Lee Chanhyuk Showing IU Favoritism, Album Goals, & More Revelations In Recent AKMU Presscon
As of writing this article, yesterday on the 26th of July, YG Entertainment's AKMU had an online press conference following the release of "Next Episode," their latest extended play.
AKMU's "Next Episode" is special as it is a collaboration album that features IU, Lee Sun Hee, Crush, Zion.T, Beenzino, Sam Kim, and Choi Jung Hoon.
When AKMU was asked how the duo chose their featured artists, AKMU's Lee Suhyun revealed that they were able to work with people who have made their mark in the Korean music industry. "It was a great honor to be able to work with Lee Sun Hee," Lee Suhyun added, among the other artists.
Lee Chanhyuk continued, "We didn't really think that we'd be able to work with her, but the chance arrived and she agreed so readily that it was an honor. I didn't even have to add anything, it felt like the song was being self-produced as she sang."
On how special their latest EP is, Lee Chanhyuk revealed, "In the past, I wrote and produced all the songs on the album and we never had any featuring artists, but this time our concept itself is 'collaboration.' It was really fun to make songs with the featured artists in mind."
Among the amazing songs and collaborations, AKMU's title track "NAKKA," was the most anticipated as it featured IU. For Lee Suhyun, working on a song with IU was amazing and she expressed her gratitude as IU readily accepted.
According to AKMU's Lee Suhyun, the track is about promising to always be at the side of someone who is going through a hard time. Lee Suhyun added that she enjoyed "The Greatest Showman" which is where they got the inspiration for the song.
Moreover, AKMU's Lee Suhyun jokingly revealed that Chanhyuk seemed to show IU 'favoritism'. "He's very strict with me, but when IU was recording, he kept shouting, 'That's great!' and giving her a thumbs-up. I was a little bit hurt, but it was IU, so I had to admit he was right," Lee Suhyun adorably shared.
Regarding what they wanted to achieve with their latest EP, AKMU's Lee Chanhyuk explained that in the past, they had big dreams like changing the world with their music. But now, AKMU only wants people to hear the message of their album, hoping that there are people motivated to change because of it.
Congratulations to YG Entertainment's AKMU for an amazing comeback!