'Chronic Illness' IU's '12th Apology'.. Character Shines Brighter Amid World's Unfair Criticism [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

At this point, one might even suspect the world of unfair criticism. Singer and actress IU (33, real name Lee Ji-eun) has been delivering a series of unfortunate news reports, culminating in the full postponement of her comeback schedule due to health issues.

IU is enduring an unusually difficult year this time around. Earlier this spring, her highly anticipated next project, the MBC drama '21st Century Grand Duchess,' faced direct backlash amid controversy over 'historical distortion.' In response, not only the production team but also co-star Byun Woo-seok and IU, as lead actors, publicly apologized, stating they "fully feel the responsibility."

Recently, IU ended a four-year relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk, who is four years her junior, once again drawing public scrutiny. Earlier on the 10th, IU's agency stated, "It is true that IU and Lee Jong-suk have recently broken up," adding, "The two have decided to remain good colleagues."

Without even a moment to recover from the breakup news, on the 20th, IU shared updates about her ongoing legal actions against an extreme cyberbully, deepening public concern. It is reported that this cyberbully, identified as A, posted no fewer than 52 false messages about IU on social media between March 2025 and October 2025.

In response, IU's agency EDAM filed a request for discovery with the U.S. Northern District Court of California against Meta on the 15th. Discovery (28 U.S.C. §1782) refers to an international judicial assistance procedure stipulated under U.S. federal law, whereby a U.S. federal court permits the acquisition of evidence held by companies or individuals within the United States for use in trials currently underway or scheduled abroad.

Among these developments, IU herself revealed on this day that her concert was canceled and comeback plans postponed due to deteriorating health, raising concerns among fans.

On the 20th, via fan platform V LIVE, IU stated, "The Goyang Stadium concert scheduled for this September has ultimately become difficult to proceed with." She added, "In fact, my chronic condition of eustachian tube dysfunction has recently worsened. Experts have advised that performing concerts, which involve a wide range of movement and heavy sweating, would be too much for the time being. Even I feel that continuing performances in September under my current condition is not feasible."

IU further explained, "In fact, this year's Goyang concert was meant to kick off a nationwide tour after a long break. I am truly sorry that my ear condition has seemingly ruined the second half of 2026 for all of us who could have been happy. As mentioned earlier, the main promotion for my new album, which will be my sixth full-length album, heavily relied on concerts and tours. Therefore, we must unfortunately postpone the album release date as well."

Despite unavoidable disruptions to her activities due to health issues, IU demonstrated a responsible attitude by repeatedly apologizing. She apologized to her fandom, YooAena, no fewer than 12 times with the word "sorry."

In particular, IU expressed self-blame, saying, "I am truly sorry that my ear condition has seemingly ruined the second half of 2026 for all of us who could have been happy." At the same time, she reassured fans, "The illness I suffer from is not one that causes severe pain or renders daily life impossible. However, since my profession is a singer, I made this decision based on the judgment that it would be inappropriate to present a happy performance to audiences without being in peak condition. Therefore, there is no need to worry about whether 'IU is very sick.'"

Reaffirming her dedication and facing challenges with positive energy, IU declared, "I will receive treatment, take the best possible measures, and focus on improving my condition in the second half of the year so that we can definitely start 2027 together. I will work as hard as crazy."

She also expressed unusual confidence regarding her new album. IU stated, "Recently, I even filmed a jacket shoot with a unique tone (which I absolutely love!). This album involves working with many new staff members, and I am discovering a new side of myself while focusing on finalizing the album. Since several tracks have already been mixed, I spend all day listening to the new album's music, asking myself 'Is this track better?' or 'Oh, today this is my favorite,' engaging in a happy battle with myself. In any case, it seems like an album I truly love has come out."

