IU announced an adjustment of her activity schedule in the second half of the year due to health problems. The female singer decided to cancel her concert in Goyang (Korea) scheduled for September, and postpone the release of her 6th studio album to focus on treatment and recovery.
On July 20 (local time), IU said that her ear canal disorder - a disease she has had for many years - has recently shown signs of worsening, affecting her training and performance process. The symptoms appear more frequently, making it difficult for her to maintain the best state when singing.
The female singer admitted that she has spent most of her time focusing on work but has not paid due attention to her personal health.
Atrial tube disorder is a condition in which the atrium - the part connecting the middle ear to the throat, which functions to balance pressure in the ear - is abnormally open continuously. People with this condition may experience tinnitus, fullness of the ear, or discomfort, especially during speaking, singing, or moving.
IU said she still completed the recording process of her new album after finding a method to control symptoms in the studio. However, after consulting experts, the female singer was advised to temporarily avoid high-intensity performance activities.
According to IU, large-scale concerts require artists to maintain physical strength for a long time, constantly move and perform many activities on stage. Continuing the performance schedule at the present time may affect the recovery process.
In addition to canceling the concert in Goyang, IU also adjusted her promotion plan for her 6th studio album - a product expected to mark her return to the music stage. The female singer said she will continue to prepare to meet the audience again when her health condition stabilizes.
Management company EDAM Entertainment confirmed the change in IU's schedule, and said that this decision was made after a process of exchange between the female singer, the crew and experts.
The company affirms that IU's health condition does not seriously affect daily life, but rest is necessary for her to recover better.
Before temporarily stopping some activities, IU still maintained a busy schedule with music and acting projects. The female singer also received public attention after confirming her breakup with actor Lee Jong Suk.
IU and Lee Jong Suk once publicly announced their relationship at the end of 2022, after Dispatch posted pictures of the two vacationing together in Japan. At that time, the two artists confirmed that they were getting to know each other and received a lot of support from fans thanks to their secretive, long-term relationship.
However, after more than four years of dating, the management company of both confirmed that IU and Lee Jong Suk have ended their relationship, returning to being close colleagues.
After the love affair, IU limited sharing about her private life and focused more on artistic activities. In her 30s, she still holds the position of one of the leading solo artists in Korea thanks to her singing, composing and acting abilities.
