IU delays concert, album as worsening health forces hiatus
Millions of fans hoping to see IU return to the stage this year will have to wait a little longer.
The beloved K-pop superstar and actress has postponed both her highly anticipated September concert and the release of her new album after revealing that her long-running ear condition has worsened, forcing her to prioritize her health.
IU, star of the hit series "Perfect Crown," shared the emotional announcement through the fan communication platform Berriz, explaining that her chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction has recently become much more difficult to manage.
"Ultimately, it has become difficult to proceed with the Goyang Stadium concert scheduled for this September. In fact, my chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms have been worsening recently. I am managing and taking care of it in my own way, but the weather seems to be having some influence as well," she wrote.
The announcement came as a heartbreaking surprise for fans eagerly awaiting what was expected to be one of the biggest K-pop events of the year.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the tubes connecting the middle ears to the back of the throat fail to open and close properly, affecting pressure regulation and fluid drainage.
Reflecting on her condition, IU admitted she may have pushed herself too hard.
"I wonder if I pushed myself a little too hard out of my ambition for work over the past few years without considering my condition."
She revealed that the symptoms have become increasingly persistent, making it difficult even to sing.
"My ear symptoms have always been unpredictable, fluctuating between good and bad, but recently, the symptoms have persisted day and night for days, and it has been a recurring situation where it was difficult to find my condition while singing."
Despite the setback, IU shared one piece of encouraging news for fans: she was able to complete work on her new album before her condition worsened significantly.
Still, doctors advised her against staging a concert because of the demanding physical activity involved.
"Experts advised me that it would be too difficult for me to proceed with concerts for the time being, given the wide range of activities and the heavy sweating involved. I am truly sorry that I seem to have ruined the second half of 2026, which could have been a happy time for all of us, due to my ear condition."
Although fans will have to wait longer for both the album and the concert, IU ended her message with a promise that has given many hope for an even bigger comeback next year.
"I will get treatment so that we can definitely start '27 together. I will do my absolute best."