyun (born May 4, 1999) lived with their missionary parents in Mongolia for five years before returning to South Korea to pursue a career in music. Living an impoverished life, they were home-schooled, unable to afford education; detesting the idea of studying, they turned to music out of sheer boredom, learning to play the guitar and piano, respectively. Lee Su-hyun, the younger sister, abruptly returned to Korea for a short stay to resolve visa problems; her brother soon followed, deciding to stay. The siblings, under the name Akdong Musician, joined Proteurment, an intercollegiate association that supports amateur artists, after they were discovered on YouTube, and performed on stages with an original song titled "Galaxy".
Akdong Musician attending KOCIS Korea President Park Culture Day with President Park Geun-hye
In August 2012, the duo participated in the preliminary auditions of K-pop Star 2 (2012–2013) at Jamsil Arena in Seoul. Eligible to perform in the first round, they sang a cover of Miss A's "Breathe" and an original song titled "Don't Cross Your Legs", an instant audience favorite. Amidst the panel of judges, Park Jin-young praised the chemistry between the siblings and the techniques they had incorporated in their performances; BoA praised the lyrics of their original song; Yang Hyun-suk described them as "true artists". Crowned as the winners of the competition, Akdong Musician received a cash prize of ₩300 million ($260,000), a Renault Samsung sedan, and the freedom to sign a contract with one of the three largest entertainment agencies in the country: S.M. Entertainment, YG Entertainment, or JYP Entertainment. Following almost two months of contemplation, the siblings signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, believing it was the best place to support their music. Its founder, Yang Hyun-suk, cited the label would not change their unique image or their music style. The duo have since garnered a significant following, where songs performed on the show, namely "Don't Cross Your Legs," spawned to number two on the Gaon Digital Chart in December 2012. "You Are Attractive" topped the charts weeks after, beating the dominance of Christmas carols, and further compositions such as "A Foreigner's Confession", "Crescendo", and "It is Ramen", also displayed its reach. In the two months they were unafflicated, the duo filmed for commercials and released several singles, including "I Love You" for tvN drama All About My Romance (2013).
2014–2018: Debut, Puberty series, and military enlistment
Akdong Musician debuted with the studio album Play on April 7, 2014, twelve months after winning K-pop Star 2 (2012–2013). It was promoted through three titular singles: "200%", selected by Yang Hyun-suk; "Melted", chosen by the duo; and the third, decided by the public through the reflected chart performance of the other songs. "Give Love" achieved the highest popularity, peaking at number four and three on the Gaon Digital Chart and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, respectively, becoming the third single. "200%" charted atop the aforementioned charts for two weeks, while "Melted" peaked at number five and eight, respectively. Both lead singles appeared on the US World Digital Songs Chart at number 5 and 21, respectively, their first entries on the chart. Entirely written and produced by Lee Chan-hyuk, Play claimed number one on the Gaon Album Chart, number two on the US World Albums Chart, and number twenty on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums Chart, nearing a Billboard 200 entry, an uncommon achievement for a new K-pop act. Following the Sewol Ferry Incident, all of the sibling's activities were cancelled to share a state of mourning. The duo dedicated their single, "200%", to the victims of the sunken Sewol ferry and their families, and honored its victims by inserting an image of a yellow ribbon in the music video of "Give Love", released on May 2, 2014. Initially created for their debut album, the acoustic-ballad, "Time and Fallen Leaves" (시간과 낙엽), was held back for the autumn season. Released on October 10, the digital single peaked atop the Gaon Digital Chart in its second week of release, the latest addition of autumnal hits in the country; the single was not accompanied by a music video so the listeners would imagine their own stories. In November 2014, the duo embarked on a nationwide tour commenced in Seoul, titled "AKMU Camp".
The sibling duo performing at Seoul Forest in May 2016.
