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IU Confirms Unexpectedly Long Friendship with RIIZE Anton

IU has been in the entertainment industry for several years but it looks like she has an unexpectedly long friendship with a rookie! The soloist confirmed she has known RIIZE member Anton for a lot longer than expected.

IU Has Unexpectedly Long Friendship with RIIZE’s Anton

IU’s recent comeback sparked a wave of excitement among her devoted fans, who wasted no time in launching the “IStanU” challenge to celebrate the occasion. Among the unexpected participants in this viral challenge was RIIZE’s very own Anton, who took to his group’s social media platforms to showcase his support for the iconic singer-songwriter.

Anton’s involvement in the “IStanU” challenge garnered significant attention, particularly after IU herself acknowledged his participation. The acclaimed artist not only watched Anton’s challenge but also took the time to repost a screenshot of it on her Instagram account, accompanied by words of praise. In her caption, IU commended Anton, affirming that he was “totally a pro” and showcasing her genuine appreciation for his efforts.

What makes Anton’s participation in the challenge even more noteworthy is the longstanding connection between IU and his family. IU’s close relationship with Anton’s father, Yoon Sang, has been well-documented over the years, with the two artists sharing a deep bond that transcends their respective careers in the music industry. As a result, IU has played a significant role in Anton’s life, offering support and guidance as he navigates his own path in the entertainment world.

Friends Since Pre-Debut

Prior to Anton’s debut as a member of RIIZE, he shared fond memories of spending time with IU, including a memorable meal they shared together and a generous gift of Louis Vuitton shoes from the esteemed singer. IU’s support for Anton extends beyond mere social media interactions, as evidenced by her decision to follow his personal Instagram account even before his official debut.

The enduring friendship between IU and Anton serves as a heartwarming testament to the genuine connections forged within the entertainment industry. Despite their busy schedules and demanding careers, IU and Anton have maintained a strong bond rooted in mutual respect, admiration, and shared experiences. As IU continues to inspire audiences with her music and artistry, it’s clear that her impact extends far beyond the stage, touching the lives of those fortunate enough to call her a friend.

As IU and Anton’s friendship continues to thrive, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of future collaborations and interactions between the two artists. In the meantime, their heartwarming exchange on social media stands as a touching reminder of the power of genuine connections and the enduring influence of friendship in the world of entertainment.

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IU, Park Bo Gum to Star in Netflix’s ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’

Buckle up, K-drama fans! South Korean stars IU and Bo Gum will soon be appearing in a series together! On January 30, Netflix confirmed that singer-actress IU and renowned actor Park Bo Gum will be teaming up for the upcoming romance drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.

According to Netflix, the series will follow the story of Ae Sun (IU), an unyielding rebel and Gwan Sik (Bo Gum), a reliable guy who’s been keeping feelings for Ae Sun since childhood. Set in Jeju Island, the drama’s title is a play on the Jeju dialect which literally translates to “Thank You for Your Hard Work.” 

Aside from the appealing storyline, fans are also excited to see the chemistry between the two stars. Since both of them are known to have made several hit dramas, supporters are looking forward to seeing them in one project. 

To note, IU, whose real name is Lee Ji Eun, is considered as one of the most esteemed lead actresses in the industry. Aside from her astonishing career as a singer, her stellar performances as an artist also extends to film.

Some of her most notable works include Scarlet Heart Ryeo and My Mister. Meanwhile, When Life Gives You Tangerines will also be IU’s comeback drama after Hotel del Luna, which was released way back in 2019.

On the other hand, Park Bo Gum has established himself as one of the highly admired actors of his generation. Among his works that gained him popularity are the hit dramas Reply 1988, Encounter, and Record of Youth

What we know so far about ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’

In the series, the older versions of the two lead characters will later be played by veteran actors Moon So Ri  and Park Hae Joon. To note, Moon is known for her role in The Queenmaker while Park starred in The World of the Married.

Moreover, the upcoming romance drama will be helmed by the experienced director Kim Won Seok. His filmography includes Misaeng, Signal, and My Mister, where he first worked with IU.

Furthermore, director Kim will work alongside writer Lim Sang Chun. To note, Lim previously made the hits Fight for My Way and When the Camellia Blooms

Although there is no official date yet, When Life Gives You Tangerines  is expected to premiere on Netflix this 2024.

Featured image: IU and Park Bo Gum will headline a new Netflix drama. Credit: Twitter/Netflix

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IU Confirms Surprise Collaboration with NewJeans’ Hyein

As IU prepares to unveil her sixth mini-album ‘The Winning’ the excitement has reached new heights with the recent release of the official tracklist. Interestingly, it has been revealed that the soloist has a surprise collaboration with NewJeans member Hyein!

‘The Winning’ Tracklist Reveals Surprise Collaboration Between IU and Hyein

Shared online by the singer’s label on February 4, the tracklist for ‘The Winning’ was presented in a creative online shopping cart format, giving fans a sneak peek into the musical treasures awaiting them.

‘The Winning’ boasts a collection of five brand-new songs, with the spotlight shining on two title tracks, namely “Shopper” and “Holssi.” The pre-release single, “Love Wins All,” adds to the anticipation, featuring alongside two other tracks, “I Stan U” and the intriguing “Shh..”. The latter has particularly captured attention, not only for being one of the tracks but also for its notable feature of two artists—Joe Won Sun and Hyein from NewJeans.

Fans are buzzing with excitement about the collaboration between Joe Won Sun, a seasoned Korean singer, and Hyein, a rising star from the rookie group NewJeans. Hyein’s inclusion in IU’s album at such a young age is also seen as a significant honor, and many enthusiasts have linked this collaboration back to a memorable episode on IU’s Palette, where NewJeans made a special guest appearance. During the show, when Hyein performed “Get Up” live, IU was reportedly captivated by her voice, setting the stage for a potential collaboration.

With ‘The Winning’ scheduled for release on February 20 at 6 PM KST, IU’s latest endeavor also promises a musical journey enriched with diverse collaborations and fresh sounds. As fans eagerly await the unveiling of the complete album, the tracklist revelation has only heightened the anticipation, leaving them eager to experience the magic that IU has undoubtedly woven into each track.

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IU Announces Comeback Date With ‘The Winning’ Mood Film

IU, the acclaimed South Korean artist, is building anticipation for her highly awaited sixth mini album. Her latest tease on January 30 at 12 a.m. KST is ‘The Winning’ mood film which offers a sneak peek into the artistic direction and atmosphere of the upcoming album.

IU Unveils ‘The Winning’ Mood Film Ahead of Album Release

Scheduled for release on February 20 at 6 p.m. KST, “The Winning” has already set records and created waves ahead of its official debut.

IU’s pre-release single, “Love Wins All,” released on January 24 at 6 p.m. KST, has made history by claiming the No. 1 spot on various domestic real-time music charts, including a remarkable debut at No. 1 on Melon’s Top 100. IU becomes the first female artist to achieve such a debut on Melon’s prestigious chart.

The success of “Love Wins All” extends beyond domestic charts, with the single reaching No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in more than 23 regions worldwide. Countries such as Bahrain, Brunei, Cambodia, Cape Verde, the Czech Republic, Finland, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and others have witnessed IU’s global influence. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences on an international scale solidifies her status as a musical icon with universal appeal.

IU’s return with “Love Wins All” marks her first release in two years since “Pieces” in late 2021. With a history of well-received releases, IU’s latest project has generated high expectations among fans and the music industry. The immediate success of the song on global charts underscores IU’s dominance in the music world, and fans eagerly await the full release of her upcoming album “The Winning.”

