On January 20, AKMU shared an official notice on Weverse titled “Notice Regarding AKMU Community Contract Transfer.” In the announcement, the duo confirmed that following the expiration of their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, their agency has been changed to Fountain of Inspiration. The contract transfer will officially take effect on January 27, 2026.
“Due to the expiration of AKMU’s exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, the artist’s agency will be transferred to Fountain of Inspiration. The contract transfer date is January 27, 2026,” the notice stated.
This announcement sheds further light on AKMU’s future direction after their long-standing partnership with YG Entertainment came to an end. The duo first rose to fame after winning SBS’s survival audition program K-pop Star 2 in 2012, subsequently signing with YG Entertainment in 2013 and officially debuting in 2014. Their departure marked the conclusion of a 12-year journey with the label, which was first publicly acknowledged on December 21 last year.
Prior to the official reveal, speculation had grown regarding AKMU’s independence, including reports that they would part ways with their long-time manager and establish a one-man agency. The confirmation of their new company name has since drawn significant attention from fans and industry insiders alike.
Notably, Fountain of Inspiration is a name already familiar to fans. Lee Chan-hyuk previously used Fountain of Inspiration as the title for his 2023 art exhibition, and once again in 2025 with “Lee Chan-hyuk: Fountain of Inspiration: The Last Drop.” The choice of name highlights the duo’s emphasis on creativity and artistic autonomy as they enter this new chapter.
With their independent agency now officially in place, attention is turning toward AKMU’s future activities and how the duo will continue to shape their unique musical identity outside of YG Entertainment.
Sources: Star News,Weverse,YG Entertainment