On December 16, after IU posted a YouTube video from her show “IU’s Palette” on social media, unrelated comments began pouring in. The comments included statements such as “Go north”, “Left UI” AND “Be a North Korean Singer” with unfounded criticism dominating the conversation. Although she has never publicly declared her political orientation, IU is attacked through labels such as “leftist” and “pro-North Korea”.
IU began her first world tour this year, achieving impressive audience ratings of more than 500,000 people, including stops in Europe and North America. Notably, she became the first female singer to perform in all stadiums in Seoul during a two-day concert in September.
His album “Love Wins All” also made waves, reaching the top of the Melon Top 100 chart within an hour of release, and subsequently holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks, as well as reaching the top spot on the monthly chart in February and a perfect all-kill on iChart 339 times. IU has had an incredibly successful year as a popular artist.
Despite her success, attacks against IU intensified after reports emerged that she had pre-paid for meals at a restaurant near Yeouido for fans attending a rally calling for President Yoon Seok-yeol’s impeachment, so they could stay warm and fed.
Previously, entries like “IU is a spy” had been spread. According to his agency, last year, flyers containing false information such as “IU is a North Korean spy” AND “She is connected to the Daejang-dong scandal” were produced, prompting legal action through a law firm and an investigation by authorities.
IU’s fans are baffled by how her kind gesture towards her fans could be turned into accusations of being “pro-North Korea” and are calling for further legal measures.
