Ship

G-Dragon & IU

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G-Dragon

About G-Dragon & IU

G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong, leader and main rapper of BIGBANG) and IU (Lee Ji-eun, solo artist) are two of South Korea's most acclaimed and influential musicians, and their cross-group friendship has fascinated fans since they first appeared together on the MBC variety show Infinite Challenge in 2015. Their most significant public collaboration came in 2017, when G-Dragon was featured on IU's critically acclaimed album Palette, contributing to the rap section of the title track. IU has said she approached G-Dragon for the feature partly on the advice he had given her during their Infinite Challenge encounter. The collaboration was well-received and cemented their status as mutual admirers in the industry. Both artists are known for being introverted and selective about friendships, which makes their connection notable. They exchanged New Year's greetings during the years they were not publicly in contact, and in early 2025, G-Dragon filmed an episode of IU's YouTube talk show IU's Palette, their first shared screen time in years. During the episode, IU gently teased G-Dragon about once admitting their dynamic had felt 'awkward,' and he acknowledged it warmly. Fans who ship their friendship appreciate their sincere mutual respect as senior industry figures.

This is primarily an industry-friendship ship admired for the caliber of both artists. Fans appreciate the authenticity of their low-key, mutual-respect dynamic rather than frequent public interaction. The ship gained renewed attention following the 2025 IU's Palette reunion.

Fun facts

✦ G-Dragon and IU first appeared together on MBC's Infinite Challenge in 2015.
✦ G-Dragon was featured on IU's 2017 album Palette, one of IU's biggest career milestones.
✦ Both are known for having small, close-knit social circles, which fans say makes their friendship more meaningful.
✦ They maintained a connection through New Year's greetings even during the roughly seven years they didn't meet publicly.
✦ In early 2025, G-Dragon filmed an episode of IU's YouTube talk show IU's Palette, marking a widely celebrated reunion.

Moments

2025-02

IU's Palette Reunion

G-Dragon filmed an episode of IU's YouTube talk show IU's Palette, their first shared appearance in approximately seven years. IU playfully referenced the 'awkward' comment G-Dragon had previously made about their dynamic, and he acknowledged it with good humor.
2017-04

Palette Album Feature

G-Dragon was featured on the title track of IU's album Palette, delivering a rap verse. The song became a massive hit and is considered one of IU's signature works.
2015-01

Infinite Challenge

G-Dragon and IU appeared together on MBC's Infinite Challenge. IU later said this encounter inspired her to seek G-Dragon's involvement in her album Palette.