IU, one of South Korea's most beloved and consistently successful artists, is facing unexpected criticism following the release of her latest album, "Kkot Galpi 3," a collection of remakes of iconic Korean songs. The focal point of the controversy is her rendition of BooHwal's "Never Ending Story," the title track that has sparked widespread disappointment, especially among long-time fans.
"Never Ending Story" is a legendary song known for its powerful vocals and emotional intensity, holding a significant place in Korean music history. IU's version takes a markedly different approach. Aiming for a softer, more nostalgic feel, she replaced the original's dynamic rock instrumentation with piano and string arrangements, creating a dreamlike, cinematic mood. The music video, starring rising actor Heo Nam-jun, draws inspiration from the classic 1998 film "Christmas in August," further emphasizing the sentimental tone.
However, this artistic choice has been met with considerable backlash. Many listeners feel that IU's remake lacks the raw energy and emotional depth that made the original so impactful. A post on the popular Korean online forum TheQoo, discussing the song and music video, quickly went viral, accumulating over 25,000 views and hundreds of comments, the majority expressing disappointment.
Translated comments from fans reveal the core of the issue. One commenter stated, "It feels more like a cover than an official remake release ㅠㅠ A bit disappointing, but the music video was nice." Others echoed this sentiment, with one saying, "The original is such a legendary, untouchable song that this version does feel a bit underwhelming." Some fans were more critical, with one expressing, "This is the first time I've ever disliked an IU song, but I think it's because the original was just that good. The more I listen, the more I compare the two, and this one just doesn't resonate with me ㅠ It honestly feels like a YouTube cover…"
The criticism extends to IU's vocal delivery as well. Some listeners feel that her signature clear and emotive voice, while beautiful, doesn't quite capture the strength and power required for "Never Ending Story." One comment read, "There's no emotional build-up like in the lyrics… Maybe it's because there's no strength or power in her voice?" Others suggested that the song choice itself might have been a misstep, with one fan wondering, "Why did she choose this song…? It honestly just sounds like a Lee Seung Chul cover. To be honest, I didn't think it suited IU from the moment it was announced."
Despite the criticism surrounding the title track, some observers point out that the album as a whole reflects IU's personal tastes and aims to bridge generational gaps by incorporating contemporary sensibilities into classic songs. Music critic Kim Do-heon noted that it's "not a simple reproduction of the past, but a remake that is interpreted with a contemporary sensibility.” IU’s team formally requested copyright approval from the original artists, even notifying them of plans to pay homage to their album covers.
The album also includes collaborations with some of today's hottest producers. IU enlisted some of today's hottest producers to bridge generational gaps. The album includes “Red Sneakers,” originally by Park Hye-kyung, “October 4th” by Seo Taiji, “Last Scene” by Roller Coaster, “A Beautiful Person” by Shin Jung-hyun & Yup Juns and “Square's Dream” by White, a project group led by composer Yoo Young-seok, totaling six tracks.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding IU's "Never Ending Story" highlights the challenges of remaking beloved classics. While IU's artistic vision may have aimed to offer a fresh perspective, many fans feel that the remake falls short of capturing the essence of the original, demonstrating the deep emotional connection listeners have with the iconic song.
