On April 9, 2026, the brother-sister musical duo AKMU, comprised of Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun, found themselves thrust into the spotlight—not just for their long-awaited musical comeback, but also for a viral moment that has the internet buzzing. Appearing as guests on MBC FM4U’s popular radio show 'Noon's Hope Song Kim Shin-young,' the siblings were ready to promote their fourth full-length album, Bloom (개화), but quickly found themselves fielding questions about a now-infamous incident involving YouTube personality Chimchakman.
The story, which has been circulating with renewed vigor across social media, centers on what fans have dubbed the ‘Chimchakman assault incident.’ During a previous appearance on Chimchakman’s YouTube channel, Lee Chan-hyuk was seen unleashing a wild, spinning punch—prompting Chimchakman to flee in surprise and viewers to erupt in laughter (and confusion). The clip’s unpredictable energy and slapstick chaos sent it viral, with many speculating whether it was a clever AI-generated prank or an authentic moment of unscripted hilarity.
On the April 9 radio broadcast, a listener didn’t hesitate to ask the question on everyone’s mind: “Why did you hit Chimchakman? And Su-hyun, why were you laughing?” Lee Su-hyun, ever candid and quick-witted, cleared the air with a laugh of her own. According to TV Report, she said, “People keep asking if it was an AI video, but it wasn’t. It was a real event—my brother actually used his technique on Chimchakman.”
Lee Chan-hyuk, not missing a beat, took the opportunity to explain the origins of his now-infamous move. “It’s a technique I’ve used since I was a kid,” he confessed, as reported by TV Report. “It even has a name: ‘Eye Punch Like King Kong to Su-hyun.’” The name alone drew laughter from the studio, but the story didn’t stop there. As Lee Su-hyun chimed in, “As you can tell from the name, it’s a move he usually uses on me. Chimchakman was honored to be the first recipient outside the family.”
The playful banter didn’t end with the siblings. Host Kim Shin-young, ever the instigator, asked Lee Chan-hyuk to demonstrate the move live on air. Lee, however, was quick to warn, “It’s more painful than you’d think, and once I start, it’s hard to stop because of the spinning and acceleration.” Lee Su-hyun, recalling the chaos of the original incident, added, “That day, we almost destroyed Chimchakman’s studio.” Kim Shin-young, not wanting to risk the expensive broadcast equipment, joked, “The gear here is pricey, so let’s not!”
For those who missed the original YouTube moment, here’s what happened: Lee Chan-hyuk appeared on Chimchakman’s channel, promising to showcase a ‘new technique.’ He spun his entire body before launching a punch—his so-called ‘King Kong Punch’—sending Chimchakman scrambling for safety. The unpredictable antics, paired with Lee Su-hyun’s laughter in the background, made for television gold and instant meme material. The video, which had already garnered attention at the time, found a second life on social media, with fans and curious onlookers alike dissecting every frame.
What’s perhaps most remarkable is how the siblings handled the resulting rumors and speculation. Lee Su-hyun’s straightforward response—“It’s not AI, it’s real!”—helped dispel conspiracy theories swirling online. The pair’s willingness to laugh at themselves and share the story openly only endeared them more to their fans. As TV Report noted, the incident has become a source of “explosive popularity” online, with viewers appreciating the genuine, unscripted nature of the moment.
Of course, the viral punch isn’t the only reason AKMU is making headlines. The duo’s appearance on Kim Shin-young’s radio show also marked their first radio interview since the release of Bloom on April 7, 2026. This album holds particular significance for AKMU: it’s their first full-length release in nearly six years, following 2019’s Sailing (항해), and represents a new chapter after their departure from YG Entertainment. Now signed to the agency 'Spring of Inspiration,' the siblings are eager to showcase their artistic growth and independence.
During the broadcast, DJ Kim Shin-young couldn’t hide her excitement. “My favorite, AKMU, is here!” she exclaimed. She also asked about the creative process behind the album’s tracks, particularly the song ‘Rumored Paradise’ (소문의 낙원). Lee Su-hyun shared the song’s backstory, revealing that it was inspired by her pilgrimage along the Santiago de Compostela route. “After my journey, my brother turned my travel diary into a song,” she explained. “And on our next trip, we walked the pilgrimage together, which made the song even more complete.”
The conversation offered a glimpse into AKMU’s creative dynamic: Lee Su-hyun as the muse, Lee Chan-hyuk as the composer, and both as equal partners in bringing their stories to life. Their ability to infuse personal experience into their music has long set them apart in the Korean music scene, and Bloom is no exception. The album, brimming with themes of growth, exploration, and self-discovery, is already resonating with fans old and new.
Yet, for all the talk of musical evolution and artistic freedom, it’s the siblings’ playful rapport and willingness to embrace life’s absurdities that truly shines through. Whether they’re sharing the story of a chaotic YouTube punch or reflecting on a spiritual journey across Spain, AKMU’s authenticity remains their greatest asset. As Lee Chan-hyuk put it—half-joking, half-serious—“Once I start, it’s hard to stop.” That’s a sentiment that seems to apply as much to their music as it does to his now-famous spinning punch.
In the end, the so-called ‘assault incident’ has only added to AKMU’s charm, reminding fans that even in an era of AI-generated content and meticulously curated images, genuine moments of chaos and laughter are still what bring people together. And with a new album, a new agency, and a viral moment under their belts, AKMU’s latest chapter is off to a memorable—and slightly dizzying—start.