Classical Musicians React: AKMU 'Freedom' vs 'Whale'

For the 47th reaction video of Season 4 of this series (uploaded not-in-the-order-as-planned-since-our-assistant-edit-got-the-flu), classical and jazz musicians react to AKMU's Freedom + Whale bside tracks!
Listen to Freedom here: • AKMU (악동뮤지션) - FREEDOM...
Listen to Whale here: • AKMU - Whale (고래) Lyri...
If you'd like to support ReacttotheK and help us grow, support us on Patreon and get access to a bunch of exclusive content: / reacttothek
If you're wondering why Gwen + Hugo are back for this video only, it's because they're both working almost full time and are finishing up their degrees, and asked to only react to akmu after they came back after Chanhyuk's hiatus!
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*CMR Reaction Release Schedule: docs.google.co...
*Will not react to list: • Will not be reacting to
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Video edited by Lazy Ace Dia ( / maninbackground )
Script written by Erin Peters (Twitter: @eireaine)
Intro design by Alex Chen (website: www.acchen.com/)
Thumbnail by Nozomi Murayama (IG: @nonchanyuzuru)
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Follow the ReacttotheK squad and keep up-to-date with our lives:
Umu:
IG: @_emcha_
Tumblr: attack-on-dango, omg-horns, kpop-favs
Twitter: @umucado
Kevin:
Twitter: @nerdymusicks
KZbin: nerdymusicks
IG: @nerdymusick
Isaac:
IG:@Isaac.jr.li
Twitter: @IsaacJRLi
Fiona:
IG+ twitter: @fifidoghorn
Daniel
IG: @m.jwlee
Aaron:
IG: @aaronlee753
Stephen:
IG: @stephenmorrisdrums
Seiji:
IG: @seiyamashita
Twitter: @seiyamashita3
Elizabeth:
IG: @ElizabethReacts
Henry (trombone):
IG: @henry.carpender
Twitter: @henry_carpender
James:
IG: @jamesfhorn
Melissa:
IG: @melissa.447
Emiel:
IG: @trumpetoats
Henry (vocalist):
IG: @henrythedean
Nick
IG: @nqwbr
YT: Nicholas Wilbur
Brianna:
IG: @brianna239

[@ReacttotheK]

Classical Musicians React individual/unedited pair reactions for AKMU (including Gwen & Hugo's first listen to the entire Sailing album) are available on Patreon! We have lots of projects coming up, and any financial help you could give us would be great! Pledge $5 and choose 3 different playlists to gain access to or pledge $14.99 and gain access to over 330 reaction playlists: www.patreon.com/reacttothek Sorry for the delayed posting of this video! My assistant editor ran into some technical issues while editing (and then caught the flu), so I swapped its release date with this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rF6Xh4SGlqdno7M

[@annacopeland2641]

ReacttotheK psycho by red velvet pls!

[@therinajournal]

*rushes to send email*

[@mikimamus]

Thank you 🙏

[@MsAngry-is3in]

Please react to Blue.D. She's from YG too.

[@cheyyuanita4472]

could you please react to AKMU in this video > kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5bNgYaMj8mUjKM they taking school science textbook and turning the sentences into a song. And its super cool! This video reach untuk 10 M views. Thankyou so much!

[@mrpotatohead707]

Not gonna lie but everytime it's AKMU, im always looking forward to see Gwen and Hugo

[@nurulhusnamuhamadsebri6519]

JM Saldaen SAMEEEEEEE

[@milagrosmalpartida2127]

I know!!!! I miss them

[@danik4968]

ME TOOO

[@meriem-oi1nh]

I missed them

[@gummybear000]

Same

[@shinuikim7225]

Chanhyuk wrote all the songs in this album while serving as a navy, which means he wrote songs mostly on a ship, sailing. He didnt have any instruments or electronic devices to record the idea. He just had a notebook to remember what popped up in his head. GENIUS.

[@arnisholihah9465]

aaahhh,,, that explains the oceanic theme then

[@DeanBabe65]

He was actually a Marine, but he served several months on the ship.

[@Sunyoung000]

Nowadays navy can use cellphones a few hours in a day :)

[@Sunyoung000]

But I don't know Chanhyuk used it or not.

[@jared9258]

I thought the dude's whistle during freedom was part of the song and it sounded so good

[@bobiuu6675]

hell yeah!!

[@mmemmo977]

Looooove that💥💥💥

[@lorainely3287]

Totally!!!!

[@samuellee3507]

Owen’s whistling sounds so good!

[@handllllleeeee]

it was so nice🥺🥺

[@oktaeccool27]

You guys need to know that the bass, guitar, drums, piano on 'Whale' were played by JUKJAE, he also arranged all the instrument included the strings fill too.. He's one of korean genius musician like akmu

[@swagreyson]

3:18 how can someone whistle so beautifully like that

[@autumnleaves8322]

How's he doing that seriously?

[@pd9993]

이정도면 휴고랑 악뮤 만나게해줘야된다ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@평화주의갱스터]

ㄹㅇㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@뭐지-i3t]

ㄹㅇㅋㅋ

[@insunniya]

휴고 넘 귀영

[@cielo_pink]

휴고가 누구죠...?

[@D-HalfMoon]

@@cielo_pink 검은옷 입고 여자분이랑 같이나오는 안경쓴 남자분이요! 모든 악뮤영상에서 악뮤 좋아하는거 너무 티남 ㅋㅋ

[@dfzsdfsdgdfgd]

I wouldn't trust that lyric videos you showed them but luckily they didn't gave much on to that. although the lyrics of both songs are poetically wonderful. just some fun facts about the two songs: FREEDOM - more like out of this world freedom then realistic freedom. e.g running on top of the clouds free instead of wanting to go somewhere on vacation free. also two opposite kinds are both defined as freedom. - Suhyun doesn't know the lyrics of the last part of the song. Chanhyuk recorded it alone without her. - lyrics : riding on a zebra and cross the crosswalk. zebras signified as untamed animals while pedestrian line signifed as controlled society like traffic lights - arranger : Lee Hyun Young (CHOCOLADY, Reality, How Can I Love The Heartbreak, You're The One I Love) 고래 (Whale) - musically wise Chanhyuk's proud of this song because of how he can show this off to any casual listeners or professional listeners. - it may be a song literally for a whale but it has double meaning. It gives deep message depending on one's own interpretation. - After part of "고래 심장 (a whale's heart)" the music was imitated from a sound wave done by a whale. - and how he gave an alternate direct meaning to ocean : the sky's mirror, the birthplace of dew, a whale's home, a mother's tears - arranger : Jukjae (singer-songwriter) also good to see Hugo and Gwen on an AKMU reaction video again... Whale done.

[@joychang7211]

honestly i feel that- as a korean person the lyric video bothered me way too much :P the actual lyrics to both songs are sooooo much more poetic and beautiful

[@almendraabate5552]

Umu sometimes asks in Twitter before writing the intros of the videos, I loved all the info you gave and maybe you will want to help her and let them know all that amazing thing ( sorry if I sound disrespectful or harsh in any kind of form, English is not may first language, but it is not at all what I wanted)

[@dfzsdfsdgdfgd]

@@almendraabate5552thank you... I actually did in the past AKMU reactions, she used the info I replied to her on Twitter as her introduction to the songs (CHOCOLADY vs REALITY & Will Last Forever) .. I don't think I could do that for other artists since I'm only a fan of AKMU. sorry..

[@TheNaveOfCharlemagne]

I didn't know that Jukjae arranged Whale! I freaking love Jukjae!

[@한밤의드라이브]

세이지란 아시아인분의 말씀에 일리가 있는 건 악동뮤지션부모님이 기독교선교사라고 하십니다. 그래서 온 가족이 몽골로 선교하러 간 적도 있다고 하더군요. 한동안 몽골에서 생활했다고 합니다. 크리스천 록의 영향을 충분히 받을 수 있죠. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 역시 전문가는 다르네요.

[@nabilaariff6371]

OMG.. I can't believe that Hugo, Gwen, Henry and Emiel in this video.. I miss them so much!!!!!!

[@booblicious4825]

AKMU are just on a whole other level when it comes to their songs making you feel strong emotions even if it’s upbeat or slow

[@TheDkdl1176]

프리덤 딱 듣고 이 채널에서 리액션해줬으면 좋겠다고 생각했는데 결국 해주셨구나 ㅠㅠㅜ 감사해요!

[@koirvne]

What baffles me about the Sail8ng Album though is how they arranged it. We have heard pretty good albums across the years where great songs are found, but I have never had a listen to an album where I consider it as one piece.

[@zicoislab2905]

Absolutely right!!

[@geneva_yue]

try listening to jonghyun's poet | artist album :>

[@koirvne]

@@geneva_yue I mean, as one song~ that pieces together... Sorry, my first comment was bitchy~

[@koirvne]

@@geneva_yue Also, I love that album too~

[@geneva_yue]

Roented Pictures Roented Pictures i don't mind. i realized i never really quite explained why i recommended jonghyun's album - Umu & Kevin reacted to it & (i can't remember the correct details) but the arrangement of the songs on the album, musical artistry wise, is kind of connected, especially the last 2 songs of the album.

[@joonthoughts370]

I love how in-depth they get, they don’t just accept everything at face value and they have such wholesome additions as well. Love you guys🥺🥰

[@lalelililolu]

I always love how Kevin gives his opinions. I just think he always notices more about the song.

[@bw-xv2rz]

The fact that AKMU can evoke my emotions through music even with the language barrier is so baffling to me. How? HOW? HOW?!?

[@jennychan7778]

I actually thought Freedom was a sad, sad song. I cried when I heard it the first few times. They talk about endlessly wanting freedom (meaning they don't feel free irl) and they seem to have become jaded in the process of growing up in the kpop industry. I have a feeling they'll never be able to sing the kind of silly, innocent songs they started with, and they know this themselves as well.

[@animaticToshiue]

But Chan Hyuk said that this is mostly because they are growing now and the maturity they are getting are reflecting in their music. You can check that on their free concert in CoffeeForYou's channel. It has eng sub :)

[@뇽용-u1g]

Never thought that way.. For me i felt more breathing free hearing it and loved chan hyuk’s comment ‘The freedom here doesn’t mean that somebody do what he want but means Looking down from high sky each people are unique and equal.. hard to explain for me

[@박남주-i5b]

가볍게 하늘을 날아다니는 듯한 목소리 긴장이 쫙 풀리네

[@NotEntirelyCalm]

The comparison to Christian rock had me dying because I can't get it out of my head now LOL

[@laurenkang4275]

LMAO I THOUGHT I'M THE ONLY

[@justkwon4034]

They were with their missionary parents for many years in Mongolia...so I thought their comment was right on without being right on~^^

[@riptideanaklusmos5721]

SAME HAHA it really does sorta sound like it

[@바람소리-t4x]

You should really listen to the lives that AKMU did at some festivals and the hearing party(?) they did at han river! Vocals only live for whale is also very pleasing. The wistle part of the whale and how audiences participate in Freedom makes you love these songs much more for sure❤️ Plus) As a big fan of akmu, I really like you reacting to Akmu cause I learn a lot about some technical and musical parts of the songs that I like. It makes me like Akmu even more

[@jakesalvaleon6099]

"they're really out here being anarchist environmentalists" 🤣🤣

[@레이즈미]

어떻게 이별까지 사랑하겠어 널 사랑하는거지도 보고싶다요~!!

[@albuquerqe58]

Gwen and Hugo reacting to AKMU we love to see it

[@miyawakizones]

WOKE UP TO THIS UPDATE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA edit: as usual i know i won’t be disappointed by your reviews to my favorite artists 😩 and it’s great to see the OG reactors again uwu

[@saltytsukki4232]

HUGO AND GWEN ON A AKMU REACTION I CANNOT ASK FOR MORE ❤️

[@mjk8883]

I waited for Whale and FREEDOM and you finally did it! And then, I will wait for 'above the time' and 'The Visitor'

[@StarshineStranger]

Giving you a like just for the Gwen and Hugo bits, always love seeing those two.

[@nel1318]

You know AKMU is on a whole different level when real musicians react to their self-composed songs...

[@acrojen03]

These are some of my favourite songs from their new album! Actually, I love all their songs, but I really like these and Fish In The Water. (If I remember correctly, cuz I haven't listened to the album in a while. 😅)

[@QueenAnimeEve]

the name is Fish in the Water ^^

[@yamoksauce]

Wow @ Kevin's comment about the invisible quality that music has when the artist really believes in what they are creating. He worded it so well. I love when you can listen to a song and know that the artists have put their heart into it. Thanks for another great vid!

[@JazzIsAwesomeMG]

I'm so glad you've finally uploaded the AKMU reaction! Thanks to the editor for all their hard work!!

[@riptideanaklusmos5721]

6:52 It's so freaking cool how she explains how none of the notes are constraining, which perfects the theme...

[@arresays]

Hugo and Gwen are back yasss. P.s. i miss jarod and peyton :(

[@algrina04]

Same same

[@모가어쩌구적재]

고래에 참여한 베이시스트, 기타리스트는 한국 최고의 세션분들이에요! 기타리스트 이름은 적재, 베이시스트 이름은 구본암 입니다. 두분 모두 싱어송라이터이기도 해요! 적재님은 '별보러가자', '반짝 빛나던 나의 2006년' 등 많은 앨범을 발매했고 구본암님은 2인조 그룹 'AMHO'에서 한국 최고 드러머인 김승호 님과 같이 음반을 내셨답니다! 기회 된다면 이분들 노래 리액션 비디오도 보고 싶어요 ㅠㅠ

[@Jjojooo]

I would’ve loved to see them react to Chantey. When Suhyun’s voice came on, I got these sensational chills all over my body and my eyes teared. I’ve never experienced something like that with a song💕

[@kea8349]

Freedom이 포근한 이불/담요 같다는 표현 정말 공감된다

[@ipsitagogoi5800]

YESSSS AKMU!!! You’ve no idea how long I’ve waited and prayed for this that I almost gave up and forgot about it !! But YAYY THANKS

[@leelandluver]

I’m just so glad y’all appreciate AKMU. I’ve always loved their music and everything they stand for.

[@mikimamus]

Thank you for reacting to AKMU! I was overjoyed to see all reactors, but especially Hugo and Gwen. Also I love all details about songs that I could never catch👏

[@melinetoutlouyan9668]

Please, never stop making these.

[@LivingForTheJoker999]

Clicked so fast. Whale is my favourite song on the album! 🐳💞

[@roses_are_rose]

i like chantey, whale, freedom and fish in the water

[@acrojen03]

@@roses_are_rose Yessss, this!!! ^^^

[@QueenAnimeEve]

i like all the songs in their new album :3

[@dama5682]

sameeee!!

[@exomovies5360]

OMG it's Gwen and Hugo!! The og AKMU stans🤩🤩

[@rinheiki3005]

They should react to chanteyyy

[@shaanoor]

Rin Heiki YES oh my goodness

[@storiesofblue]

yes yes and the title track!!!

