Singer and actress IU postponed both her scheduled solo concert and the release of her sixth studio album after worsening symptoms of chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.
On the 20th, IU posted a long message on the fan platform Berriz and personally updated fans on her health.
She said, "The chronic eustachian tube dysfunction has recently worsened," and "I think I pushed myself too hard over the years out of work ambition without considering my condition," she admitted. She added, "Recently the symptoms have continued day and night for several days, and I repeatedly find it difficult to find my condition even when singing."
She said she decided to delay performances following experts' recommendations. IU said, "I heard the opinion that it would be too much to hold a concert for the time being, which covers a large area and causes a lot of sweating," and "It has become difficult to proceed with the Goyang stadium performance scheduled for September." She repeatedly apologized to fans, saying, "I'm really sorry that my ear condition seems to have ruined everyone's second half of 2026."
With the concert schedule postponed, the release of the sixth studio album was also delayed. IU said, "Because the album was prepared with a focus on performances and tours, the release timing has been pushed back a bit," and promised, "I will focus on treatment and recovery so the wait does not become too long and return as soon as possible in good health."
Agency EDAM Entertainment also explained, "We determined that the artist's ear condition makes it difficult to handle a large-scale performance," and said, "We adjusted the schedule with the artist's health as the top priority. Her daily life is not greatly affected."
Eustachian tube dysfunction refers to the state in which the tube in the ear that is normally closed remains open. Symptoms include hearing one's own voice or breath loudly echoing and a feeling of ear fullness, and it is known to be a particularly burdensome condition for singers who need to hear pitch accurately.
Upon the sudden news of activity postponement, fans offered support rather than worry. Fans left warm messages cheering for IU's speedy recovery, such as "You don't have to apologize," "Health is the most important thing," "Please rest enough and come back fully recovered," "We can wait anytime," and "Don't overdo it and focus only on treatment."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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