“Never Ending Story” by IU is a hauntingly beautiful reinterpretation of a timeless classic that many have grown so familiar with, they’ve stopped truly listening to its lyrics and melody. IU brings new life to the song through a dreamy arrangement centered on composer Seo Dong-hwan’s signature piano and strings. Each note and word resonates with fresh emotion, reminding us why this song has remained unforgettable.
Song Credits
- Artist: IU
- Album: A Flower Bookmark Pt.3
- Released: May 27, 2025
- Length: 3:45
- Label: EDAM Entertainment
- Original song: “Never Ending Story” by Boohwal.
- Original songwriter and composer: Kim Tae-won.
- Original arranger: Seo Dong-hwan.
- Remake version: IU recorded a new version of the song, with Seo Dong-hwan once again participating as the arranger.
IU “Never Ending Story” Official MV
IU “Never Ending Story” Lyrics
Hangul
[Verse 1]
끝나지 않을 이야기
내 안에 가득한 너
어두운 밤하늘에
빛나는 별처럼
[Pre-Chorus]
조금은 서툴고
때론 아프지만
우리 함께라면
두렵지 않아
[Chorus]
Never ending story
끝없이 펼쳐지는
우리만의 이야기
영원히 계속될 거야
[Verse 2]
바람에 실려 오는
너의 따뜻한 목소리
내 마음 속 깊이
새겨진 기억들
[Pre-Chorus]
조금은 서툴고
때론 아프지만
우리 함께라면
두렵지 않아
[Chorus]
Never ending story
끝없이 펼쳐지는
우리만의 이야기
영원히 계속될 거야
[Bridge]
어떤 어려움이 와도
서로를 믿을게
끝나지 않을 이야기
우리 함께 써 내려가
[Chorus]
Never ending story
끝없이 펼쳐지는
우리만의 이야기
영원히 계속될 거야
Romanized
[Verse 1]
Kkeutnaji aneul iyagi
Nae ane gadeukhan neo
Eoduun bamhaneure
Bichnaneun byeolcheoreom
[Pre-Chorus]
Jogeumeun seotulgo
Ttaeron apeujiman
Uri hamkkeramyeon
Duryeopji anha
[Chorus]
Never ending story
Kkeuteopsi pyeolchyeojineun
Ulimanui iyagi
Yeongwonhi gyesokdoel geoya
[Verse 2]
Barame sillyeo oneun
Neoui ttatteuthan moksori
Nae maeum sok gipi
Saegyeojin gieokdeul
[Pre-Chorus]
Jogeumeun seotulgo
Ttaeron apeujiman
Uri hamkkeramyeon
Duryeopji anha
[Chorus]
Never ending story
Kkeuteopsi pyeolchyeojineun
Ulimanui iyagi
Yeongwonhi gyesokdoel geoya
[Bridge]
Eotteon eoryeoumi wado
Seororeul mideulge
Kkeutnaji aneul iyagi
Uri hamkke sseo naeryeoga
[Chorus]
Never ending story
Kkeuteopsi pyeolchyeojineun
Ulimanui iyagi
Yeongwonhi gyesokdoel geoya
Translation
[Verse 1]
A never-ending story
You are full inside me
Like a shining star
In the dark night sky
[Pre-Chorus]
A little clumsy
Sometimes painful
But if we’re together
I’m not afraid
[Chorus]
Never ending story
Endlessly unfolding
Our own story
It will continue forever
[Verse 2]
Carried by the wind
Your warm voice
Deep inside my heart
Are engraved memories
[Pre-Chorus]
A little clumsy
Sometimes painful
But if we’re together
I’m not afraid
[Chorus]
Never ending story
Endlessly unfolding
Our own story
It will continue forever
[Bridge]
No matter what difficulties come
We will trust each other
A never-ending story
We will write it together
[Chorus]
Never ending story
Endlessly unfolding
Our own story
It will continue forever
IU “Never Ending Story” Meaning
The title track “Never Ending Story” is a reimagining of Boohwal’s beloved 2002 classic, brought to life anew by IU’s ethereal vocals and a dreamy arrangement from composer Seo Dong-hwan—known for his work on “Love Wins All.” IU shared her affection for the song, describing it as one so ingrained in our memories that we often forget to truly appreciate its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. “It’s amazing that both the melody and lyrics, each powerful on their own, are in one song,” she said. “Every time I listened, I was mesmerized; every time I sang it, I coughed.”
The music video pays tribute to director Hur Jin-ho’s 1998 film Christmas in August, and quickly surpassed one million views within 12 hours. IU portrays a colleague of Darim (originally played by Shim Eun-ha), quietly falling for a comic book shop clerk (played by Heo Nam-jun), mirroring the film’s tender romance. The remake reflects on loss and longing—holding onto memories of someone who has gone, cherishing the past, and quietly hoping for a reunion someday, as if living out a timeless story on screen.