She continued, "It will feature truly diverse and new genres, production teams, and stories, along with various activities and performances befitting the scale of a full-length album. This is not disappearing; it is only being postponed for a few months. And just as much as it is delayed, we will refine and improve those aspects to return with definitely better results and activities that YooAena will be satisfied with. I hope you won't be too sad. Please wait just a little longer. I will get well soon and show you my happy singing face. Let's leave the heavy topics for today only. As mentioned in the voice message, I will visit frequently in July with various stories. Next time I come, I will come brightly."

Hello YooAena, our Dear You! Have you been well?

It has been a very long time since we last greeted each other.

I have been spending my days gaining energy by reading the letters YooAena writes to Dear You on V LIVE.

Although I shared various things through a voice message in June's behind-the-scenes content,

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

it has already been about two months since my birthday flew by so quickly.

Recently, I even filmed a jacket shoot with a unique tone (which I absolutely love!). This album involves working with many new staff members, and I am discovering a new side of myself while focusing on finalizing the album. Since several tracks have already been mixed, I spend all day listening to the new album's music, asking myself 'Is this track better?' or 'Oh, today this is my favorite,' engaging in a happy battle with myself. In any case, it seems like an album I truly love has come out!

Let me stop here with my recent updates talk,

originally, I wanted to visit V LIVE just to share various stories about how I've been living lately after such a long time,

but I have had some troubling matters recently. That's why I kept postponing it day by day.

But now I feel it is the right timing to speak up, so I am writing this with difficulty.

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

I have been repeatedly writing and deleting this message wondering where to start, but I think it would be 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 condition of eustachian tube dysfunction has recently worsened. I have been managing and paying attention to it on my own, but weather conditions seem to have some influence as well... Perhaps in the past few years, I pushed myself too hard without considering my condition. My ear symptoms have always fluctuated at will, but recently, the symptoms have persisted day and night for several days, and I have been repeatedly struggling to find my singing condition when performing.

Nevertheless, I found my own tricks in the recording studio, and fortunately, I was able to create the album without major difficulties. Having lived with this illness for several years (?), it doesn't cause significant trouble in daily life, but singing is directly linked to ear condition. Unlike studio recording, experts have advised that performing concerts, which involve 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 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 much... I want to sing, shout, and run around with YooAena, but even I feel that continuing performances in September under my current condition is not feasible.

In fact, this year's Goyang concert was meant to kick off a nationwide tour after a long break. We were planning to greet our Dear You warmly at Goyang and start the nationwide tour with our 9th generation YooAena.

I am truly sorry that my ear condition has seemingly ruined the second half of 2026 for all of us who could have been happy..

As mentioned earlier, my new album, which will be my sixth full-length album, had concerts and tours as its main promotion. Since the album is inseparable from tours, 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 YooAena must be very upset. I am so sorry that words of apology cannot fully convey how sorry I am..

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

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

I will do my absolute best. I will work as hard as crazy..!!!

First, I wrote this message hastily and honestly because I was worried that if YooAena learned about this news through articles before reading my letter, you would be even more concerned.

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

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

The illness I suffer from is not one that causes severe pain or renders daily life impossible. However, since my profession is a singer, I made this decision based on the judgment that it would be inappropriate to present a happy performance to audiences without being in peak condition. Therefore, there is no need to worry about whether 'IU is very sick.'

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

Nevertheless, let's try to conclude this message as positively as possible...

The album is really good.. Truly diverse! New genres and production teams! New stories, various activities and performances befitting the scale of a full-length album.. This is not disappearing; it is only being postponed for a few months. And just as much as it is delayed, we will refine and improve those aspects to return with definitely better results and activities that YooAena will be satisfied with.. I hope you won't be too sad.

Please wait just a little longer. Please wait just a little. I will get well soon and show you my happy singing face. Just a little. Please.. I am sorry, YooAena.

Let's leave the heavy topics for today only. As mentioned in the voice message, I will visit frequently in July with various stories. Next time I come, I will come brightly!

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

I am truly sorry and love you very much.

It may seem presumptuous 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.