Two years since their last album, Akdong Musician returned with their first EP titled Spring on May 4, 2016, the first record of the two-part series, Puberty. It was promoted with two lead singles: "Re-Bye" and "How People Move" (사람들이 움직이는 게), and represented the duo "growing up" through the themes of adolescence, where all six tracks are about their youth during their five-years in Mongolia. It caught the attention of domestic and international listeners alike; every song charted in the top ten of Korean and foreign music charts, including the Gaon Digital Chart, with "Re-Bye" becoming a chart-topper. Billboard named Spring the fourth best K-pop album of the year, where the record "boast a more theatrical feel to them to show the young duo is growing an exciting pace." To promote the EP, the duo performed at Seoul Forest on Children's Day in front of 10,000 people and 100,000 live streamers via V Live, simultaneously. and toured in Asia, holding showcases at Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Shanghai. On New Year's Day, they released the short film "Spring of Winter", correlating to their second seasonally themed album, Winter (2017). In the film, playing themselves, they argue and disband Akdong Musician, while songs from the new album acted as its soundtrack. Two days later, the duo released their second studio album, the second in a conceptual two-part album series Puberty. Its lead single, "Last Goodbye" (오랜 날 오랜 밤) became the second best-selling song within the first half the year, and the fourth within the entire year. It also became one of twelve songs to surpass 100 million streams in 2017, and was awarded Song of the Year (January) at the 7th Gaon Chart Music Awards and the Digital Bonsang at the 31st Golden Disc Awards. Its second lead single, "Reality" (리얼리티), was chosen by the viewers of My Little Television's live broadcast. The duo began a tour titled "AKMU Diary", holding concerts in seven cities nationwide, including eight sold-out shows in Seoul from March 23. Originally planned for six shows, two more shows were added due to the positive response of fans.
Marking their first experimentation in music with EDM, a challenge initiated to breakfree from the duo's usual acoustic mould, they released their first single album titled Summer Episode, on July 20, 2017, fronted by the lead singles "Dinosaur" and "My Darling". Based on the siblings' childhood, the former single peaked at number six on the Gaon Digital Chart, number nine on the US World Digital Song Sales Chart, and received greater attention in the following years, re-entering charts six years after its release. Summer Episode served as the duo's last release ahead of Lee Chan-hyuk's mandatory military enlistment with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps on September 18. Voluntarily enlisted early in comparison to other K-pop celebrities, he entered a training center in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. In this time, he wrote most of Sailing (2019) while living on a ship over two years during his enlistment, as he was inspired by the new experience. The 22-year-old fulfilled his mandatory military service with the Marine Corps and was discharged on May 29, 2019, thus also simultaneously resuming the activities of Akdong Musician.
2019–present: Sailing and continued success
After a two-year hiatus from the industry, the newly-renamed AKMU decided to permanently use the abridged version of the name, Akdong Musician, referencing a "mischievous child", to avoid feeling constrained in their musical pursuits by its meaning. The duo returned with their third studio album, Sailing, on September 25, 2019, supported by the lead single "How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You're the One I Love" (어떻게 이별까지 사랑하겠어, 널 사랑하는 거지), a song they had originally performed at the 2017 Someday Festival. The lead single topped the Gaon Digital Chart for the month of October, remained atop their country's largest streaming platform for over a month, the longest period since the chart's creation, and stayed within its top ten for one year and two months after its release. It sold 2.5 million copies, receiving a platinum certification for download from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA), and was certified triple platinum for streaming. The song further won Artist of the Year (September) at the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards and the Digital Bonsang at the 34th Golden Disc Awards. Notably, the album marked Su-hyun's first credited contribution to an AKMU song, "Farewell" (작별 인사), which she arranged. To commemorate the launch of Sailing, AKMU held a guerilla stage at Yeouido Hangang Park on September 29; it gathered over 30,000 people, 7-8 times larger than the size of the venue. Released on November 16, 2020, the digital single "Happening" expanded on the themes of their previous single and stylistically acted as a bridge to AKMU's next studio album.
