Sibling duo AKMU returns with star-studded collaboration album

Lee Chan-hyuk, left, and Lee Su-hyun of sibling duo AKMU pose during an online press conference, Monday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

For the first time since its 2012 debut, brother-sister duo Akdong Musician (AKMU) has put out a collaboration album featuring some of the most attention-grabbing singers in the music scene: IU, Lee Sun-hee, Zion. T, Beenzino, Crush, Sam Kim and Choi Jung-hoon of indie rock band Jannabi.

When the names of AKMU's partners were disclosed, fans went wild, showing their excitement over the collaboration that would add more variety to the duo's eclectic discography.

"Just like Marvel's Avengers, we have joined hands with the heroes of the Korean music industry this time," AKMU's Lee Su-hyun said during an online press conference, Monday. The event took place a few hours before the release of AKMU's new retro-flavored album "NEXT EPISODE."

The lead single "NAKKA" ― meaning "falling down" in Korean ― features soloist IU. The two band members revealed they decided to ask IU to team up for the project, as she was, they thought, the best one to relay the song's message to the public.

"Through NAKKA, we wanted to tell people there always is someone supporting them even if they fall from the top. And after partnering up with IU, we thought it would be great to have more musicians involved in our other tunes."

Chan-hyuk, who took part in composing "NAKKA," cited the 2017 American musical drama film "The Greatest Showman" as his well of inspiration. Starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, the movie revolves around the 19th-century entertainer P.T. Barnum and his circus.

"I was inspired by a scene portraying how the members of Barnum's circus supported him after he fell from grace," Chan-hyuk said. "They were telling him that they did not stay with him just because of his fame… For them, his failure was not a problem."

Veteran singer Lee Sun-hee, who had her heyday in the 1980s with hits like "Dear J" (1985) and "Fate" (2005), featured on "Battlefield," while singer-songwriter Zion. T lent his voice for "BENCH." Beenzino and Choi Jung-hoon featured on "Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock" and "Fight," respectively, with Crush and Sam Kim singing "Stupid Love Song" and "EVEREST."

"Our new album has a piercing message of transcending freedom," Chan-hyuk noted, adding that he coined the term "transcending freedom" to best describe the album.

"Transcending freedom refers to inner freedom, which allows people to remain unfazed by any external forces…. I strived to reflect this idea in all seven tracks of NEXT EPISODE."

Su-hyun added that Chan-hyuk, who mostly immersed himself in crafting AKMU's songs and writing their lyrics, played a more active role in vocal performance this time.

"Our fans will be able to hear Chan-hyuk's vocal prowess," she said.

Chan-hyuk wrapped up the session by delivering his goal with the album.

"In the past, I wanted to change the world and people through our music," he said. "But now, I know the beauty of diversity… I just hope our album can send a message of hope to those who need it."

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