As IU continues to captivate audiences with her unique style and musical prowess, “The Winning” promises to be a significant milestone in her illustrious career. The mood film offers a glimpse into the artistic journey IU is set to embark on, leaving fans eager for the immersive experience that awaits with the full album release.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS V Reveals Why He Agreed to Play IU’s Partner in ‘Love Wins All’ MV

BTS’s V, also known as Taehyung, recently captivated fans with his appearance as IU’s partner in the music video for the pre-release single “Love Wins All.” The visually stunning and emotionally charged video featured V as IU’s love interest in a post-apocalyptic world, creating a buzz among fans.

But why play IU’s partner in the new MV? Kim Taehyung’s decision to take on this acting role, especially right before his mandatory military service, was influenced by two key factors that speak to his artistic sensibilities and passion for his craft.

Why BTS’s V Took on Acting Role as IU’s Partner in “Love Wins All” MV

Two factors led to Kim Taehyung’s decision to take on the new role. In a behind-the-scenes video, he admitted that he was influenced by his admiration for director Um Tae Hwa. A significant factor that drew V to the project was his deep admiration for the music video’s director. Having enjoyed Um Tae Hwa’s work, particularly in the film “Concrete Utopia,” V saw this collaboration as an opportunity to work with someone he looked up to. This artistic connection and respect for the director’s vision played a crucial role in V’s decision to be part of the project.

Secondly, V confessed his love for the Song “Love Wins All”. V’s artistic commitment extended to his appreciation for the song itself. He admired the composition of “Love Wins All” and held particular regard for the composer, Dong Hwan from Palette Band. Knowing that IU scouted the composer, V found the beauty of the song irresistible. His decision to join the project was, in part, driven by his love for the music, and he recognized that passing up on the opportunity would have led to regret.

The collaboration between V and IU in “Love Wins All” goes beyond a typical music video appearance. It showcases a unique blend of artistic minds, with V’s respect for the director’s craft and his genuine appreciation for the song contributing to the overall success of the project.

As V embarks on his mandatory military service, this music video stands as a poignant moment in his artistic journey, demonstrating his commitment to exploring diverse creative avenues within the entertainment industry. The visual and auditory masterpiece created through this collaboration has left a lasting impact on fans and the broader music and film community alike.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IU And V Share ‘Love Wins All’ MV BTS Video & Photos

In a delightful treat for fans, IU and BTS’s V have taken fans behind the scenes of their collaborative “Love Wins All” MV. Following the much-anticipated release of the emotional and visually stunning music video on January 24, the behind-the-scenes footage offers an intimate look at the making of this impactful project.

IU and BTS’s V Share Behind-the-Scenes of “Love Wins All” MV Shoot

Directed by Um Tae Hwa, known for the film “Concrete Utopia,” the “Love Wins All” MV narrates a poignant tale set in a post-apocalyptic future. The story revolves around a couple on the run, navigating the challenges of survival in a world marked by devastation. The video captures the essence of the song’s emotional depth, showcasing IU and V’s compelling on-screen chemistry.

IU, celebrated for her musical prowess and storytelling abilities, shared a behind-the-scenes video of the music video set, providing insights into the creative process and the collaborative efforts that went into bringing the narrative to life. The footage captures the intricate details of the shoot, highlighting the dedication of the entire team involved in the production.

Additionally, both IU and V took to Instagram to share more glimpses from the music video shoot. V’s caption, “Be happy, Tae Joon and Ji Hye,” adds a personal touch, referring to the characters portrayed by IU and himself in the music video. This interaction on social media adds an extra layer of connection with fans, creating an emotional resonance around the project.

As IU and V continue to captivate audiences globally with their artistic synergy, “Love Wins All” stands as a testament to their collaborative brilliance. The behind-the-scenes footage provides fans with a deeper appreciation for the meticulous efforts invested in creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged music video, further enhancing the overall impact of this remarkable collaboration. The shared photos and personal messages on social media add an endearing touch, fostering a sense of shared joy and excitement within the fan community.

