G-Dragon’s New Lyrics While Performing With IU Seemingly Hint At Seungri And T.O.P

Fans have been left emotional.

Recently, G-Dragon appeared on IU’s YouTube program IU’s Palette, where the two decorated idols treated fans to more interactions.

In 2017, G-Dragon was featured on IU’s song and the show’s namesake, “Palette,” a track that remains popular today. During the episode, the pair performed a special 2025 version that has since attracted much attention.

However, many fans couldn’t help but notice that G-Dragon’s lyrics were different from those found in the original version. The original verse that G-Dragon rapped contained reflections on his status as a newly turned 30-year-old and confusion he felt as a “new adult,” while seeming to reassure IU of her future.

Everything’s hard because we’re young
I’m sick of getting nagged all the time
A shabby child who always got scolded
Barely passed my 20s
The happiness only lasted for a while, oh my
Why do they say that it hurts because we’re young
Hey Jieun [IU], Oppa just turned 30
I’m really not, but I suddenly became an adult
Even though I still have a long way to go
I’m only five years older than you
Past twenty, not yet thirty, in between, right there
When I’m not a kid or an adult, when I’m just me
I shine the brightest
So don’t get scared when the darkness comes
Because it’s so beautiful, because flowers bloom
You are a child that will always be loved

— G-Dragon in the original version of “Palette”

The new verse contained similar emotions towards IU, but reflected a change in G-Dragon as he aged, mentioning his enlistment in the second half.

Jieun, let me tell you I enlisted in the army & turned 30
Four seasons split apart,
Three disasters (calamities) came in on a double lease
Still full of fire, so I comprehend
Born in ’88 younger than ever ‘Swagger’ in my frame
Now you’re ‘Baskin Robbins,
31’ ice cream Kids & grown-ups, all y’all like that?
IU got this That’s when you shine the most
Even when darkness falls around you, don’t get scared
You’re doing great, hold on, there’s light in the end You will always be loved, ‘YOU.’

— G-Dragon’s new “Palette” rap

As many reflected on the changes, fans couldn’t help but notice two specific lines that seemed to hint at others besides G-Dragon and IU.

Some have theorized that the “four seasons” mentioned are OT4 BIGBANG,  that “split apart” with T.O.P‘s departure from the group.

The following line about the “three disasters” are believed to reference Seungri’s involvement in Burning Sun and his subsequent imprisonment, T.O.P’s scandal, and G-Dragon’s own drug allegations.

G-Dragon Speaks Up About Past Drug Allegations

Many have reacted with emotion over the alleged reference to OT4 BIGBANG, especially after T.O.P’s interviews earlier this year.