[@pebble8978]

yessssss

[@fernandojohnterwell1089]

YES!!! ONE OF THE BEST SONG OF AKMU

[@therinajournal]

OMG IT'S BEEN FOREVER SINCE I'VE SEEN HUGO AND GWEN ON THE CHANNEL GUYS I MISSED YOU SO MUCH

[@traubescharf]

마지막 영상 뭐예욬ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ고래 제가 진짜 좋아하는 노래인데 느낌점 해석해주셔서 감사합니다ㅠㅠ

[@loojeeb8113]

omg Hugo and Gwen are back! nothing but love for my king and queen 🤧

[@강민선-q7b]

우리 애들이 노래는 겁나 잘하지요!!!

[@meierianovel]

이거 찍어주시는 분이 악뮤 좋아해서 너무 좋닼ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@bobansak2583]

I like the name graphics display style. (Might be worth the wait 🦥Lol!) And of course seeing the Old-skool H&G pairing is GREAT!

[@지인-v4i]

4:33 이 부분 듣고 깜짝 놀랏음 여러번 듣고도 몰랐던걸 이 사람들은 한 번 듣고도 알아차리는구나.... 이래서 전문가가 있구나 싶다

[@lorrie9462]

I love this album so much. It’s my favorite of theirs. It used to be Play but now it’s sailing.

[@TheMomoAsia]

Whale is my favorite song on the album, I was obsessed for 3 months (the same thing happened to me with "sometimes i hear howlin 'in my head" by Dean) because it is super relaxing and the mix of sounds is fun. Akmu is art ❤

[@alma89]

This album was so wonderfully done and so satisfying to listen, one of the best works ever got to listen in kpop

[@nonoca3]

I always hope that Cloud and Henry are in the videos, and when I watch them I'm so happy! I love their interaction and what they have to say!

[@Naamy19X9]

My appreciation for Akmu always grows whenever I listen to your analysis!

[@itsJayIim]

I love love love akmu. I love their sounds so much. And listening to you guys reacting to it, is 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 thank you!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! ❤️💕

[@lujainsair9194]

I Laughed so hard at hugo and then the he knows on seiji's head 😂😂😂😂😂😂 i like the editing style 💞 also the nice info text at Kevin's part is helpful✨✨

[@이원우-e3x]

마지막에 Whale done "고래 그럼 끝난거지?" 번역 뭐임ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@뀨우-c4l]

★초☆월★번☆역★

[@saltytsukki4232]

Akmu reactions are my fav 😍

[@mikimamus]

Mine too! So many details 😆

[@quietlifeofyang]

Me too! 😊

[@jazaulhusna8431]

Wow Nishinoya? Is that you?

[@evangeline4699]

I would just like to say that I am one of the many who are overjoyed to see Hugo and Gwen back. Thank you.

[@koirvne]

I have been waiting for over a month for this.

[@lujainsair9194]

The perfect way to start my morning 💜💛 I LOVE and appreciate the little commentary texts that pop around !!

[@neiljohn3702]

It's nice to see the improvement of this channel, from the headphones to playing the references on the bg while they explain for us to know what part they're referring to

[@ezzatizetty07]

I am soooooo gonna use that Whale Done from now on. Not sure if it exists before this video but this is my first time knowing it. Also, ah Hugo and Gwen reacting to AKMU? Hell, yeah! And I always appreciate Kevin and Isaac's reaction and analysis of a song.

[@elisabethw.alfanisa2998]

THIS IS WHAT I AM WAITINGGGG FORRRRR!! I love how ReacttotheK reactors always get excited everytime they reach to AKMU! YASSSSH YASSSH!

[@ayleafang1188]

Thanks for reacting to AKMU! I enjoy getting my daily dose of AKMU here! ❤️ AKMU is awesome, so is Reacttothek!

[@jisilin]

A reaction on AKMU's impromptu performance in Knowing brothers where they randomly picked topics from a book and made a song about it would be fun. TALENT 🔥

[@younglee8743]

I really love your video about AKMU. I love AKMU most, and so happy most of you love them too.