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IU Tops Global iTunes Charts With “Love Wins All”

IU, the renowned South Korean singer-songwriter, has once again proven her global influence as her latest pre-release single, “Love Wins All,” soared to the top of music charts worldwide.

IU’s “Love Wins All” Dominates Global Music Charts

The song, released on January 24 at 6 p.m. KST, has made a historic debut by claiming the No. 1 spot on various domestic real-time music charts, including Melon’s Top 100. Notably, IU becomes the first female artist to achieve a debut at No. 1 on Melon’s chart.

“Love Wins All” has not only conquered domestic charts but has also achieved international acclaim by reaching No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in more than 23 regions across the globe. The extensive list includes countries like Bahrain, Brunei, Cambodia, Cape Verde, the Czech Republic, Finland, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and many more. IU’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences globally reflects her status as a musical icon with a universal appeal.

The success of the accompanying music video has been further amplified by the special appearance of BTS member V. The collaboration between IU and V has created immense excitement within the K-pop community, elevating the anticipation for IU’s upcoming album. This marks IU’s second collaboration with a BTS member, following her previous work with SUGA on tracks like “Eight” and SUGA’s “People Pt. 2.” The synergy between IU’s musical expertise and V’s charismatic presence is expected to make the music video a noteworthy event in the K-pop world.

IU’s return with “Love Wins All” marks her first release in two years since “Pieces” in late 2021. With a track record of well-received releases, IU’s latest project has set high expectations among fans and the music industry alike. The song’s immediate success on global charts reaffirms IU’s position as a dominant force in the world of music, and fans eagerly await the full release of her upcoming album.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: IU Drops Teaser for Upcoming Single ‘Love Wins All’

Gather up, Uaenas as IU‘s new track will be out soon! On Friday, January 19, the singer-actress announced that she will be releasing her pre-single track “Love Wins All.

Notably, V or Kim Tae Hyung of the popular boy group BTS will be making an appearance on the track’s music video. In the first released poster for the song, the two are seen sitting across a dining table with IU taking a photo of V. Moreover, the poster’s concept also appeared to be vintage.

Aside from the teaser, the agency also released the still cuts, track sampler, and the MV leaflet of the song. In these promotional materials, dramatic snippets of IU and V were shown.

As per the teaser, the two singers will be playing the roles of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world in the song’s music video. 

Shortly after the first teaser dropped, fans of both IU and expressed their excitement for the release. Aside from seeing the team up of two huge stars, many are also intrigued by the theme of the song.

‘Love Wins All’ faces backlash prior to its release

Although highly-anticipated, Love Wins All has already made headlines even before making its official release. However, some of these were for negative remarks.

Initially called “Love Wins,” several K-pop fans expressed their conflicting opinions about the title. For those who don’t know, the slogan is widely used by the LGBTQ community as a way to celebrate same-sex couples. Several online users have pointed out that it is inappropriate for the singer-actress to use the slogan associated with the said community.

After receiving backlash, EDAM Entertainment announced changes for the upcoming track. Instead of its original title, IU’s upcoming song will now be called “Love Wins All.”  The agency explained that changes were made to show respect and support everyone who loves in various ways.

“We accept the opinions of those who express concerns that precious messages might be blurred due to the title,” EDAM Entertainment said. “We deeply hope that the original message of the song is delivered without leaving any scars on anyone, as every love wins all in the world with no hatred,” they added.

Love Wins All will be officially out on music platforms on January 24. After this, IU will kick off her H.E.R. world concert tour in Seoul starting in March. The singer, whose real name is Lee Ji Eun, is known for songs “eight,” “blueming,” andGood Day,” among others. 

https://twitter.com/_IUofficial/status/1747272553947922847

Featured image: IU releases teaser for her single ‘Love Wins All.’ Credit: Twitter/IU

 

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IU Requests Compensation for Plagiarism Accusation

Following winning her legal battle, singer-actress IU is seeking compensation for the plagiarism accusations made against her. 

