IU Proves Character: “The Lack of Promotion is Entirely My Responsibility”

IU has finally spoken up. In a long post, she explained one by one the stories she had not been able to say before, ranging from fans' disappointment regarding the new song promotion to misunderstandings directed at her hair, makeup, and styling staff. In particular, while she did not shift the results caused by her own decisions onto her agency or those around her, she actively drew a line against situations where the staff working with her were being unfairly criticized.

On the 30th, IU shared various stories regarding her new song through the fan communication platform Berriz. Previously, after the release of her 6th full-length album scheduled for September and her solo concert in October were postponed due to health issues, she released the digital singles 'Unknown Planet' and 'D-Mark' on September 10 to soothe the disappointment of fans. As these were singles prepared suddenly, no large-scale promotion was conducted, leading to expressions of disappointment among some fans.

IU clearly stated that this part was her responsibility. She explained that this single was a sudden release not originally in the plan, and was an event-style release prepared for the fans in a situation where the full album schedule had been pushed back. In particular, she revealed that she was the one who first suggested concentrating promotional efforts on next year's full album rather than this single. Ultimately, regarding the criticism that the promotion was insufficient, she accepted it as a result stemming from her own judgment rather than blaming her agency or staff.

What drew even more attention was her explanation regarding the hair, makeup, and styling staff. When questions were raised among some fans about why similar styling was being repeated or whether she was insisting on specific shops and designers, IU introduced the current directors she works with as "extremely skilled professionals" who have great affection for her. Rather than simply shielding her acquaintances, she explained the specific reasons why the current styling inevitably has to be repeated.

IU revealed that due to various contact allergies, she has difficulty using hair fixing products and fixers, as well as strong color cosmetics and removers. She stated that the current hair, makeup, and styling team has been managing her meticulously, considering these circumstances by going to the hospital with her and directly checking the ingredients of cosmetics that can be used. She even shared that there were cases where the staff would test products directly on their own bodies to ensure safety before using them on her.

The reason the styling appeared similar was ultimately due to realistic constraints rather than a matter of choice. She explained that since she cannot properly use fixing sprays, her hair easily comes undone during outdoor shoots or situations where she sweats, and her makeup options are also limited to products she can use. What IU wanted to say to her fans was clear: while they may express disappointment toward her to her directly, those who have worked hard for her should not be criticized for reasons that are untrue.

In this long post, IU did not unconditionally refute the fans' complaints. She admitted responsibility for the parts she decided, and conversely, she stepped forward to explain situations where arrows were being aimed at the staff without the facts being properly known. Ultimately, this explanation drew more attention to how IU handles her choices and the people around her rather than the controversy surrounding the new song's promotion.