IU’s ‘Kkot-Galpi 3’ Sweeps Charts with Nostalgia and Grace

IU on stage during her 2023 fan concert ‘I+UN1VER5E’ in Seoul
IU performing at the fan concert ‘I+UN1VER5E’ on September 24, 2023, in Seoul. This image is not directly related to the article. Included as a sample for fans.

IU has done it again. With the release of her long-awaited remake album ‘Kkot-Galpi 3’, she proves once more why she reigns as the queen of emotional storytelling in K-pop.

Released on May 27 at 6 PM, the album achieved an instant chart all-kill—ranking No. 1 on Melon, Genie, and Bugs within just an hour. The title track “Never Ending Story”, a remake of Boohwal’s legendary hit, immediately soared to the top, bringing a wave of nostalgia to listeners.

🎧 A Remake Album 8 Years in the Making

‘Kkot-Galpi 3’ is IU’s third remake album, arriving eight years after ‘Kkot-Galpi 2’ and nearly a year and three months after her last mini-album ‘The Winning’.
This release is not just a comeback—it’s a heartfelt tribute to timeless Korean music, reimagined with IU’s unmistakable voice and emotion.


🎵 Track Highlights

  • Title Track: Never Ending Story – Re-arranged by composer Seo Dong-hwan, this version breathes delicate life into Boohwal’s rock ballad.
  • Other Tracks: Red Shoes, October 4th, Last Scene (Feat. Wonstein), Beauty (Feat. Balming Tiger), Square’s Dream, and more.

🎬 MV Honors ‘Christmas in August’

The music video, released on IU’s official YouTube channel, surpassed 1 million views in just 7 hours, trending in the “Rising Music” category.
Directed by Lee Rae-kyung (known for IU’s “Palette” and “Through the Night”), the video is a beautiful homage to the Korean film “Christmas in August”, with IU and rising actor Heo Nam-jun starring in the emotional short film-style production.


🌸 Bridging Generations Through Music

With past remakes like Autumn Morning, Meaning of You, and Sleepless Rainy Night, IU’s ‘Kkot-Galpi’ series has connected generations through her soft yet expressive delivery.
‘Kkot-Galpi 3’ is no exception—respecting the spirit of the originals while adding IU’s signature lyrical warmth.


🔗 Where to Listen & Watch

  • Streaming: All major platforms including Melon, Genie, Bugs
  • Music Video: IU Official YouTube Channel

Original Source: Sports Khan / May 28, 2025

Image Source: Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0

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