IU, one of South Korea's most famous solo artists, is receiving rare backlash after the release of her recent album Kkot Galpi 3, a remake album of classic Korean songs.
The title track—a reimagining of BooHwal's iconic "Never Ending Story"—was highly anticipated by fans who expected a fresh take on the emotional rock ballad.
However, the response has been unexpectedly poor; many netizens are expressing their disdain for the musicality of this track, as well as IU's voice itself.
IU's take replaces the original's dramatic rock instrumental with a more subdued, cinematic flourish driven by piano and strings.
IU's New Album: A Timely Tribute to Her 'Little Women' Character
— Filipe (@filipe910910) May 23, 2025
• IU's new remake album, ''Kkot-Galpi 3" is releasing on the 27th, featuring six songs with a retro concept reminiscent of her character Geum-myeong from the drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines."
• The album's… pic.twitter.com/3EVITemmff
While it is intended to create a dreamy vision, fans argue that the reimagining fails to convey the same power and emotion as the original version.
"This is the first time I've ever disliked an IU song, but I think it's because the original was just that good," one commenter wrote on the Korean forum TheQoo, where a post about the release garnered over 25,000 views.
"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..."
Others echoed similar sentiments, saying the release felt more like a casual reinterpretation than a polished, official remake.
"It feels more like a cover than an official remake release ㅠㅠ A bit disappointing, but the music video was nice," one user commented.
Another added, "The original is such a legendary, untouchable song that this version does feel a bit underwhelming."
Some critics took aim at IU's signature soft vocal style, arguing that it lacked the intensity necessary for the track.
"There's no emotional build-up like in the lyrics... Maybe it's because there's no strength or power in her voice?" one comment read.
The accompanying music video, starring rising actor Heo Nam Jun and inspired by the 1998 film Christmas in August, received praise for its visual direction, with many noting it helped partially redeem the experience.
Even as criticism persists, IU remains a beloved figure in K-pop, celebrated for her range as an artist and her receptive, empathetic approach.
The backlash was a rare blemish on an otherwise celebrated career.
So far, IU has not publicly responded to the backlash.
