AKMU releases songs written by Chan-hyuk at sea during days as marine
Sibling duo Akdong Musician (AKMU) released its third full-length album “Sailing” on Monday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
When Lee Chan-hyuk of brother-sister duo Akdong Musician (AKMU) was doing his obligatory military service in the Marine Corps, the environment wasn't perfect for him to work on music.
In particular, he had virtually nothing to play when his unit was out at sea during a drill with the Navy ― not even a recorder. As a Marine, he had to be on board a naval ship for as long as a month at a time.
But this could not kill his passion for music. Amazingly, Chan-hyuk created dozens of cross-genre numbers included in the duo's latest release “Sailing” while he was in the corps from September 2017 to May 2019.
“This is why the titles of most tracks are linked to ships and the ocean,” he said during a press preview on Wednesday at the CGV Cheongdam Cine City in Seoul. “I solely resorted to pen and notebook to compose them while on board ship. I suffered from seasickness sometimes. The EP in general revolves around farewell because I was actually isolated from the public for a lengthy period.”
AKMU's third studio album, fronted by lead track “How can I love the heartbreak, you're the one I love,” has nine additional numbers composed by Chan-hyuk. Some B-side tracks include “Chantey,” “Whale” and “Fish in the Water.” The songs have been dominating music streaming charts since its release on Monday.
Through the EP, AKMU aims to unveil its unexploited maturity. In fact, most people still regard Chan-hyuk and his younger sister Su-hyun as “budding geniuses,” as they were only 16 and 14, respectively, when they made their first public appearance on SBS's audition program “KPOPSTAR Season 2” in 2012. But both are now grown-ups longing for maturity.
“As I knew Su-hyun's bubbliness suited AKMU's concept, I had to seek ways to compromise (with my wants) when making the previous albums,” Chan-hyuk said. “But for this EP, I expressed everything I wanted for the first time."
He added: “I once attempted to figure out what would be an 'everlasting value' that remains unaffected despite the flow of time. The answer I found was maturity and I have long been craving for it. Since I am not glib-tongued, I tried to display such a thought in the album. The product could have been 'unfriendly' to my sister, but I thanked her for following me so well.”
AKMU participated in a press showcase on Monday at the CGV Cheongdam Cine City in Seoul . Courtesy of YG Entertainment
Su-hyun said she was considerate toward her brother this time, since she knew his thirst for music.
“Chan-hyuk was serving his mandatory military service (for nearly two years) and had no way to quench his thirst,” she said. “But I was different because I did my bit in various musical activities alone. So I wanted my brother to do whatever he wanted this time. But as I tuned up, I eventually felt like the songs also belong to me. So, in the end, the EP turned into the work of AKMU, not only Chan-hyuk.”
The pair's pursuit of maturity is also reflected in its name. Su-hyun revealed they have been dubbing themselves “AKMU” instead of “Akdong Musician” for a reason. In Korean, “Akdong” means “mischievous children.”
“We were concerned our name would restrict us from expanding our musical horizons,” Su-hyun said. “The name fitted us when we were kids, but not now because we are adults.”
She also said the pair now understands and respects each other more.
“I felt the absence of Chan-hyuk probably more than he did while he was away,” Su-hyun said. “As I did things on my own, I learned about how he has been struggling to make music and write lyrics. Hence, we don't argue much these days."
She added: “As we grow up, we are realizing that our musical taste and goals are quite different. So we might have to compromise with our wants in our future releases. But when we are prepared, each of us will come up with solo albums that epitomize our identities.”