IU’s ‘A Flower Bookmark 3’ Charts Instantly—But Did She Just Play It Safe?

Did IU Play It Too Safe? Music Critics React to 'A Flower Bookmark 3'

Buzz Hive Breakdown 

IU’s long-anticipated remake album ‘A Flower Bookmark 3’ dropped on May 29 at 8 AM KST, and unsurprisingly, it shot straight to the top of domestic charts like Melon, Genie, and Bugs. The title track “Never Ending Story” claimed the #1 spot, while “Square’s Dream” followed close behind at #4. But despite its chart success, critics are saying… it’s just meh. 👀 While the brand power of IU + the beloved Flower Bookmark series guaranteed numbers, many are questioning the musical impact.

Fan Reactions :

Fans seem divided. Some are just happy to hear IU’s voice again 🌸🎶, while others are asking for more creativity:

“IU could sing the phonebook and it’d still chart 😭”
“I waited this long for… this?”
“It’s giving safe. Like… too safe.”
“She’s talented but this album didn’t hit like the first one.”

Even on forums, people are debating whether nostalgia was enough to carry this release.

What This Could Mean ?

Let’s be honest: remake albums can be a double-edged sword. Critics like Jung Min Jae and Lim Hee Yoon both pointed out that while IU has the voice and brand to make anything chart, this album lacked imagination. The arrangements were described as "predictable," “superficial,” and even “like a cup of coffee from a chain store”—yikes.

IU clearly aimed for nostalgia and comfort rather than risk or innovation. Maybe she knew that just attaching her name to any project would guarantee success… but at what cost? In our opinion at Buzz Hive, this album isn’t bad—just forgettable.

What Do You Think?

Did IU miss the mark with A Flower Bookmark 3, or are fans being too harsh? Is this just a soft moment in her career, or is she settling into comfort zone territory? Let us know what you think in the comments 👇

#IU #AFlowerBookmark3 #Kpop #KpopGossip #IUComeback #KpopNews #EDAMEntertainment #RemakeAlbum #IdolDrama