[@isabelaluna__]

I need more of you guys and AKMU huhu

[@QuynhTran-fk5ef]

What a great gift for Lunar new year! I've been waiting for your reaction and it's worth. Love your editing of musical explanation. Anw, Happy Lunar new year to you all!

[@kungkungx3]

BRUH MY TWO FAV SONGS ON THEIR ALBUM. WAS SO GOOD. BLESS UMU FOR BRINGING THIS TO US.

[@ghinamardhatillah7082]

I have been waiting for this!!

[@amoonsam1846]

Yaaas I waited for this a while ago 😭❤️❤️ Hugo and gwen That's all we need in this video

[@nurulhusnamuhamadsebri6519]

Aaaaaa I am looking forward to How can I love the heartbreak, you’r the one I love!

[@ailee5127]

They are really amazing. AND the first artist to actually open my heart to SK music industry. I was so mesmerized the first time I heard their songs back in 2017 and I'm a fan since then. I just hope YG put more effort to promote and give them everything they need to keep soaring BECAUSE they're both are just. Perfect. Unique. And I really want them to be recognized by a lot of people, especially outside of SK because they actually so popular there and considered and digital chart monsters. Everything about them is so?? Cool ? They have great lyrics, amazing songs, amazing chemistry of course. People need to check their discography and I'll guarantee that you'll not be disappointed.

[@fusionaquaa]

Really love your editing ! And huge shoutout to Isaac, Gwen and Hugo

[@gisell1955]

finally, I was waiting for this reaction, glad you choose whale, is my favourite song of the album :3

[@jannderru]

3:30 Yes, sir Kevin! It's AKMU magic🌟🌟🌟 ( it's a late comment😪, why didn't I get this vid's notification???huhu)

[@milagrosmalpartida2127]

3:26 the songwriting, the composition is so good... Meanwhile 3:55 it's so cute! Love this guy :)

[@mainepark6150]

I've been waiting for this. Thank you

[@owl9529]

Wowww your video quality is getting better umu😍😍😍😍

[@rosh98]

LOVE the editing! Thank you for bringing us new content

[@mulgoosul]

Thanks for your reaction ♡

[@룰룰룰라-l1g]

You will never know how much i waited for this reaction vid 😢😢😢😢

[@이안녕-d2p]

한글 자막 달아주신분~~^^ 복받으실꺼예요♡

[@hylee9468]

Was waiting for your AKMU video! It is very nice to see HUGO and GWEN after a long time !! Chan Hyuk has said in previous interviews that the arrangement of 'whale' is most confident. I like it too. I think it's a mix of analog sensibility and trendy feeling. I enjoyed watching your reactions!

[@rheazane767]

I wanna see them react to when akmu sang by just reading a book in knowing bros..😁😁

[@nominchenle6698]

You’re painting on silence as a musician. A QUOTE to remember

[@aimi_rly6752]

Yay! Been waiting for AKMU vids!

[@mrsaagar7]

16:07 honestly loved the whole reactionvid but this part really got me😂

[@fadilarahmazeiniar4808]

I LOVE IT WHEN YOU GUYS REACT TO AKMU!!!

[@abearicano]

The Christiany feel is definitely there. Living for Umu's "Ew" xD

[@GB-mt8xs]

포인트 집어주는 부분 음악 다시 들려주는 편집 넘 좋아

[@burntbread9724]

i always love it when they react to akmu also please react to red velvet psycho next

[@zsmsjm6659]

I live for you guy's akmu reaction ❤

[@muffledyawp]

It turn sexy at 3:17 - 3:24. Nice adlib*if that's you called it.

[@anonymouskizz21]

You are painting on silence as a musician - this is good 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@VanessaLouEOga]

SO HAPPY TO SEE GWEN AND HUGO!!! 💜💚🧡💛💙❤ AKMU IS AS ALWAYS PHENOMENAL

[@farah_felice]

I love AKMU and I love it that you guys love AKMU too. More people should love AKMU

[@sera6481]

OH MY GOD I MISS HUGO AND GWEN😭