Lee Chan-hyuk (Korean: 이찬혁; born September 12, 1996) is a South Korean singer-songwriter, producer, and author. He debuted as a member of the sibling duo AKMU (Akdong Musician) in April 2014.
Early Life and Education
Lee Chan-hyuk was born on September 12, 1996, in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He and his younger sister, Lee Su-hyun, moved to Mongolia with their missionary parents for five years, where they were home-schooled by their mother before returning to South Korea.
Career
2012–2013: K-pop Star Season 2
In August 2012, Lee and his sister auditioned for the second installment of SBS's reality survival program K-pop Star as the duo Akdong Musician. They finished in first place and subsequently signed with YG Entertainment, citing the label's willingness to grant them creative freedom.
2014–2022: AKMU and Military Service
On April 7, 2014, Lee and Lee Su-hyun officially debuted as AKMU with their studio album Play, which achieved commercial success. The duo has since released multiple studio albums, extended plays, and singles.
In September 2017, Lee enlisted in the Korean Marine Corps for mandatory military service. During his service, his self-written song "Marine Triumph" (해병승전가) was officially adopted by the Korean Marines. He was discharged on May 29, 2019.
On September 26, 2019, Lee published his first novel Fish Meets Water (물 만난 물고기), which became the number-one best-selling novel in South Korean bookstores. In 2022, he published the picture book Alien in collaboration with illustrator Lee Yoon-woo.
2022–2023: Solo Debut
Lee released his debut solo studio album Error on October 17, 2022, which won the Best Pop Album award at the 20th Korean Music Awards. On June 28, 2023, he released his first video album Umbrella under the pseudonym Leechanhyukvideo.
2025–Present: Eros and Departure from YG
On July 14, 2025, Lee released his second studio album Eros, featuring the title track "Vivid LaLa Love." In November 2025, AKMU parted ways with YG Entertainment after 12 years, reportedly establishing an independent label. Lee subsequently founded the label Center of Inspiration (also stylized as Cemter of Inspiration).
Discography
Studio Albums
- Error (2022)
- Umbrella (2023, as Leechanhyukvideo)
- Eros (2025)
Selected Singles
- "Panorama" (2022)
- "1 Trillion" (2024)
- "Vivid LaLa Love" (2025)
- "Endangered Love" (2025)
Bibliography
- Fish Meets Water (2019) — novel
- Alien (2022) — picture book
Awards and Recognition
- Korean Music Awards (2023): Best Pop Album — Error
- Korean Music Awards (2026): Best Pop Album — Eros; Song of the Year — "Endangered Love"; Best Pop Song — "Endangered Love"
- MAMA Awards (2025): Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance — "MUSIC" (featuring Big Naughty)
Personal Life
Lee Chan-hyuk is the older brother of Lee Su-hyun, the other half of AKMU. He served in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps from 2017 to 2019.
