Singer and actress IU (real name Lee Ji-eun) expressed her thoughts on the political controversy surrounding her.
During an interview on the morning of 2nd at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, where she discussed the end of the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," IU responded to a question about her feelings of unfairness due to misunderstandings and rumors, saying, "It would be a lie to say I've never had a moment of feeling unfair, but conversely, I think it's significant that people view me more positively than my personality might suggest."
Regarding the recent political controversy, she noted, "It's not wrong to feel upset, but I've never thought, 'Why is this happening only to me?'"
After President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a state of emergency in December last year, as protests calling for impeachment were held in Yeouido, Seoul, IU prepaid for 100 loaves of bread, 100 drinks, and 100 bowls of soup for fans attending the rally. Some far-right netizens criticized IU, calling her "Left IU" (a combination of leftist and IU).
In this context, IU said, "Isn't this something we have to endure?" and added, "I believe that if something seriously crosses the line or if the company decides it cannot let something go or if there are movements that create significant misunderstandings, then intervention is necessary."
She explained, "There are a lot of people who see me in a better light than I see myself. I never expected to receive such immense love for this long when I started this job. Sometimes there are things that I think are misunderstandings, but I believe there are many people who think positively of me. The love I receive during performances or projects is so overwhelming that I can hardly stay composed. Conversely, I think the love from those who see me positively is even greater."
In a YouTube channel called "Jang Doyoun's Salon Drip," which was released on the 11th of last month, IU responded to the question, "Are there ridiculous comments that even I can’t believe?" by saying, "There are so many. Some even say that I'm 'not Korean.'"
She stated, "It's fine if someone comments that I'm ugly, can't sing, or can't act; I don't consider that hateful comments from the start. However, I believe that words like 'she did such a thing' require intervention. I am not working alone. There are my company and other companies I work with, right?" emphasizing that rumors that harm her need to be addressed.