SUGA Reportedly To Collaborate With IU On Her Upcoming Album

In a recent trend survey released by the кσяєα Broadcast Advertising Corporation (KOBACO), IU ranked No.1 on the list of “Most Preferred Advertising Models by кσяєαn Consumers,” reaffirming her enduring influence as a top star. In particular, IU is also demonstrating a strong comeback in both acting and music in the first half of 2026.

After announcing her return to the small screen through the drama 21st Century Grand Princess, in which she stars alongside actor Byeon Woo-seok and which is scheduled to premiere in April, IU will continue to meet fans in her primary role as a singer by releasing a mini album at the end of the same month. This will mark her first official music release in approximately two years since 2024.

While the artist is busy completing the final recording stages, the media has begun revealing interesting details about her upcoming music project, dubbed the work of the “Digital Queen.” The news that actor Byeon Woo-seok—her co-star in 21st Century Grand Princess—is positively considering appearing in the title track’s music video has further heightened expectations. Many predict that the intense chemistry between the two in the drama will continue in the music video, completing what has been dubbed the “Grand Princess universe.”

An industry insider hinted, "This album is filled with narrative tracks that bridge the emotions of her character 'Sung Hee-ju' (in '21st Century Grand Princess') and IU’s own identity. Notably, IU participated in writing and composing the title track, honestly reflecting her inner self as she enters her mid-30s."

The musical genres are also diverse, ranging from IU’s signature sentimental ballads, to spring-inspired City Pop, and folk tracks that convey comforting messages to fans, promising an album that feels like a comprehensive ‘gift set.’

However, what has drawn the most attention from ARMYs is a report from an industry source stating that SUGA will once again participate in producing and featuring on a track, signaling potential dominance on the Billboard charts. Previously, IU collaborated with the BTS rapper on the 2020 single eight, which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart in its release week.

IU is widely recognized for her clear, emotive vocal tone and her strong narrative songwriting style, while SUGA is known as a producer and rapper with a minimalist, emotionally rich, and introspective musical approach. When combined, the two artists create a balance between accessible pop melo∂ιєs and artistically sophisticated production.

This synergy was already proven through eight and People Pt.2, released in 2023, which has only heightened fans’ anticipation for the masterpiece the duo may create this time. Although this marks the third collaboration between the same-age duo, fan reactions remain extremely enthusiastic. After the news was revealed, fans flooded social media with comments:

- i NEED this duo back, the iconry, let's go. queen and king of music will be gracing us yet again

- Let’s go iconic duo reuniting once again. IU x SUGA round 3! Can’t wait for the mini album!

- Oh, I hope we get to see this duo again!!! IU is the female idol we love and respect the most.. king & queen of кσяєα let's gooo

- Exciting news — fans will definitely be looking forward to another collab

- Just like IU said Yoongi is the most talented producer she knew

- Oh please let it be truuuueee my king n queen

- i love it when yoongi and IU collab, please be another song like eight

- Please b true. Their colabs r always so top tier

- min yoongi x iu once again ohh eight u will always be legendary

- Honestly, I really hope it happens for real. It reminds me of Suchwita—didn’t they say that if they collaborated again, they’d want to do a cheerful song with some dancing?

**Source: https://www.thefairnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=69483