The long-standing relationship between the beloved sibling duo AKMU (Akdong Musician) and YG Entertainment has come to an amicable close.
After 12 years with the agency, the duo—consisting of Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun—has decided to pursue a new challenge by going independent.
The news was officially announced by YG Entertainment on November 21, 2025, detailing a warm and supportive separation facilitated by executive producer Yang Hyun Suk.
A Heartfelt Farewell Dinner
The decision to part ways was the result of a sincere, months-long deliberation that culminated in a private dinner.
YG Entertainment’s official statement revealed that about six months ago, Yang Hyun Suk personally visited the members’ home for a meal.
The meeting was a reflective moment where they reminisced about their 12-year journey, which began when they first met on the audition program “K-Pop Star Season 2” in 2012.
The core of their discussion revolved around a critical crossroads: the duo’s “only dilemma was whether to continue with YG… or to take on a new challenge by going independent.”
AKMU (Credit: YouTube)
Yang Hyun Suk reportedly encouraged their decision, suggesting that “stepping away from YG and trying their music activities in a new environment could also be a meaningful experience.”
He conveyed his sincere intention to fully support them from behind, acknowledging AKMU’s natural inclination to constantly seek new artistic paths.
Deep Gratitude and Enduring Family Bond
The parting was characterized by mutual respect and profound gratitude. The YG statement emphasized that the AKMU members expressed their thanks to Yang Hyun Suk, who nurtured their careers, by presenting him with a heartfelt handwritten letter and performing a deep formal bow.
They also affirmed their lasting loyalty, stating,
“We will forever be YG Family,” and promised to “always come running if called upon.”
In return, YG Entertainment confirmed its perspective:
“Just as AKMU’s sincerity remains unchanged, YG also remains firm in seeing them as family. We wholeheartedly support their new challenge and will actively help them whenever needed.”
This unusually warm and supportive exit stands out in the competitive K-Pop industry, highlighting the unique bond formed over their long tenure.
A Legacy of Hits: 12 Years of Success
AKMU first chose YG Entertainment after winning K-Pop Star Season 2 in 2013, citing the agency as the best place to support their unique musical style.
They officially debuted in 2014 with their first full-length album, Play, which contained massive hit tracks like “200%” and “Give Love.”
Over the subsequent 12 years, the duo, led by the composing talent of Lee Chan Hyuk and the distinct voice of Lee Su Hyun, delivered numerous successful songs that established them as one of the nation’s most beloved sibling duos.
Their music, often categorized as K-pop, soul, and folk-pop, has been celebrated for its pure musical passion and lyrical genius, earning them the honorific title of “The Nation’s Siblings.”
The Next Chapter: Independent Music Activities
While the statement confirms their intention to pursue a new path by “going independent,” it does not specify the name of the new company or label they will establish.
This next chapter marks a significant pivot toward greater creative autonomy, allowing them to fully execute their philosophical and musical visions without the structure of a major entertainment conglomerate.
Fans are now eagerly anticipating what new musical directions and projects the talented siblings will unveil under their self-managed banner.
The dystopian global phenomenon ‘ Squid Game ‘ is officially expanding its deadly universe, with a highly anticipated American spin-off, tentatively titled ‘Squid Game: America,’ moving swiftly toward production.
According to multiple American media reports, the series is now scheduled to commence filming in February 2026 in Los Angeles.
This move confirms the rumors that have circulated since the massive success of the original Korean series and signifies Netflix’s major commitment to evolving the franchise’s dark, compelling narrative on a global scale.
A-List Talent Confirmed for the Production Team
The creative team behind the American spin-off is a powerhouse collaboration of acclaimed Hollywood and Korean talent.
The project is set to be helmed by renowned director David Fincher, known for his mastery of dark, psychological thrillers like Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Fincher’s involvement lends significant artistic weight to the spin-off. Furthermore, the original creator, Hwang Dong Hyuk, will remain involved as a producer, alongside Dennis Kelly (known for Utopia) who is listed as the screenwriter.
This blending of the original vision with top-tier Western talent aims to ensure the spin-off retains the brutal social commentary of the original while grounding it in an American context.
Production Details and Projected Release
The confirmation of the project was established through an official listing on the Film and Television Industry Alliance (FTIA) website. This listing specified that production for Squid Game: America is slated to begin on February 26, 2026, in Los Angeles.
The filming schedule provides a tentative timeline for fans eager to see the show. If shooting begins in early 2026, industry projections suggest that the series itself will be released some time in 2028, possibly around the Christmas season, though an official release date has yet to be announced by Netflix.
Squid Game (Credit: YouTube)
Cate Blanchett’s Role Connects the Universes
A major detail that links the spin-off directly to the original franchise is the involvement of Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett.
The listing names Blanchett as a cast member. She previously made a surprise cameo in the final moments of ‘Squid Game’ season 3 as the mysterious American Recruiter, setting up the possibility of the Games expanding internationally.
The spin-off is not a remake but is set within the same universe, allowing viewers to “see how the games are handled in America.”
Blanchett’s character, who was seen playing the game of ddakji in a Los Angeles alleyway, will likely play a central role in connecting the American narrative to the established lore of the deadly games.
A Story of American Desperation
Unlike the non-scripted reality competition, Squid Game: The Challenge , this spin-off will be a scripted series exploring new characters and storylines.
The setting change is intended to allow the creators to examine themes of financial hardship and desperation through a uniquely American social and cultural lens.
By shifting the perspective, the spin-off promises a fresh take while retaining the core elements of suspense, anti-capitalist satire, and brutal game play that made the original South Korean series an unexpected global phenomenon.
While the level of involvement from the original stars, like Lee Byung Hun (The Front Man), remains to be seen, the upcoming series represents Netflix’s biggest bet yet on extending the cultural dominance of the Squid Game IP.
Netflix Remains Silent
Despite the official production listings and widespread reporting across American media outlets like Radio Times, Netflix has yet to release any official statement or confirmation regarding the project, including the casting or the 2028 projected release window.
The project’s forward momentum, however, appears undeniable, marking a thrilling new chapter for the franchise’s expansion into Hollywood.