Following the end of AKMU's seven-year contract with YG Entertainment, the duo re-signed with the label for five more years, citing the reliable support and creative freedom as reasons. Their second EP, Next Episode, was released on July 26, 2021, with the lead single, "Nakka" (낙하) featuring IU. Described as a "collaboration album", it comprises seven songs, each featuring different artists including Lee Sun-hee, Beenzino, Crush, Sam Kim, Zion.T, and Choi Jung-hoon of indie rock band Jannabi, and served as an extension of Summer Episode (2017), exhibiting themes of freedom. Inspired by the film The Greatest Showman (2017), "Nakka" debuted at number three on the Gaon Digital Chart in the issue dated July 31, 2021, and rose to number one the following week, becoming their seventh chart-topping single. The single also peaked atop the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks. Furthermore, Next Episode's tracks occupied seven spots in the top ten of the Gaon Download Chart, indicating the best-selling singles of the week. "Nakka" received a platinumcertification for streaming by the KMCA, their second certified single since the system's implementation, and later won Best Pop Song at the 19th Korean Music Awards, Best Collaboration at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and the Digital Bonsang at the 36th Golden Disc Awards. All seven songs were released with music videos, each depicting a theme from the seven songs included in the album.
Released on August 21, 2023, their digital single, Love Lee, primarily supported by the titular single of the same name, topped the Circle Digital Chart (formerly Gaon Digital Chart) for six non-consecutive weeks, and remained at number one on Korea's largest streaming platform for nine consecutive weeks, the longest among all releases that year. "Love Lee" became their first entry on the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs Chart, peaking at number 91 and 4, respectively. Its choreography also garnered interest, with related dance challenges and short-form videos posted on TikTok amassing over 200 million views. "Love Lee" was later awarded Best Pop Song at the 21st Korea Music Awards, their second trophy in the category, and Best Vocal Performance Group at the 2023 MAMA Awards (formerly Mnet Asian Music Awards). Its B-side "Fry's Dream", found similar success, peaking at number two on the Circle Digital Chart, only behind "Love Lee", and topped the V Coloring Chart, a component chart of the Circle Chart, for two consecutive months, presented with V Coloring of the Year at the 13th Circle Chart Music Awards.
In commemoration of AKMU's tenth anniversary, the act held a two-day concert titled "10VE" at KSPO Dome in Seoul, garnering 21,000 attendees. In addition, their project further consisted their third EP Love Episode, with the lead single "Hero", released on June 3, 2024. It featured of six tracks, including their 2023 hit singles "Love Lee" and "Fry's Dream", and served as the third installment of AKMU's Episode series, following Summer Episode (2017) and Next Episode (2021). The EP was praised for its exploration of the universal emotion of love, conveyed through their distinct sensibility and language, and was met with widespread acclaim, securing high positions on Korean music charts.
Artistry
Image and reception
AKMU have been lauded for their musical sensibility and emulated traits of a "musical prodigy" and "genius" since their first appearance in public, at ages 16 and 13. The duo quickly established themselves as "true artists", displaying skills in songwriting and singing. Steve Choi of the Korea Music Content Association shared AKMU serves as the best representative of a diverse artist with the broadest musical spectrums, leading as the best inspiration and motivating factor for others. Furthermore, the duo excels and encompass any musical genre they delve into.
Beloved in their home country, the duo attained the honorific title "The Nation's Siblings".
Other ventures
Endorsements
In the advertising industry, AKMU has represented for brands: Paris Baguette, EDM Education, Kia Motors's K3, KB Securities, and Lotte Chilsung. They have also endorsed for promotional campaigns of KT Corporation, Daum, Yogiyo [ko], Life Plus, Chevrolet Korea, and Socar [ko]. Through YG Entertainment's collaboration with Woori Bank, the duo created a song with the credit card company to raise awareness of the Korean language, as part of celebrations for Hangul Day. Further collaborations include participating in a project for Daum, creating a song for Samsung, and theme songs for Nexon, namely KartRider's "Drift", and MapleStory's "We are all Adventurers". The duo are widely known to create commercial songs for the brands they endorse and represent, including for KT Corporation, Paris Baguette, and Lotte Chilsung. AKMU have also worked with governmental institutions, becoming youth ambassadors appointed by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in 2014.
