A Gift Only G-Dragon Could Give—IU Gets Personal About Their Friendship

IU and G-Dragon have reunited for the first time in a while, showing off their enduring friendship and musical chemistry.

On March 27, a new episode of IU’s YouTube show ''IU’s Palette'' was released, featuring none other than G-Dragon as the guest. The two previously appeared together on MBC’s ''Infinite Challenge'' in 2015 and later collaborated on the title track of IU’s fourth studio album, ''Palette'', with G-Dragon featuring on the song and even joining her concert as a special guest.

Despite their long history, the two admitted they still felt a little awkward around each other. IU cut right to the chase, saying, “During the pre-interview, I heard that you said I make you feel awkward?” G-Dragon, caught slightly off guard, laughed and replied, “Aren’t we closer than before though?” He added, “Back then, I didn’t really know how to act around people.”

IU shared that G-Dragon came to see her concert last year, and both agreed that, oddly enough, they’ve started feeling more comfortable with each other as they’ve grown older. When IU asked why, G-Dragon said, “Maybe there’s a kind of inner familiarity. We don’t meet often, but we still exchange New Year’s greetings and check in occasionally.”

IU then asked if he remembered a gift he once gave her. Blushing, G-Dragon said he did. IU took over, recalling, “I debuted in 2008, and he gave me a bottle of wine from 2008—with a handwritten note. It was so special, I still haven’t opened it.”

IU also revealed another precious gift: a one-of-a-kind custom version of the IU's ''Palette'' album that G-Dragon had custom designed just for her. “Because the program is called ''Palette'', it felt meaningful from the start,” G-Dragon said. “After we worked on the song, I wanted to give you something special. It took a long time to finish.”

IU responded with heartfelt appreciation, “That’s one of my treasures. Honestly, who gets a gift like that? Something you put so much effort into—I was really touched.”

Also IU asked about his long break from the public eye, saying, “You’ve finally come back to us. Why were you gone for so long?” G-Dragon smiled and replied, “I missed the timing. There was COVID, I did my military service... and somehow it turned into seven years. Apparently, it’s been 88 months,” he said, referencing his signature number ‘8’ with a laugh.

To wrap things up, the two performed a touching 2025 version of ''Palette'' together—leaving fans hopeful for their next reunion.