On December 21, South Korean media outlets reported the development. According to the artist’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, the anonymous individual who reported the singer for copyright violations in May 2023 has recently been identified with the help of local police. 

To recall, the singer has been accused of plagiarizing other people’s works in six of her tracks. Some of these songs include her hits “Good Day” and “The Red Shoes.”

In September, the singer’s case was dismissed as legal authorities decided that the accusations did not directly involve the supposed original composers of the allegedly copied songs. A month after, EDAM immediately proceeded to file a defamation lawsuit against the accuser.

In total, IU is seeking 30 Million Won or approximately $23,000 in compensation for the damages caused by the plagiarism accusations.

Since the lawsuit is still ongoing, the agency refrained from disclosing more information. “We are currently checking the information in accordance with the law, and cannot disclose the details yet”, EDAM said. However, the label reassured that the lawsuit will proceed until the accuser faces the legal consequences of their actions.

What to expect from IU in 2024

Amidst this development, the singer will be welcoming the new year with a positive start. 

During the last week of December, she has revealed that she will be releasing new music soon. On Christmas Day, the singer shared the behind-the-scenes video clip of her commercial shoot through her Youtube channel. There, IU also teased the fans that she is preparing to drop a new album set to be dropped in the first half of 2024.

Moreover, the singer-actress will also be seen in an official music video starring Kim TaeHyung or V of the world-renowned band BTS. Aside from V, the singer also showed her friendship with another BTS member, Suga as she appeared on his show.

In the latest episode of Suchwita, IU candidly opened up about music and career. There, she also revealed details about the upcoming mini album. Notably, she also briefly mentioned her plans for overseas concerts.

While there are no official confirmations yet about the album or the tour, fans are already excited for what she has prepared for 2024.

Featured image: EDAM Entertainment shares holiday photos of IU. Credit: Twitter/IU

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IU Admits Suga Is NOT The First BTS Member She Wanted To Work With

IU has already proven that she has a wonderful working relationship with Suga. However, the “Red Shoes” singer was initially undecided on working with the “Daechwita” rapper. As it turns out, IU had a different BTS member that she wanted to work with in the past!

IU Reveals First BTS Member She Wanted to Collaborate With

In a recent revelation on the latest episode of “Suchwita”, IU shared an interesting anecdote about her collaboration preferences, indicating that Suga was not initially the BTS member she had in mind for a musical partnership. The revelation offers fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into IU’s creative process and the dynamics that led to her collaborations with BTS members.

Surprisingly, IU initially sought to collaborate with RM and not Suga. When asked about the type of song she would have created with RM, IU hinted that it might have been “something really serious,” reflecting her mindset at the time. However, despite obtaining RM’s contact information from Suga, IU never reached out to the BTS leader.

IU confessed that even asking for RM’s contact details required a significant amount of courage. However, being unfamiliar with RM and lacking a pre-existing connection, she hesitated to make the call and ultimately abandoned the idea of collaboration. It highlights the challenges artists may face in reaching out to potential collaborators, especially when there isn’t a pre-established relationship.

Interestingly, IU’s shift in interest led to the creation of “Eight,” a song that eventually became a collaboration with Suga. During the creative process, IU realized that working with someone her age would be more fitting for the project, and she deemed Suga, a fellow 1993-liner, as the ideal collaborator. The decision resulted in the successful and well-received collaboration between IU and Suga on “Eight.”

This revelation adds depth to the narrative surrounding IU’s creative journey and showcases the intricate decision-making process that artists undergo when selecting collaborators. It also sheds light on the organic nature of creative partnerships, where unexpected choices can lead to the development of meaningful and successful projects. Fans appreciate the transparency and authenticity shared by IU, providing them with a deeper understanding of the artist’s mindset and artistic evolution.

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