AKMU's effect on the advertising industry was demonstrated through their commercial advert for KT Corporation, wherein the duo achieved results that equated an expenditure of ₩70 billion over two years to replicate the same success, raising consumer awareness by 90%; they were awarded Best Advertising Model at the 2013 Korea Advertising Awards. Paris Baguette had also observed an increase of 50% in product sales, after the duo became its newest models in 2013.
Philanthropy
Following their success on Kpop Star 2 (2012–2013) as its winners, the sibling duo donated their entire cash prize of ₩300 million ($290,000), following a discussion with their parents, including ₩100 million ($97,000) from a record production support fund. For their tenth anniversary, AKMU donated ₩141 million ($102,350) and ₩47 million each, commemorating their debut date, April 7, to Green Asia to prevent desertification by planting trees in Mongolia, Severance Hospital to support underprivileged people with incurable diseases, and the Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute (KYCWI) to aid in mental health treatment for secluded and isolated teenagers. The duo have also participated in charity campaigns, including the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, where they opted to donating in lieu of pouring a bucket of ice water, and the Genie Music Challenge in 2016, where ₩1.94 million was donated to Snail of Love, contributing towards a cochlear implant surgery for an 18-month-old infant.
AKMU have further engaged themselves in volunteering activities, and have donated their talent through performances at the Hope for Lou Gehrig's Disease Concert in 2013, the YG X UNICEF Walking Festival in 2017, where all participation fees were donated to UNICEF Korea to treat children and adolescents of malnutrition, a charity event hosted by Compassion Korea in 2019, and a concert organized by the duo for pediatric patients at Seoul National University Hospital in 2023, where they distributed gifts and personally visited the patients unable to leave their rooms. The duo had also donated their talent to create the song "Happy World", a rendition of their self-composed single "Don't Cross Your Legs", exploring themes of youth issues such as school violence, gaming and cellphone addiction, and friendship, for the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in 2014.
AKMU's entry into the market showcased the future cultivation of "hallyu", the Korean culture wave; where their win in the audition program indicated the music consumers' level and point of view had improved and varied. It was further cited the beginning of AKMU raised the country's cultural consumption level. Analytic data provided by the Gaon Chart showed the duo were one of few rare artists in the country to not only have teenagers their own age consume and resonate with their music, but also with older age groups ranging up to their fifties equally as strong. In their career, artists that have cited the duo's work as an influence and as a role model include singer-songwriter Kang Ji-eum, Tomorrow X Together's Huening Kai, Itzy's Ryujin, and BabyMonster's Rami. AKMU has also been featured in listicles including Billboard 21 Under 21.
