Sayart.net - AKMU Sibling Duo Returns with Upbeat Single ＂Love Lee＂ After a Two-Year Hiatus

YG Entertainment

In a highly anticipated comeback, K-pop's cherished sibling duo AKMU, composed of Lee Chan-hyuk and his younger sister Lee Su-hyun, has made a resounding return to the music scene. The duo released their latest single, "Love Lee," on Monday, igniting their signature positive and upbeat vibes that have earned them a dedicated fan base.

"Love Lee," the co-ed duet's fourth single, marks their first foray into the limelight in over two years. Their previous offering, the collaboration album "Next Episode," graced the scene in July 2021, making this musical resurgence a momentous occasion for their loyal supporters.

Unveiling their new creation during a press conference held in Seoul, the siblings introduced a two-track package featuring "Love Lee" and "Fry's Dream." The single captures the essence of AKMU's lively and buoyant spirit, breathing life into their music with a fresh twist that harkens back to their earlier works.

Lee Chan-hyuk, the main composer and sole lyricist behind "Love Lee," revealed the song's significance. Drawing parallels to the band's debut title track, "200%," Chan-hyuk described "Love Lee" as a gift to their audience, a gesture of gratitude for their unwavering support. He shared, "With '200%', we sang with youthful naivety, unaware of public expectations. 'Love Lee' is a song that we've crafted with a better understanding of our audience's desires."

The journey of AKMU has been marked by a blend of creative pursuits, often guided by Chan-hyuk's experimental inclinations. However, the passage of time saw Su-hyun yearning for a return to their musical roots. "After 'Nakka,' I told him that I will not take on any more challenges. I want to go back to 10 years ago, I said. I wanted to make music like '200%', carefree and easy on the ears," Su-hyun explained. "Nakka" refers to the lead song from their last album, "Next Episode."

Since their debut in 2014 with "Play," featuring hits like "200%" and "Give Love," AKMU has carved an influential path in K-pop as a self-produced sibling duo. Chan-hyuk's creative prowess and Su-hyun's vocal brilliance combined to forge a unique identity, characterized by unconventional melodies and lyrical playfulness.

The ascent of AKMU's fame, however, brought about a shift in Su-hyun's experience. As the spotlight on their music grew, Su-hyun's enthusiasm seemed to wane. "I realized that I've been doing only what I wanted to do for a long time as I watched how happy Su-hyun was working on this album," Chan-hyuk noted.

In crafting "Love Lee," Chan-hyuk meticulously incorporated Su-hyun's input, determined to ensure her presence was strongly felt. This marked a new beginning for the duo, a fresh era defined by collaboration and mutual understanding.

The title "Love Lee" itself is a play on the word "lovely," a term that resonated with Chan-hyuk during his time in the UK. This term encapsulated the essence of their new love-infused anthem, as well as an invitation to embrace the Lee siblings' journey.

"Fry's Dream," the second song in the single, takes AKMU back a decade. Originally unveiled at their debut concert in 2014, the song was initially gifted to fellow singer-songwriter IU by Chan-hyuk, only to be returned to Su-hyun in recent times. The siblings' bond is further illuminated through Su-hyun's creation of an animated illustration for the song's lyrics video.

The release of "Love Lee" heralds a new chapter for AKMU as they approach their 10th anniversary in April. This captivating single sets the stage for a series of celebrations that fans can eagerly anticipate.

As the siblings embark on joint endeavors after a two-year hiatus, they are preparing to co-host the esteemed KBS 2TV music talk show "The Seasons." This collaborative effort, coupled with the promise of a concert series, signals a dynamic phase for AKMU that promises to captivate audiences across regions and generations.

Sayart.net 

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com