Lee Chan-hyuk reveals unconventional company rules and hiring restrictions

AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk revealed on the MBC program 'Omniscient Interfering View' that his company prohibits hiring applicants with the same surname as current employees. The organization also offers a four-day work week, housing support, and mandatory swing dance lessons during working hours.

Offering a four-day work week, housing support, and even swing dance lessons during working hours, the company founded by AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk has drawn attention for its unique corporate culture, which includes participating in overseas volunteer work with employees. While its unconventional welfare benefits have garnered admiration, the company also revealed an extraordinary rule: individuals with the same surname as existing employees are not allowed to join.

During the 422nd episode of the MBC entertainment program 'Omniscient Interfering View' aired on October 31, the siblings Lee Chan-hyuk and LEE SUHYUN appeared. The broadcast drew interest by revealing not only the home where the two live but also the interior of the company established by Lee Chan-hyuk. Both the house and the office, which Lee Chan-hyuk personally participated in decorating, stood in stark contrast to typical workplaces or residential spaces.

The office was notably decorated with the face of its founder, Lee Chan-hyuk, in various places. Upon seeing this on screen, LEE SUHYUN teased her brother's exceptional self-love, remarking, "It's just pure narcissism," which drew laughter. The way employees are addressed is also unique; instead of standard ranks or titles, everyone is called "Inspiration", while Lee Chan-hyuk himself is referred to as "Spring Head".

Lee Chan-hyuk explained that since his debut, he has frequently been asked where his inspiration comes from. He has consistently responded that he gains inspiration from the people around him, a philosophy he reflected in the titles given to his staff. This approach embodies his organizational philosophy of viewing employees not merely as task performers, but as sources of creativity and colleagues.

However, despite this horizontal organizational culture, there is a peculiar condition for applicants: they cannot be hired if their surname overlaps with an existing employee. LEE SUHYUN explained that because all employees are addressed as "Surname + Inspiration," having the same surname would cause confusion, making it difficult to hire even highly talented individuals if their surnames match. Lee Chan-hyuk added his characteristic whimsical thought, suggesting that one could join if they changed their surname.

The recruitment process, revealed through employee testimony, resembled a scene from a drama. Yu Yeong-gam, who has been with AKMU since their YG Entertainment days, confessed to feeling disillusioned with repetitive tasks after three years of work. Seeking a new way of life as her duties remained largely unchanged despite her seniority, she had planned to resign and go on a working holiday, setting 2025 as her final year of work.

However, a conversation with Lee Chan-hyuk while clearing out her old studio changed her life's direction. When she mentioned that the space seemed to be tidying up quickly, Lee Chan-hyuk asked, "Do you want to do it together?" He then explained his planned vision for the next three years, proposing, "The reason for making music is to make life enjoyable, so wouldn't you want to leave to find the essence together?" Yu Yeong-gam recalled being captivated by the proposal and joining the new organization.

Lee Chan-hyuk's consideration for his employees continues after they join. Yu Yeong-gam revealed that even amidst his busy schedule, Lee Chan-hyuk personally searched for real estate listings and looked after the commuting distances and the physical condition of his staff. The cast expressed surprise when it was explained that he even provided support for security deposits and monthly rent to help resolve housing issues. Beyond simply providing salary and working conditions, he considers the environment necessary for employees to live stably.

The collective activities conducted at the company are also rare in typical workplaces. During working hours, employees learn swing dance together, with the company covering the full cost of the lessons. When asked if such activities are announced during the interview stage, Lee Chan-hyuk replied that they are, but noted that employees cannot opt out just because they do not wish to participate. His principle is that even if one worked late the previous night, the exercise must be maintained.

Lee Chan-hyuk emphasized that he wants to share the positive experiences he has gained through direct practice with his employees. He explained that experiencing different ways of life is necessary to produce new results, and that swing dance is not merely a leisure activity but an investment in creativity. This reflects his perspective of not viewing work and life as separate domains for those who create music.

The working conditions disclosed by the employees were even more surprising: on Tuesdays, they can exercise or dance swing together before working from home, and every Wednesday is a day off. Upon hearing that the company essentially operates a four-day work week, the cast expressed envy, saying, "I would really want to work at this company." Furthermore, under the principle that "good music comes from a good life," employees stated they participate in overseas volunteer work together, with a volunteer project in Uganda being one of the collective projects they accompanied.

When Lee Young-ja remarked, "It feels like a club," Lee Chan-hyuk admitted that such an atmosphere exists. Employees also described the company as a "pleasantly strange company, in a good way." The organizational culture, which includes a four-day work week, housing support, collective exercise, and overseas volunteering, differs significantly from the work-centered systems of typical companies. However, the rule against hiring those with the same surname remains the most peculiar condition on this unique company's list of benefits. As Lee Chan-hyuk's philosophy of finding the source of creativity in people and life permeates the overall management, the experimental workplace culture being created by the "Spring of Inspiration" is drawing attention.

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