* Translated by AI

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IU "Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, I Also Feel It's Too Much".. Singer Activities 'Fully Stopped' [Official][Full Text]

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Kim Nara

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer and actress IU (IU). May 11, 2026 /Photo=Lim Sung-kyun tjdrbs23@
Singer and actress IU (IU). May 11, 2026 /Photo=Lim Sung-kyun tjdrbs23@

IU (33, real name Lee Ji-eun) has paused her singing activities due to health issues.

Her agency EDAM stated on the afternoon of the 20th: "Our company and IU have recently determined that her ear condition makes it difficult to proceed with performances. Therefore, prioritizing her health and after careful discussion, we have decided to adjust not only the scheduled Goyang Stadium concert in September this year but also all subsequent performance schedules and the release schedule for her sixth full-length album."

The agency added, "However, the symptoms IU is experiencing do not cause significant disruption to daily life. This decision was made so that she can present the best possible stage to fans."

EDAM further stated: "We will do our utmost to support IU's recovery. We will make every effort to ensure IU can meet fans in good health. Updates regarding IU's album and performance schedules will be provided through an official press release at a later date. We kindly ask for your understanding and warm support."

Earlier that day, IU directly announced the cancellation of the Goyang concert and the postponement of her comeback on the fan platform V LIVE. She said, "The Goyang Stadium concert scheduled for this September has ultimately become difficult to proceed with. In fact, my chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction symptoms have recently worsened. I have been managing and taking care of it myself, but it seems weather conditions may also be having some effect. Perhaps in the past few years, I didn't pay enough attention to my physical condition and pushed myself too hard due to work ambition. My ear symptoms have always fluctuated on their own, but recently, the symptoms have persisted day and night for several days, and it has become increasingly difficult to find my footing when singing."

She continued, "After living with this illness for several years, I realize that while it doesn't significantly disrupt daily life, singing is directly tied to ear condition. Experts also advised that, unlike studio recording, performing concerts with a wide range of movement and heavy sweating would be too much for the time being. Even I feel that proceeding with the September concert in my current state would be too much."

IU also said, "In fact, this year's Goyang concert was planned as the start of a nationwide tour after a long break. I am truly sorry that my ear condition seems to have ruined everyone's happy second half of 2026. As mentioned earlier, the main promotion for my new album, which will be my sixth full-length release, heavily relied on concerts and tours. Therefore, we must unfortunately postpone the album release date as well."

Nevertheless, IU reassured fans: "The illness I have is not one that causes severe pain or makes daily life impossible. However, since my profession is singing, I made this decision because it would be inappropriate to present a happy performance to audiences in less than optimal condition. So please do not worry about whether 'IU is very sick.'"

Regarding her new album, she added: "The album is truly excellent. It's incredibly diverse! New genres and production teams! New stories, along with various activities and performances befitting a full-length album. None of this is disappearing; it's only being postponed for a few months. And just as much time has been delayed, we will use that time to refine and improve everything, so we will definitely return with better results and activities that YooAena (her fandom name) will be satisfied with. So please don't be too sad."

▼ Full text of IU's message follows.

Hello YooAena, our Aeil-eondeul! Have you been well?

It's been a very long time since I last greeted you.

I've been getting energy by reading the letters you, YooAena, have written to Dear U on V LIVE.

Although I shared various things through a voice message in June's Behind the Scenes,

while preparing the album, rehearsing for concerts, filming advertisements, and exercising hard!! hehe,

it feels like two months have already flown by since my birthday.

Recently, I also did a jacket shoot with a unique tone (which I really love!), and this album involves working with many new staff members. As I discover a new version of myself, I am fully dedicated to finalizing the album. There are already several tracks that have been mixed, so all day long I listen to the new album's music, asking myself 'Is this song better?' or 'Today is my favorite track,' engaging in a happy battle with myself. Anyway, I truly feel like an album I really love has come out!

