They are not the first.
Koreaboo
1 hour ago
South Korea’s sibling duo AKMU — composed of Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun — has officially revealed the name of their new independent company.
| YG Entertainment
AKMU are not the first act to form their own agency after leaving YG, with BLACKPINK members promoting individually under their own companies.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Explains Why She Didn’t Renew With YG Entertainment For Solo Activities
On January 20, AKMU posted a notice on fan platform Weverse regarding their contract transfer. The message confirmed that following the end of their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, the duo’s management will move to a new company called Fountain Of Inspiration. The contract transfer is set to take effect on January 27, 2026.
| YG Entertainment
AKMU first rose to fame in 2012 after winning SBS’s survival audition program K-pop Star Season 2. They signed with YG Entertainment in 2013 and officially debuted in 2014. After 12 years with YG, the group announced their departure at the end of 2025.
| YG Entertainment
Fans had speculated that AKMU would establish an independent company alongside their longtime manager, and the new name has now confirmed those expectations.
YG Group Leaves Agency After 12 Years— Sparks Massive Reactions
The group’s departure and their new independent agency have sparked strong reactions.
imagine how trash yg gotta be that every artist leaves one by one and starts their own label… like they completely lost faith in companies 😭 https://t.co/NFEjgOtHN2
— Pikachu (@quarrelpinks) January 20, 2026
all yg artists leaving one by one that company is so over https://t.co/MZSam9WwtK
— 🕷️ (@baejeanies) January 20, 2026