Singer IU postpones concert, album release due to worsening ear condition

South Korean singer IU has announced the postponement of her highly anticipated Goyang concert, national tour, and the release of her sixth full album due to a worsening of her ear condition. The singer has been diagnosed with otitis media with effusion, a condition characterized by the Eustachian tube remaining abnormally open. This ailment causes her own voice and breathing sounds to be perceived at an amplified volume, significantly impacting her ability to perform.

In a message to fans on the communication platform Weverse, IU explained that the symptoms have persisted day and night recently, making it difficult to maintain her condition while singing. While she managed to complete album recordings by finding workarounds in the studio, medical professionals advised against strenuous activities like concerts, which involve significant movement and exertion.

The postponement affects the national tour that was set to begin with the Goyang concert in September, as well as plans to connect with her official fan club, Uaena, across the country. The release of her sixth album, which was closely tied to the tour's promotion and described by IU as containing new genres and diverse stories, will also be delayed.

Despite the setbacks, IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, emphasized that her condition does not significantly disrupt her daily life. IU herself reassured fans that she is not in severe pain and that the decision was made to ensure she could perform at her best. The agency stated that they will support her recovery and provide updates on the revised album release and concert schedules, with IU expressing a desire to meet fans again by early 2027.