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Hwang, Hye-jin (October 18, 2023). 역시 국민남매 듀오, 캠퍼스·페스티벌 사로잡은 AKMU [AKMU, the Nation's Siblings duo, Captivates Campuses and Festivals]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Yoon, Seong-yeol (May 15, 2013). 악동뮤지션, 파리바게뜨 여름시즌 모델 발탁 [Akdong Musician Selected as Paris Baguette's Models for Summer]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Lee, Jae-hoon (March 3, 2020). edm유학센터, 남매 듀오 AKMU(악뮤) 전속모델 발탁 [EDM Education Selects Sibling Duo AKMU as Exclusive Models]. eDaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Park, Sang-jae (October 7, 2020). 악동뮤지션, 여성가족부 청소년 홍보대사 위촉 [Model Line-up for Hyundai / Kia: BTS, Go Soo, Park Na-rae, Boom, and AKMU]. New Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Na, Yu-ra (May 3, 2022). KB증권, 새 광고모델로 '악동뮤지션' 발탁...신규 광고 온에어 [KB Securities Selects 'Akdong Musician' as New Endorsement Models, New Advertisement on Air]. Energy Economy (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Hwang, Jung-won (May 24, 2024). "톡 쏘는 청량 바이브"… 칠성사이다 새 얼굴 AKMU 광고 공개 ["Fresh and Refreshing Vibes", Chilsung Cider's New Face AKMU Releases Advertisement]. Money S (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Jung, Yu-hyun (February 2, 2013). 제일기획, '악동뮤지션'으로 '올-IP'광고 대박 [Cheil Worldwide, Hits the Jackpot with 'All-IP' Advertising with 'Akdong Musician']. EToday (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Seo, Young-jun (August 20, 2013). 다음, 아트&쉐이크 프로젝트 시즌3 시작 [Daum Begins Art & Shake Project Season 3]. Newspim (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Choi Na-young (July 18, 2015). 광고서 이런 멀티캐스팅이? '소속사 패키지' 눈길 [High Profile Multiasting in the Advertisement? Eyes on the 'Company Package']. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 31, 2015. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
Lee, Daniel (June 17, 2022). 쉐보레, 악동뮤지션과 트레일블레이저 브랜드 캠페인 [Chevrolet: Akdong Musician and Trailblazer Brand Campaign]. Hankyung (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
Lee, Daniel (February 1, 2024). 쏘카, 악뮤와 함께하는 브랜드 캠페인 실시 [Socar Conducts Brand campaign with AKMU]. Aju News (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 1, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Kim, Hyo-jin (August 27, 2013). 다음, 악동뮤지션 신곡 '사소한 것에서' 뮤직비디오 독점공개 [Daum: Akdong Musician's New Song 'From Little Things' Releases Exclusive Music Video]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Naver.
Lee, Daniel (March 26, 2020). 엔터테인먼트 손 뻗은 넥슨, 공격적 외연 확장 [Nexon Reaches Out to Entertainments, Aggressively Expands its Reach]. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Kim, Jung-yu (December 23, 2021). 넥슨, '메이플스토리' 쇼케이스...업데이트 내용 공개 [Nexon Holds 'MapleStory' Showcase, Reveals Updated Details]. eDaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Lee, Min-ji (February 28, 2013). 악동뮤지션 대박 CM송 비화 "반나절만에 만든 자작곡" [Secret Story of Akdong Musician's Hit CM Song: "A Self-composed Song Made in Half a Day"]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Song, Jin-hyun (May 15, 2013). 파리바게뜨, "악동뮤지션의 '콩떡빙수'송 들으며 시원한 빙수 즐겨요" [Paris Baguette: "Enjoy Cool Shaved Ice While Listening to Akdong Musician's 'Bean Ice Flakes With Rice Cake'"]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
^ Park, Soo-jung (May 27, 2014). 악동뮤지션, 여성가족부 청소년 홍보대사 위촉 [Akdong Musician Appointed as Youth Ambassadors by Ministry of Gender Equality and Family]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Lee, Gyu-bok (April 9, 2013). '악동무지션'의 '올IP송' 앞세운 KT, 인지도 승승장구! [KT, Led by Akdong Musician's 'All IP Song', Rises in Recognition!]. New Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
Shim, Na-young (March 18, 2013). 700억 대박난 'KT 올아이피송' 숨은 이야기 들어보니... [Hearing the Story Behind the 70 Billion Won Hit, 'KT All IP Song']. Asiae (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Bae, Gyu-min (October 20, 2013). 2013년도 대한민국광고대상에 현대차·코웨이 등 [2013 Korea Advertising Awards Awardees Include Hyundai Motor Company and Coway]. Money Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
Baek, Jong-mo (May 29, 2013). [단독] 악동뮤지션 '콩떡빙수' 발표되자 제품 매출 50% 상승 [ When Akdong Musician's 'Bean Ice Flakes With Rice Cake' Was Announced, Product Sales Increased by 50%]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Naver.
