'Unplanned release' was her own call, singer says; contact allergies behind styling constraints
Singer and actor IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, spoke out Wednesday about fan complaints over the promotion and styling for her recent singles. "If anyone felt disappointment or a lack of effort in the promotion of these singles, that is entirely my responsibility," she said.
IU posted a lengthy message on Weverse, her official fan communication platform, saying she decided to write out of concern that some fans might be frustrated. She added that "the release of these singles was a completely unplanned, sudden drop," and that it was she who suggested saving their energy for a full promotional push with next year's full-length album.
She said retail partners had shown great consideration throughout the process, and that her sudden decision had placed an added burden on the staff at her agency, EDAM Entertainment, who pushed themselves to make it work. On EDAM, she added that it is "a company that always respects my opinions and cheers me on — one that, whatever shortcomings it may have, genuinely wants to do better for the fans."
Addressing fan disappointment over her hair, makeup and styling — referred to by fans as "hemes" — IU explained that she has multiple contact allergies that impose strict limitations on hair-setting products, fixers and color cosmetics, to the point where she had considered taking a break from her career to seek treatment.
"My hair, makeup and styling team takes my situation into account, accompanies me to hospital appointments, and studies which ingredients must not touch my skin or face and which ones are safe to use," she said. "They test products on their own bodies first, and only apply them to me once they are confident it is safe — they are people I am deeply grateful to for their tireless efforts on my behalf."
She went on to say that because she cannot use spray products, her hair will inevitably come undone in heat and sweat, and that working with a fixed set of approved products means her looks can appear similar from one schedule to the next. "But I really wanted to clear up any misunderstanding about my styling team," she added.
Closing her message, IU said, "It may seem like I am only defending the people around me, but everything I have said is true. I will pay closer attention and think more deeply going forward."
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