🎤 IU Reigns as KTOPSTAR’s ‘Best Idol’ with 꽃갈피 셋 Comeback!
K-pop queen IU has once again proven her unmatched popularity! According to the global K-pop voting platform KTOPSTAR, IU secured #1 in the 50th edition of “Best Female Idol” for the week of June 9–15, narrowly surpassing H1-KEY by just one vote. Aespa followed at #3.
🌹 ‘꽃갈피 셋’: 8-Year Return to Remake Series
On May 27, IU delighted fans with the release of her third remake album 꽃갈피 셋 — her first since 꽃갈피 둘 in 2017. This marks IU’s first new project in over a year since her 2024 mini album The Winning.
The album features 6 tracks, including:
- Never Ending Story (title track)
- 빨간 운동화 (Red Shoes)
- 10월 4일 (October 4th)
- Last Scene (Feat. Wonstein)
- 미인 (Feat. Balming Tiger)
- 네모의 꿈 (Square’s Dream)
IU’s signature warmth and delicate vocals breathe new life into these classics, earning high praise for her heartfelt reinterpretations.
🎶 Breathing New Life into Classics
The title track “Never Ending Story”, originally by legendary band Buhwal (부활) in 2002, has been reimagined with a modern, ethereal vibe by producer Seo Dong Hwan, who previously worked on IU’s Love wins all. The song features dreamy piano and strings that highlight IU’s emotional depth.
In “미인 (Beautiful Woman)”, alternative K-pop collective Balming Tiger collaborated with IU to infuse a fresh, experimental twist into Shin Jung Hyun’s iconic rock anthem. Group member Sogumm also contributed to the outro’s writing and composition.
Other notable producers like Lee Jin Ah, Gooreum, Go Young Jun, Jehwi, and Flexindoor participated, showcasing the album’s diverse creative lineup.
👑 IU’s Timeless Impact
With this release, IU continues to cement her position as a powerhouse in K-pop. Her ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary artistry captivates both longtime fans and new listeners, making 꽃갈피 셋 another masterpiece in her decorated career.
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Original Source: MK스포츠, 2025.06.16
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0
