IU releases science-fiction music video for “Unknown Planet”

IU has released the music video for “Unknown Planet,” the title track of her new digital single, completing a two-part rollout that began with the project’s audio release and a separate video earlier this month. The official video was published on IU’s YouTube channel at midnight Korea Standard Time on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. [1]

The song is also presented under the Korean title “이 별로부터,” which translates as “From This Star.” The English title “Unknown Planet” appears in the official YouTube upload and on streaming services, while some Korean entertainment coverage has used “From This Star.” These refer to the same track, not separate releases. [1][2]

The single arrived on September 10 at 6 p.m. KST through major streaming platforms. It contains two tracks: “Unknown Planet” and “Dear My Crazy Soulmate.” Both songs were written by IU, who is credited as the lyricist for each. [2][3]

The release marks IU’s first new music in exactly one year, following “Bye, Summer,” which was issued on September 10, 2025. The two songs are also expected to appear on IU’s upcoming sixth studio album, although a firm album release date has not been announced. [2]

A visual shift into science fiction

The “Unknown Planet” video leans into a science-fiction concept, using webcam imagery, digital communication and cosmic visuals to connect people who appear to be living separate lives. Coverage of the finished video describes an “Unknown Planet” application as a device through which people can observe and connect with one another. [4]

The result is a video that moves between intimate, human-scale moments and larger space imagery. That contrast gives the song’s “planet” motif a broader meaning: the unknown is not only an imagined world in outer space, but also the private lives of people who remain strangers to one another.

The official teaser had already signalled the project’s space-oriented direction. Released on September 8, it announced the September 10 digital-single release and confirmed that the “Unknown Planet” video would follow on September 16. [1]

Chilean actor Jorge López, known internationally for “Élite” and “Soy Luna,” was also identified in teaser-era coverage as appearing in the video. [5] His involvement adds an international dimension to a project that otherwise centres on IU’s solo performance and songwriting.

The single’s two-part rollout

IU’s team treated the digital single as a double-title project rather than promoting only one lead song. “Dear My Crazy Soulmate” received its music video alongside the single on September 10, while the “Unknown Planet” video was held for a second release date. [2][3]

The first video takes a markedly different approach. IU appears as a police officer, alongside actresses including Shim Dal Gi, Na Moon Hee and Esom. The song was described as being written for Yoo In Na, IU’s close friend, adding a personal context to the track’s focus on friendship. [3]

That contrast gives the project a deliberately broad emotional range. “Dear My Crazy Soulmate” is framed through friendship and human connection, while “Unknown Planet” expands those ideas into a more futuristic and visually expansive setting. Releasing the videos separately also allowed each song to establish its own tone rather than treating the single as one continuous campaign.

A comeback shaped by a delayed album

The digital single arrives during a transitional period for IU. In July, she announced that her sixth studio album would be postponed after worsening symptoms related to patulous Eustachian tube, an ear condition that can cause autophony and a sensation of aural fullness. She also cancelled a September concert in Goyang. [6]

At the time, IU said the album’s promotion would involve concerts and tours, making a delay necessary while she followed professional medical advice. The new single therefore functions as a return to recorded music without confirming the larger album campaign’s timetable. [6]

For Canadian listeners, the release is part of the continuing international expansion of Korean pop music, but the rollout remains anchored to South Korea’s release schedule. The September 16 video premiere followed midnight KST, while the single itself was released on September 10 at 6 p.m. KST. [1][2]

“Unknown Planet” is now available as part of IU’s two-song digital single, with the newly released music video providing the project’s more cinematic and speculative counterpart to “Dear My Crazy Soulmate.” The sixth album remains forthcoming, but its release date has not been confirmed. [2][6]