How Much Do IU’s Songwriters Earn? Legendary Musician Reveals Massive Income

The fact that IU is a formidable force to be reckoned with in the Korean entertainment industry is hardly news to anyone. However, fans usually don’t get to know how far that influence translates into monetary gains for artists with whom she collaborates.

In the most recent episode of Radio Star, veteran Korean rockstar Kim Tae Won gave an insight into how far IU’s music can earn for those associated with the projects.

Kim, the leader of the rock band Boohwal, is the original songwriter of “Never Ending Story,” a song that IU remade for her 2025 album, A Flower Bookmark 3. On the December 17 broadcast of MBC’s Radio Star, Kim revealed that IU’s team first reached out to him, proposing to remake the song. The veteran musician was so convinced of her genius that he agreed right away.

Kim Tae Won admitted that he never expected the remake to hit so big, adding, “IU is truly a superstar, and I thought she would do even better in the future.” Though Boohwal’s version of “Never Ending Story” was already a very popular ballad in Korea, IU’s touch not only took that popularity to the next level, but also boosted Kim’s copyright income from the track.

When the hosts asked if he had received ₩100 million KRW (about $67,900 USD) in copyright fees at once, Kim Tae Won proudly shared that thanks to the “IU jackpot,” he had received that amount within a quarter!

Meanwhile, you can check out the original version of “Never Ending Story” right here: