The Winning

2024 EP by IU From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Winning is the ninth extended play by South Korean singer-songwriter IU, released on February 20, 2024, through Edam Entertainment. It is her first release since the EP Pieces in December 2021.[2] The EP was preceded by the single "Love Wins All" on January 24, 2024. The follow-up "Holssi" was released on February 16, while "Shopper" was released alongside the EP on February 20, 2024.

ReleasedFebruary 20, 2024 (2024-02-20)
Genre
Length18:14
LanguageKorean
Quick facts EP by IU, Released ...
The Winning
IU with blonde hair and her face partially obscured by a receipt that has a love heart drawn on it, against a red background and the title in white handwriting over her
Digital cover
EP by
IU
ReleasedFebruary 20, 2024 (2024-02-20)
Genre
Length18:14
LanguageKorean
LabelEdam
ProducerIU
IU chronology
Pieces
(2021)		 The Winning
(2024)		 A Flower Bookmark 3
(2025)
Singles from The Winning
  1. "Love Wins All"
    Released: January 24, 2024
  2. "Holssi"
    Released: February 16, 2024
  3. "Shopper"
    Released: February 20, 2024
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Background

After the release of Lilac, IU began working on her next album. In February 2023, she said that the album would be about the feeling of wandering,[3] but later in September she stated that the direction of the project had significantly changed and that the album's main theme would be desire.[4]

IU appeared on BTS member Suga's talk show Suchwita in December 2023, where she hinted that her then-upcoming EP would contain songs about her age.[5]

Promotion

The lead single "Love Wins All" was issued on January 24, 2024, along with its music video.[6] IU officially announced the EP on January 29, 2024, posting a 21-second teaser clip containing close-ups of the singer "accompanied by sombre music",[7] showing her with bleached blonde hair and wearing a red outfit.[6] She is also shown spraying a red-colored spray at the camera before appearing in front of a green background.[5] The track listing of The Winning was revealed on February 5, confirming "Shopper" and "Holssi" as the EP's second and third singles, and guest appearances from NewJeans' Hyein, Wonsun Joe, and an undisclosed narrator on the third track "Shh..".[8]

Reception

More information Review scores, Source ...
The Winning ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
NMEStarStarStarStar[9]
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NME's Rhian Daily wrote that, "Minor stylistic faults aside – and with a gigantic year ahead for one of Korea's foremost talents – on her first document of a new decade, IU soars high and free and stays winning.[9]

Accolades

More information Publisher, Year ...
Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Billboard 2024 The 20 Best K-Pop Albums of 2024 (So Far): Staff Picks 2nd [10]
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Track listing

All lyrics are written by IU.

More information No., Title ...
The Winning track listing
No.TitleMusicArrangementLength
1."Shopper"
  • Lee Jong-hoon
  • Lee Chae-gyu
  • Lee J.
  • Lee C.
3:35
2."Holssi" (홀씨)
  • Lee J.
  • Lee C.
  • IU
  • Lee J.
  • Lee C.
3:10
3."Shh.." (featuring Hyein and Wonsun Joe; narration by Patti Kim)
  • Lee J.
  • Lee C.
  • Lee J.
  • Lee C.
  • Hong So-jin
3:46
4."Love Wins All"Seo Dong-hwanSeo4:31
5."I Stan U" (관객이 될게)
  • Jehwi
  • Kim Hee-won
Jehwi3:12
Total length:18:14
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Charts

More information Chart (2024), Peak position ...
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Certifications

More information Region, Certification ...
Certifications for The Winning
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
South Korea (KMCA)[18] Platinum 250,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

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References

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