A little over a week ago, IU released the pre-release single “Love wins all”, and we just can’t get enough of it. That’s not only because of IU’s beautiful voice, but also because of the dramatic music video the singer filmed together with V of BTS. The song is included on IU’s new mini album “The Winning”, which comes out on February 20.
Shall we take a quick look at the album?
There are two different versions to choose from: the red I WIN version and the grey U WIN version. Both consist of a photobook held together by a sleeve. That’s not only practical, it also looks cool! The sleeve has small gaps through which parts of the photobook cover can be seen.
How many pages the photobooks have isn’t known yet, but the first concept photos for both versions have already appeared on Twitter. In the photos, IU has blonde hair, quite the opposite of the music video for “Love wins all”, in which her hair is black.
In the photobook you’ll find not only breathtaking pictures, but also a bunch of extras! These include, for example, a wanted-poster photocard, a card with a hidden message, an accordion photocard and a regular photocard. On top of that, you also get a crossword postcard, logo stickers and, of course, a CD. Which of these extras are you most looking forward to?
The Winning is IU’s first album in two years! Her most recent release was the mini album “Pieces” in December 2021.
Alongside the album, IU has also announced her first world tour, which will stop in Europe, among other places. You can find out more here: Thanks to the H.E.R World Tour, you can finally see IU live!
Do you still need a lightstick for the tour? No problem, you can find it right here in our shop! Don’t wait too long to secure one!
“Love wins all” was a topic of conversation long before its release:
As early as the beginning of December 2023, IU’s agency confirmed that BTS’s V stars in the music video for the single. V finished filming shortly before the start of his military service. So for the time being, it’s the last we’ll see of him.
In addition, shortly before the release, the title was changed from “Love wins” to “Love wins all”. With this, IU responded to complaints from fans who pointed out that the phrase “Love wins” is associated with the LGBTQ community and is unsuitable as a song title.
Since its release, however, the song has made headlines above all because of its successes!
With “Love wins all”, IU is dominating both Korean and international music charts, showing her global influence. After its release, the song quickly climbed to the top of various Korean real-time charts, including Melon’s Top 100.
With that, IU has made history, because she is the first female artist to debut at number 1 on the Melon Top 100 with a song! She achieved this feat just one hour after the song’s release. IU is only the second artist ever to achieve this success. Before her, only BTS had done it, with “Yet To Come”.
That’s still not all we can congratulate IU on:
Internationally, the single reached number 1 on the iTunes Top Songs charts in more than 23 regions.
Furthermore, IU’s song achieved a certified all-kill by reaching the top of various music charts such as Melon, Genie, Bugs, YouTube Music, VIBE, FLO and iChart. The popular singer also secured her first music show trophy for the song. On February 1, she won M Countdown, defeating (G)I-DLE, among others.
Fans are especially interested in the music video. Over the past few days, they have been discussing what the meaning behind it is and have come up with exciting theories.
IU explained that the song is dedicated to her loved ones, above all her fans. She wants to be by their side and tell them that they don’t need to be afraid.
Fans are convinced that V is meant to represent these loved ones. In the video, IU and V are fleeing from a mysterious square, and IU tries to protect V. What do you think? Do you have theories of your own? Share them with us!
Sources: naver, EDAM Entertainment, IU’s social media channels, M Countdown, yna news
