IU addresses Shanghai fashion controversy: 'I don't usually dress like that'

Singer and actress IU has addressed the photos from her recent trip to Shanghai, China, which recently went viral online. Unlike the sophisticated style she typically showcases on stage and at official events, she was captured wearing an oversized T-shirt, knee-length denim shorts, a hat, a mask, and a scarf to conceal her face and body. While some netizens criticized her style, claiming she "can't dress," IU explained that the outfit was not a fashion choice, but rather a disguise to sneak out of her hotel.

During a Melon Music Wave chat event held on the afternoon of the 16th, IU directly addressed the Shanghai street photos that garnered significant attention online.

In the previously released photos, IU was seen walking through a street in Shanghai wearing a loose, oversized T-shirt and knee-length denim shorts, with her face concealed by a hat and a mask. The look stood in stark contrast to the glamorous styling she usually presents on stage or her refined image at official functions.

An entertainer's private clothing often receives even greater scrutiny than their official styling. For a star like IU, who has been in the public eye for a long time, even everyday outfits are consumed as content. Regarding these photos, reactions were mixed: some interpreted it as a "comfortable travel look," others questioned if she "dressed that way to avoid being noticed," and some offered blunt critiques of her fashion sense.

IU clarified the situation by addressing the photos herself. "This is a photo from a while ago," she said, confirming, "That's right, it was when I went to Shanghai."

She continued, "I didn't dress unusually on purpose that day; I was told not to leave the hotel except for scheduled activities, so I wore a scarf to sneak out."

She explained that the scarf, which stood out in the photos, was not a fashion accessory but a tool to hide her identity as much as possible. Because she was trying to move unnoticed while leaving the hotel outside of her official schedule, the unconventional outfit was born out of necessity.

IU emphasized, "I don't walk around like that normally. I usually dress ordinarily." She added with a laugh, "I also realized I looked suspicious after I was photographed."

Ultimately, the "Shanghai travel look" was less about flaunting IU's fashion sense and more about an accidental outfit created while trying to enjoy a quiet moment outside her schedule.

IU's explanation highlights the gap in interpretation that occurs when a celebrity's daily life is broadcast to the public. While a single photo might look like an intentional fashion concept, the context changes entirely once the person's actual situation is known. The fact that her attempt to remain anonymous became a viral topic illustrates the modern media environment where a star's private moments are instantly turned into content.

For IU, private clothing during travel is fundamentally different from her stage persona. As a singer, she adopts styling tailored to a song's concept, and as an actress, she embodies a character's narrative; however, in her private time, comfort and anonymity become the priority.

The layering of a hat, mask, and scarf during her Shanghai outing fits this context. Rather than defensively responding to online criticism, IU chose to laugh it off, noting how "suspicious" she looked, which lightened the mood of the conversation.

Since her debut in 2008, IU has established herself as a top-tier solo artist with era-defining hits such as "Good Day," "You & I," "Through the Night," "Palette," "eight," and "Lilac." Alongside her music, she has expanded her career as an actress in works such as "My Mister," "Hotel del Luna," and "When Life Gives You Tangerines," proving herself as a premier multi-entertainer.

Recently, she has continued her musical journey with the digital single "From This Star." Her previous release, "Dear my crazy soulmate," also drew interest as it was revealed she wrote the lyrics for her long-time close friend Yoo In-na.

While IU presents a meticulously crafted image during official activities, her appearance in Shanghai was a pursuit of simplicity. Ironically, her attempt to be "ordinary" is exactly what placed her back in the spotlight.

IU's remark that she "usually dresses ordinarily" underscores the gap between her public image and her real life. Her somewhat suspicious attire in Shanghai was not a fashion failure, but rather the trace of a famous star simply wanting to walk the streets like an anonymous person.

IU is also scheduled to attend events related to a film re-release marking her 18th anniversary since her debut. While she stands before the public on stage and screen, this explanation provides a clear glimpse into the dual life of a star who occasionally just wants to avoid the camera.