Seon, Mi-kyung (August 31, 2014). kt뮤직, 18개월된 영아 소리찾기 수술 600만원기부 [Sean: "I Garnered 700 Million Won Through Participations in the Ice Bucket Challenge", YG's Good Deed Relay]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
Jeong, So-young (May 31, 2016). 악동뮤지션, 청각장애 아동 캠페인 참여.."의미있는 도전" [Akdong Musician Participates in a Campaign for Hearing-impaired Children, "A Meaningful Challenge"]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
Kim, Hyuna (September 19, 2016). kt뮤직, 18개월된 영아 소리찾기 수술 600만원기부 [KT Music Donates 6 Million Won for a Cochlear Implant Surgery for 18-month-old Infant]. eDaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
Hwang, Hye-jin (October 23, 2014). YG패밀리 봉사활동 단체 인증샷 ‘민낯 눈길’ [YG Family Volunteer Work Group Proof Shot, 'Bare-faced Gaze']. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
Son, Ye-ji (May 14, 2017). 'YG X 유니세프' 악뮤 "오랜만에 패밀리콘, 좋다" [YG X UNICEF, AKMU: "Family Concert After a Long Time, It Was Great"]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
^ Kang, Soo-jin (March 26, 2013). 가요계 흔드는 ‘악동 뮤지션’... "우리가 부르면 인기 검색어가 바뀐다" [Akdong Musician Shakes Up the Music Industry, "Popular Search Terms Change When Called"] (in Korean). Kyunghyang Shinmun. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
Park, Sang-hu (November 26, 2020). 강지음 "롤모델은 악동뮤지션, 누구나 공감할 수 있는 노래 만들고파" [인터뷰] [Kang Ji-eum: "My Role Model is Akdong Musician. I Want to Make Songs That Everyone Can Relate To" ]. TV Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
Lee, Ha-na (October 14, 2023). TXT 휴닝카이 "악뮤 보고 누나와 K팝스타 도전, 롤모델" (오날오밤) [어제TV] [TXT Huening Kai: "After Watching AKMU, I Wanted to Become a K-pop star with My Older Sister, You Were My Role Model" (Long Day, Long Night) ]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
Lee, Seung-mi (September 1, 2016). 악동뮤지션, '정글의법칙in몽골' 특별 내레이션 맡았다 (공식) [Akdong Musician Takes on Narration for 'Law of the Jungle: Mongolia' (official)]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
"기아자동차 K3와 악뮤가 함께하는 '붕붕마블 시즌 2' 첫 방영" [Kia Motors' K3 and AKMU's first episode of "Bung Bung Marble Season 2"]. News1 (in Korean). May 25, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
Hwang Hye-jin (February 2, 2021). 김희철X붐X송은이X악뮤X재재 '독립만세' 출연 확정, 22일 첫방(공식) [Kim Hee-chulXBoomXSong Eun-iXAKMUXJae Jae Confirmed to appear in 'Hurray Independence', first broadcast on the 22nd (official)]. Newsen. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
Park, Sang-hoo (September 20, 2023). 악뮤, 데뷔 이래 첫 자체 콘텐트 '모두의 남매 뭐든 해' 론칭 [AKMU Launches its First Content Since Debut: 'Siblings Next Door']. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
"악동뮤지션 '다이노소어', 실험적 도전 성공…10개 도시 전국투어 피날레" [Akdong Musician 'Dinosaur' succeeded in experimental challenge...National Tour Finale of 10 Cities] (in Korean). Retrieved July 24, 2017.
이, 슬비 (February 14, 2020). '[전문] 젝스키스·악뮤, 코로나19 확산 우려 콘서트 전면 취소(공식입장) [ Sechskies and AKMU cancel the concert altogether due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 (Official admission)] (in Korean). 동아닷컴. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
백, 지은 (February 27, 2020). "[공식] 악뮤, 코로나19로 춘천·전주·청주 공연 취소…티켓 전액환불" [ AKMU canceled Chuncheon, Jeonju, and Cheongju performances due to COVID-19...Full refund of tickets] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
Kim, Myung-mi (October 13, 2023). AKMU 4년만 단독 콘서트, 전국 투어로 전격 확대 [공식] [AKMU's First Solo Concert in 4 Years Expands into a Nationwide Tour ]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
Kim, Hyun-jung (March 22, 2024). 다올투자증권 "YG엔터, 잠시 쉬었다 간다"…목표가↓ [Daol Investment & Securities: "YG Entertainment Takes a Break", Target ↓]. Business Plus (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
L-R: Lee Su-hyun, Lee Chan-hyuk.jpg)
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