Let me stop here with my recent updates talk,

originally, I wanted to visit V LIVE just to share some everyday life stories after such a long time,

but recently there was something worrying. That's why I kept postponing it day by day.

But now I feel it's the right time to speak up, so I am writing this with difficulty.

I didn't want to cause worry for YooAena, but I'm sorry in advance for sharing news of this nature.

I've been going back and forth on where to start, but I think it's better to get straight to the point.

The Goyang Stadium concert scheduled for this September has ultimately become difficult to proceed with.

In fact, my chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction symptoms have recently worsened. I've been managing and taking care of it myself, but it seems weather conditions may also be having some effect. Perhaps in the past few years, I didn't pay enough attention to my physical condition and pushed myself too hard due to work ambition. My ear symptoms have always fluctuated on their own, but recently, the symptoms have persisted day and night for several days, and it has become increasingly difficult to find my footing when singing.

Still, I found my own way in the recording studio, and fortunately, I was able to create the album without too much strain. After living with this illness for several years, I realize that while it doesn't significantly disrupt daily life, singing is directly tied to ear condition. Experts also advised that, unlike studio recording, performing concerts with a wide range of movement and heavy sweating would be too much for the time being.

First, I feel very heavy-hearted and sorry because it seems difficult to keep my promise to hold concerts within the period we planned together with our 8th generation members. I know well that YooAena has been eagerly waiting for September.

I myself want the performance so much, so, so, so much... I want to sing, shout, and run around with YooAena, but even I feel that proceeding with the September concert in my current state would be too much.

In fact, this year's Goyang concert was planned as the start of a nationwide tour after a long break. We were supposed to greet our Aeil-eondeul warmly at Goyang and begin the nationwide tour together with our 9th generation YooAena.

I am truly sorry that my ear condition seems to have ruined everyone's happy second half of 2026.

As mentioned earlier, my new album, which will be my sixth full-length release, had concerts and tours as its main promotion. Since the album is inseparable from touring, we must unfortunately postpone the album release date as well. It feels so regrettable to come here after such a long time and only share disappointing news... I know our YooAena must be very upset. I am so sorry that words cannot fully express my apologies.

However, I will do everything I can to ensure the wait does not become too long. I will deliver the new album and show you the performances as soon as possible!

I will receive treatment, take all possible best measures, and focus on improving my condition in the second half of this year so that at least we can definitely start 2027 together.

I will do my very best. I will work like crazy...!!!

First, I wrote these words honestly and without order because I thought YooAena would worry even more if they learned about this news through articles before reading my message.

EDAM will issue an official notice later. To our YooAena who were looking forward to the concert and album, once again, I am so sorry...

And I also want to ask you not to worry too much.

The illness I have is not one that causes severe pain or makes daily life impossible. However, since my profession is singing, I made this decision because it would be inappropriate to present a happy performance to audiences in less than optimal condition. So please do not worry about whether 'IU is very sick.'

Since it's been a long time since my full-length comeback, both the company and I prepared many things, so it's regrettable that it has been postponed... I am endlessly sorry to everyone.

Still, let's try to end this message as positively as possible...

The album is truly excellent... It's incredibly diverse! New genres and production teams! New stories, along with various activities and performances befitting a full-length album... None of this is disappearing; it's only being postponed for a few months. And just as much time has been delayed, we will use that time to refine and improve everything, so we will definitely return with better results and activities that YooAena will be satisfied with... So please don't be too sad.

I ask you to wait just a little longer. Please wait just a little while. I will get well soon and show you my happy singing. Just a little. I'm asking you... I'm sorry, YooAena.

Let's stop the heavy talk here for today. As mentioned in the voice message, I'll visit often in July with various stories. Next time I come, I'll be bright!

I am so sorry again for making YooAena's hearts uneasy with this news... I'm truly, truly sorry for causing worry... This will definitely be the last time...!!

I am truly sorry and love you very much.

It may seem impolite to say this, but still, have a good evening, eat something delicious, and sleep well today.

I really, really miss you.

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*This content was translated by AI.

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