On January 20, AKMU shared an official notice on Weverse titled “Notice Regarding Transfer of AKMU Community Contract.” 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 read.
This announcement sheds further light on AKMU’s future direction following the end of their long-standing partnership with YG Entertainment. The duo first rose to fame after winning SBS’s Survival auditions programme Kpop star 2 in 2012, before 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 been growing about AKMU’s independence, including reports that they would part ways with their longtime manager and set up a one-man agency. Since then, the confirmation of the company’s new name has attracted the attention of fans and industry insiders.
In particular, Fountain of Inspiration is a name already familiar to fans. Lee Chan-hyuk had 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 Straw.” 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 operational, attention is turning to AKMU’s future endeavors and how the duo will continue to shape their unique musical identity outside of YG Entertainment.
Sources: Star News, Weverse, YG Entertainment
