Who Is IU’s On-Screen Boyfriend in Latest MV?
The identity of the male lead in IU's new MV has left many fans bewildered
IU is back in the music scene after 3 years, determined to go all out with the mini album “The Winning.” As of now, the “national little sister” has teased 4 MVs for 5 new songs. Among them, the opening MV “Love Wins All” marks her first collaboration with V (BTS). She invests in storyline and image quality for the MV, akin to a cinematic experience.
Amidst the frenzy of “Love Wins All,” IU continues to release teasers introducing Tang Wei as the lead in the “Shh..” MV – a song featuring NewJeans Hyein, the youngest sibling. Recently, IU has also released teasers for 2 theme MVs of “The Winning” album, with “Shopper” drawing attention for its “new face” who plays the male lead and directs.
In contrast to the gloomy and melancholic tone of “Love Wins All” or “Shh..,” “Shopper” is a colorful MV. The music is introduced as an Electro-Pop Rock song with powerful sounds creating a lively atmosphere. The mysterious male lead shadow piques fans’ curiosity about his identity. In this MV, IU will collaborate with DPR Ian. The young man is both the male lead and director for the “Shopper” MV.
DPR Ian – the new male lead and director of IU’s MV
Immediately after the collaboration news was released, the IU fan community was abuzz with excitement over DPR Ian’s impressive profile. The young man’s real name is Christian Yu, an Australian-born Korean born in 1990. DPR Ian has showcased his talent in music as a rapper and producer. He made his debut in 2012 as part of the boy band C-Clown, where he served as the group’s leader. The 6-member boy band was from the small company Yedang Entertainment (which later changed its name to Banana Culture before closing down).
Despite his talent, DPR Ian’s career suffered due to the label of “nugu artist.” After about 3 years of struggling, C-Clown disbanded, but he still couldn’t break through to the public. In October 2015, DPR Ian, along with Live, Cream, and REM, established their own company called Dream Perfect Regime.
DPR Ian began to develop his solo career and released several music products that garnered attention. From here, the new male rapper’s name truly became known and loved by Korean audiences. Some of DPR Ian’s famous songs include “So Beautiful,” “Dope Lovers,” “Don’t Go Insane,” among others. As a co-founder of Dream Perfect Regime, DPR Ian is taken seriously by industry professionals for his unique artistic style, professional development path, and meticulous product creation, which honors the artist’s personality.
In addition to music, DPR Ian also demonstrates outstanding abilities in directing. His own artistic products, conceived and executed by DPR himself, are highly appreciated. IU’s “Shopper” MV will be evidence of DPR Ian’s creative abilities. Despite the lack of much information, through the images and messages revealed, this is a highly anticipated product, chosen by IU herself as the theme MV for “The Winning” mini album.
