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a guide to IU, one of k-pop's most beloved solo idols | a thread by @gabyabbyy
if you're a casual fan of k-pop, you probably already know who IU is. here's a refresher: 26-year-old (yes, just 26!) lee ji eun is a singer-actress from south korea who debuted in 2008. peep below for the meaning behind her stage name:
IU gained popularity for her versatile vocal abilities and stellar acting skills. appearing in dramas like "dream high," "the producers," and most recently "hotel de luna," she earned the title of “nation’s little sister" for a period before disowning it. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2014/03/iu-says-she-doesnt-want-the-title-of-the-nations-little-sister
as a musician, IU has released five albums since debut that always seem to deviate from the usual k-pop style. she’s collaborated with everyone from big bang’s GD, to zico, to SHINee’s key.
IU is a skilled lyricist, and greatly involved in the production of her music. many of her songs cover themes of coming of age and love. she's also the only artist in korea to have 13 PAK (perfect all kills) total, meaning that 13 of her songs came first in all chart categories.
many of her music videos have a touch of whimsy, and are always exceptional in their attention to detail and narrative. "good day" has even gone down in history as one of the most requested karaoke songs in korea.
yet despite her sweet, pristine image, she’s been embroiled in a number of “scandals” over the course of her career--the nature of which are often quite dubious. https://www.soompi.com/article/1288885wpp/iu-responds-accusations-investment-fraud
last year, IU celebrated her 10th anniversary in show business by releasing BBIBBI, an alt-R&B single with lyrics that seem like a clapback at the intense media scrutiny she's faced throughout her career.
in 2019, her 11th year in the spotlight, IU brought on some nostalgic vibes with a comeback mini album that some uaenas think is an ode to all her past singles. https://twitter.com/jieuninspires/status/1197122975100653570?s=20
and while she hasn’t confirmed anything about the other tracks, one of them stood out for its direct connection to IU’s 2011 single You & I and its accompanying MV.
in "above the time," IU creates an alternate universe for the two lovers in the "you & i" MV, where they reunite and happily dance together in a dream sequence. IU mentions that this was intentional, saying that she wanted them to have a happy moment. https://twitter.com/IUteamstarcandy/status/1197664945820721152?s=20
the attention to detail in the MV was thorough, which helped devoted fans in immediately flexing their thoughtful theories. one pointed to the lyrics of "the visitor" making a cameo in the MV. https://twitter.com/4seasonswithIU/status/1196275754411053056?s=20
others felt that it was open ended, and that IU and hyun woo would be meeting again in the future.
https://twitter.com/dawn_afterglow/status/1196273876508008453?s=20
https://twitter.com/deleyungsooU/status/1196271005250936832?s=20
https://twitter.com/dawn_afterglow/status/1196273876508008453?s=20
https://twitter.com/deleyungsooU/status/1196271005250936832?s=20
no matter how you interpret it, this comeback was a serve for uaenas new and old. all six tracks off of "love poem" debuted in melon’s top 10 ranking.
IU's conceptuality, her connection with korean cultural themes and identity, and her consistent commitment to entertaining-yet-substantive art has helped bring her to great power within the music industry. and over a decade into her career, she shows no signs of slowing down.
what are your thoughts on IU’s comeback? do you take interest or exception to any of the theories? why do you think IU has the sort of staying power she has? let us know in the replies, y'all