IU welcomes new age with 'LILAC' music video
K-pop superstar IU, real name Lee Ji-eun, is back and this time around, she's bringing in a new sound and theme for her latest single and album “LILAC.”
In the more than 4-minute masterpiece, fans can see IU entering a train platform as she awaits her train that'll bring her to her destination “BYLAC.”
As she sings her track, the singer-songwriter goes through the many memories of her more than decade career, including that of “You and I,” “Good Day,” “Blueming,” and “Eight.”
She tells in the chorus, “Oh LILAC, the day under the petal canopy goodbye / This ending matches right, it's like falling petals / Our ivory-colored spring climax / How glorious it is!”
By the end, IU smiles as she welcomes a new journey.
Watch the music video below:
Before the release of her fifth album, IU shared some details about her new music with fashion publication W Korea.
According to the singer-actress, “LILAC” is a complete 180 from her previous albums given that it's more “ornate and diverse” since she's worked with different composers and musicians this time around.
She tells the interviewer, as translated by Soompi.com, “None of the songs on this album were composed by me alone.
“When I looked at it from the perspective of a producer, I came to the conclusion that there's no need for there to be self-composed songs by IU just because it's an IU album.
“I've mainly written calm songs that tell personal stories so far. I decided that that wasn't the right fit for this album's tone, so I didn't hesitate to remove those.”
When describing her album the Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo actress says that it's “enjoyable to listen” and will also tell many stories from beginning to end.
“I'm now also experienced enough that I can tell whether a song will be one that people will love right away or whether it will take two or three listens for them to grow attached to it,” IU adds.
“Sometimes I've made albums where even though I know what I know, I've thought, 'Still, I need to put this song on the album' or 'I have to include this because it's a self-composed song that shows who I am.' That wasn't the case with this album.”
If you're wondering why the album is titled “LILAC,” IU expressed that the flower means “memories of youth.”
“I wanted to include a farewell with the message that I'm now going onward to my next chapter while also greeting my upcoming 30s at the same time,” she explains.
“To be honest, it feels like, 'My 20s still aren't over yet? How can there still be a year left!' While I reflect on my 20s, part of me wants to take it easy during the last moments of it, but I also think, 'I have to live even more intensely than ever.'
“I worked really hard. There were also good results.
“I know from experience that working hard doesn't necessarily mean you achieve good results, so I've been lucky.”
“LILAC” is out now on all music streaming sites worldwide.
Get to know more about this Korean superstar in this gallery: