EIGHT years have passed, but “Palette” remains a favorite for some K-pop enjoyers.
And to hear this song live again from no less than its original singers, K-pop stars IU and G-Dragon, feels nostalgic and definitely a one-for-the-book moment for fans.
On the latest episode of IU’s “Palette” talk show on YouTube, the two singers reunited to perform the 2025 version of their iconic collaboration song “Palette,” with G-Dragon writing a new rap verse.
First released in 2017, “Palette” speaks on discovering oneself and embracing their identity. G-Dragon’s rap verse in the original version was his advice to then-25-year-old IU. The 2025 version now tells the rapper’s advice to the 31-year-old IU.
A part of the new rap verse goes: “Now you’re ‘Baskin Robbins, 31’ ice cream / Kids and grown-ups, All y’all like that? IU got this / That’s when you shine the most / Even when darkness falls around you, don’t get scared.”
G-Dragon shared his creative process for his rap part in the original and 2025 versions of “Palette,” recalling how IU wanted to incorporate age in her songs.
“IU, at that time, when you were making the song, you said you wanted to leave certain songs for certain ages,” the rapper said.
As a featuring artist in IU’s song, G-Dragon stressed, “I pretended like I was so much older and wiser than you; a 30-year-old and a 25-year-old. We sang it at a very pretty age. Now… I have to tell my age too then. How should I say these various things? I went through that process.”
“Palette” is among the 10 tracks in IU’s fourth studio album of the same name, released in April 2017.
It was one of the songs IU performed for her Filipino fans, collectively known as MAAENA, during the Philippine leg of her “HEREH” tour at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan in June 2024.
‘Übermensch’ world tour
During his guest appearance in “Palette,” G-Dragon also talked about his upcoming “Übermensch” concert tour, which includes a one-night show at the Philippine Arena on May 17.
IU made history as the first K-pop solo artist to perform at the indoor arena. This year, G-Dragon, also known as the “King of K-pop,” will be the first male K-pop solo act to hold a concert in the same venue.
The first phase of the K-pop star’s “Übermensch” tour will kick off in Tokyo on May 10. He will also perform in Osaka, Macau, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Hong Kong.
The “Übermensch” world tour is in support of G-Dragon’s third studio album of the same name, his first full-length album in 12 years after “COUP D’ETAT.”
G-Dragon is the leader of K-pop powerhouse BIGBANG, who made its legendary comeback on the MAMA Awards stage in 2024.
