U and BTS's V Illuminate Symbolism in 'Love Wins All' Music Video

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

IU, the renowned South Korean singer and actress, has once again captured the imagination of her global fanbase with the release of a mesmerizing music video for her pre-released track "Love Wins All." This artistic venture is not just a musical release but a visual spectacle, featuring the exceptional acting talents of IU and Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V from the world-famous K-pop group BTS. Directed by the critically acclaimed Um Tae Hwa, the video has quickly become a topic of fervent discussion and admiration, not just among fans but also in the wider artistic community.

The music video, with its unique aesthetic and compelling narrative, has prompted viewers to watch it multiple times, each viewing peeling back another layer of its deep symbolism and storytelling. At the center of discussions among fans is the enigmatic "square" that persistently follows the protagonists throughout the video. This element has sparked a myriad of interpretations, ranging from it being an alien force that has taken over the world, to a virus-infected zombie, and even a ghost causing anomalies. In a deeper sense, the "square" symbolizes the discrimination against the protagonists and, by extension, represents the various forms of discrimination and oppression that are prevalent in our daily lives.

Another recurring element in the video is the "camcorder." Set in the present day, the camcorder intriguingly displays a world before it became a ruin. This device is more than just a technological tool; it represents a filter of love, serving as a crucial device to view the beautiful aspects of the world beyond the physical or internal attributes of the characters. The lens of the camcorder, in this context, becomes a metaphor for perspective – how the lens through which we view the world can change our perception of it.

The characters played by IU and V are depicted in a dystopian world, each facing significant challenges. IU’s character is shown with a small chain on her lips, symbolizing her difficulty in communicating with the world. V's character is portrayed wearing a white lens over his left eye, indicating his unique way of seeing the world. Despite these challenges, they rely on each other in a ruined world, determined to overcome their weariness and injuries. Their portrayal is a testament to human resilience and the power of companionship in the face of adversity.

The choice of a wedding dress and tuxedo for IU and V is significant. In the ruins of their world, they each choose these garments, symbolizing the most clichéd "fruits of love." In the video, they wear these clothes, take pictures, sing, and have fun, experiencing moments of happiness that are hard to find in their everyday lives. However, ultimately, only the “clothes” remain as their physical forms vanish due to the “square,” suggesting their liberation from all forms of oppression and pressure. The image of the dress and tuxedo falling to the ground poignantly questions whether the forms considered important in reality truly represent the essence.

Director Um Tae Hwa shared his motivation for joining the project, citing his reunion with IU as the decisive factor. This project marked their first collaboration in five years. In 2018, Um had not been on a set for two years, and it was the concert VCR project that IU reached out to him for that rekindled his motivation. He expressed that similarly, this project reawakened his joy for filmmaking. Given the video’s otherworldly and abstract setting, he welcomes the diverse interpretations it may inspire.

The music video "Love Wins All" is not just a musical release; it is a cinematic experience that melds visual artistry with profound storytelling. Its themes of discrimination, resilience, love, and the essence of reality, coupled with the star power of IU and V and the visionary direction of Um Tae Hwa, make it a landmark in contemporary music videos. It stands as a testament to the power of collaborative art to not just entertain, but also to provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses.