“Love Wins All,” a music video released by IU featuring BTS’ V, has captivated audiences with its rich tapestry of symbols and hidden meanings. This article delves into the elements that make this music video a narrative powerhouse, dissecting the symbols to uncover the deeper messages interwoven within its dystopian love story.
| TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. Taehuyng (BTS’V)’s role 2. Through the lens: The camcorder 3. Shadows among us: People in black dress 4. The ominous cube 5. The wedding dress 6. The silent scream of idols 7. Final thoughts |
The ONE THAT WE LOVE: Taehyung’s Role
Central to the narrative is the role of BTS’ V, or Taehyung, whose presence in the music video raises intriguing questions about his character’s significance. Despite not contributing musically to the song, Taehyung’s presence in the video is deeply symbolic, representing the individuals IU holds dear and aims to safeguard, with a special emphasis on her fans.
IU’s personal message accompanying the song’s release reveals the core theme of the video: a heartfelt commitment to protecting those she cherishes. She expresses a desire to be a steadfast supporter for her fans, to stand by them through their ups and downs, and to courageously face challenges together. This protective sentiment is visually represented throughout the video, with scenes of IU guiding Taehyung, directing him on where to go and what to do, illustrating her role as a guardian.
The climax of the video shows IU shielding Taehyung from an impending threat, underlining the video’s message of love, protection, and the bonds that tie us to those we care about.
Through the Lens: The Camcorder
The camcorder emerges as a poignant symbol in “Love Wins All,” representing a glimpse into a world untainted by destruction, through the filter of love. This device not only captures moments of beauty and joy but also serves as a metaphorical lens through which the characters, and viewers alike, can perceive the world beyond its superficial layers. Through its lens, the grim reality fades away, and the duo is portrayed in an idyllic state, free from their injuries and fully immersed in each other’s company. This transformation is particularly poignant for Taehyung, whose impaired vision is miraculously restored in these sequences, symbolizing a momentary escape from their harsh reality.
Director Um Tae-hwa sheds light on the profound symbolism of the camcorder, explaining that it represents a window to a past world, one that was whole and unblemished. The device, he suggests, is not merely a tool for recording but a metaphor for love itself. According to Um Tae-hwa, the camcorder’s ability to filter the present through a lens of beauty and perfection captures the essence of love’s transformative power. It enables the characters, and by extension the viewers, to envision a world where love overcomes adversity, healing wounds and bridging divides. Thus, the camcorder in “Love Wins All” serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for love to reveal the beauty that lies beyond surface appearances, offering a hopeful perspective on what the world once was—and what it could be again.
Shadows Among Us: People in Black Dress
A stark contrast to the themes of love and protection are the figures clad in black, representing societal scrutiny and the marginalization of those who differ. These ominous figures symbolize members of society, particularly those engaged in internet and digital entertainment, who remain in the shadows, concealing their identities while they judge and critique those exposed in the spotlight. Yet, it is the bond between IU and Taehyung’s characters that allows them to momentarily transcend the societal disdain, underscoring the video’s message that love can, indeed, conquer all.
The Ominous Cube
At the heart of the apocalyptic setting is the cube, a symbol laden with mystery and speculation. IU and Taehyung (BTS’ V) as characters who face physical challenges—IU with her hearing and Taehyung with his vision. These conditions place them among society’s marginalized, a theme poignantly addressed by the cube’s selective targeting. According to Um Tae-hwa, the cube is not a blanket force of destruction but rather one that seeks to eliminate those who are often pushed to the fringes of society.
Beyond its immediate representation of societal marginalization, the cube also embodies a more profound critique of the Korean media and its relentless scrutiny of celebrities, particularly K-pop idols. This interpretation of the cube as a metaphor for the media highlights the harsh realities of fame in South Korea, where idols are subjected to intense public and journalistic scrutiny. The relentless pursuit of information and scandal by the media, often without regard for the personal well-being or privacy of these individuals, mirrors the cube’s indiscriminate targeting of the marginalized.
This dual symbolism of the cube—both as a representation of societal exclusion and as an allegory for the invasive nature of celebrity culture in Korea—adds a layer of complexity to the music video. It invites viewers to reflect on the broader societal issues of discrimination and the often predatory nature of media coverage, illustrating the destructive impact these forces can have on individuals, particularly those in the public eye. Through “Love Wins All,” the creators offer a compelling commentary on the need for empathy and understanding in a world that can be unforgiving to those deemed different or newsworthy.
A Union in Ruins: The Wedding Dress
In the middle of the “Love Wins All” video, IU and BTS’ V dress up in wedding clothes and seem happy taking photos and celebrating like they’re getting married. But soon, this happy moment ends when the cube comes back. They disappear, leaving only their wedding outfits behind on the ground.
Um Tae-hwa explained this to be a metaphor: “The body is destroyed by the cube and only the clothes they were wearing remain. The two are implied to be floating in the air on the last camcorder screen, meaning they can fly free from all kinds of oppression and pressure. Crucially, dresses and tuxedos falling from the sky also imply that ask the question of whether the forms considered meaningful and important in reality really show the true essence.”
The wedding clothes falling down also makes us think about what really matters in life. Even though they were wearing these clothes for a new start, the cube catches them, and they vanish. This part of the video makes us question the real value of things we often see as important.
The Silent Scream of Idols
Beneath the surface narrative lies a deeper commentary on the perils faced by idols within the Korean music and film industry. The video subtly critiques the immense pressure, scrutiny, and exploitation that artists endure, often leading to tragic ends. The cube serves as a metaphor for the industry itself, which can mercilessly cast aside those who falter under its relentless demands.
FINAL THOUGHT: Love’s Triumph
“Love Wins All” transcends the boundaries of a typical music video to offer a layered exploration of love, protection, discrimination, and freedom. Through its symbolic elements, it invites viewers to reflect on the power of love to overcome societal barriers, the importance of protecting those we cherish, and the often-hidden struggles faced by public figures. This video stands as a poignant reminder that, in the end, love’s capacity to unite and protect is the most powerful force of all.
THE END.
Watch “Love Win All” MV: https://youtu.be/JleoAppaxi0?si=ZwT-F5n4w2Qp8pJg
Read more pop culture related articles: https://eternaldory.com/category/entertainment/pop-culture/
Phu is the Head Writer at Eternal Dory, where his pen dives into the latest global trends and news in knowledge, graphic design, metaphysics, and entertainment. He has a knack for highlighting the fun aspects of his subjects, lightening the mood. Phu’s academic background is in Graphic Design, focusing on Animation and Motion Graphics.
