AKMU (formerly Akdong Musician), comprised of siblings Lee Chan-hyuk (이찬혁) and Lee Su-hyun (이수현), rose to fame after winning the audition program K-pop Star 2 in 2013. They officially debuted under YG Entertainment the following year. The duo quickly gained popularity with their unique musical style, with Lee Su-hyun beloved for her distinctive voice. Lee Chan-hyuk has not only showcased outstanding musical talent but has also developed his own approach to business management. Twelve years after his debut, he founded his personal company, "Spring of Inspiration" (영감의 샘터). He personally designed the office with his unique aesthetic, and the company's culture, management system, and even employee recruitment conditions are remarkably unconventional, sparking considerable interest.
The upcoming episode of MBC's variety show Omniscient Interfering View, airing on the 31st, will offer the first glimpse into "Spring of Inspiration," the company Lee Chan-hyuk founded 12 years after his debut. From the office decor and employee titles to special benefits, the show will fully reveal his personal taste and management philosophy.
In the program, viewers will first see the design-forward office, filled with various exquisite objects and unique decorations, reflecting Lee Chan-hyuk's aesthetic sensibilities at every turn. Even more intriguing is the company's unique naming culture: Lee Chan-hyuk is referred to as "Spring Master," his sister Lee Su-hyun as "Princess," and all other employees are collectively called "Inspirations," symbolizing that everyone is a source of creativity and ideas. This unique system greatly piqued the curiosity of the show's guests.
Beyond that, the company even has special rules for recruiting employees, including a requirement that "employees cannot share the same surname." This seemingly whimsical hiring condition has intensified curiosity about how Lee Chan-hyuk selects his team members. The show will also reveal the process of him personally recruiting employees and the unique stories behind each member joining the company.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of "Spring of Inspiration" is its employee benefits, which are rarely seen in the industry. In addition to a flexible remote work system, the company implements a four-day work week and even arranges for all employees to learn swing dance together during work hours, ensuring that work isn't just about grinding away.
On a day designated for the company's swing dance class, Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun took their employees to a dance studio. In a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, they danced to music, not only relieving work stress but also fostering camaraderie among team members. Lee Chan-hyuk's core philosophy behind these benefits is to enhance employee efficiency and creativity through such a free and enjoyable work model.
Why adopt such a unique management approach? Behind it lies Lee Chan-hyuk's firm belief: "A good life fosters good music." He believes that creation should not be confined to the studio. Therefore, whether it's overseas volunteer activities or walking a pilgrimage route, employees, regardless of their roles, collectively participate in various life experiences, sharing their daily moments with each other.
The entire company's free and warm atmosphere, reminiscent of a real-life Animal Crossing game, emphasizes not only work but also life and interpersonal communication, greatly surprising the show's guests.
Transitioning from music producer to entrepreneur, Lee Chan-hyuk not only aims to create great works but also seeks to guide and positively transform his employees' lives. His distinctive management philosophy and the mysterious inner workings of his company will be fully revealed on MBC's variety show Omniscient Interfering View, airing on the 31st at 11:10 PM KST.
