IU has once again showcased her exceptional talent in revisiting classic songs with the release of 'Kkot-Galpi 3', the third part of her well-received cover series.

The album was dropped at 6 PM on May 27th KST and rapidly climbed to the top of major South Korean music charts within an hour of its launch. All tracks made it to platforms like Melon, Genie, and Bugs, with the lead single 'Never Ending Story' securing the top position on all three charts.

'Kkot-Galpi 3' sees IU putting her own spin on beloved old tunes, blending her trademark warmth and soulful voice. This marks her reentry into the 'Kkot-Galpi' collection after almost eight years since 'Kkot-Galpi 2' in 2017, and stands as her first release post her sixth mini-album The Winning in February 2024.

Known for uniting different generations through music, the Kkot-Galpi series has churned out hits like "Autumn Morning", "Meaning of You", and "Sleepless Rainy Night". IU's latest offering has been commended for preserving the original songs' essence while infusing them with her unique emotional depth.

The title track "Never Ending Story" is a rendition of the classic ballad by rock band Boohwal, infused with IU's delicate vocals and a polished arrangement by producer Seo Dong Hwan.

The album comprises various tracks including "Red Sneakers", "October 4th", "Last Scene (Feat. Wonstein)", "Mi-in (Feat. Balming Tiger)", and "Square’s Dream".

The music video for "Never Ending Story" premiered on YouTube and quickly gained momentum, hitting over 1 million views in just 7 hours and ranking high on the platform’s “Trending Music” chart. The video pays tribute to the Korean film Christmas in August, starring IU and actor Heo Nam Jun, and was directed by Lee Rae Kyung, known for IU’s previous hits like "Palette" and "Through the Night," enhancing the project's emotional impact and visual allure.