IU Delays Sixth Album, Cancels September Concert Due to Worsening Ear Condition

Singer-actress IU has delayed the release of her sixth full-length album and canceled her September concert in Goyang after her chronic ear condition worsened.

In a message posted on a fan platform on July 20, IU said she has been struggling with worsening symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction. This condition causes the Eustachian tube to remain abnormally open. The disorder can lead to a feeling of fullness in the ear, distorted hearing and difficulty singing.

IU admitted she may have overworked herself in recent years.

"I think I pushed myself too hard without paying enough attention to my health," she wrote. "Lately, the symptoms have continued day and night for days at a time, and I've repeatedly found it difficult to sing the way I normally can."

She said doctors advised against holding concerts for the time being, explaining that performances involving constant movement and heavy physical exertion could worsen her condition.

"It breaks my heart that I won't be able to keep my promise to hold the concert," she said, apologizing to fans. "I'm so sorry. It feels like I've ruined the second half of the year for all of us."

The schedule change has also delayed her upcoming album. IU explained that promotions for her sixth studio album were planned around the concert and tour, making it difficult to move forward with the original release timeline.

She promised fans the wait would not be longer than necessary, saying she would do everything she could to return with both the new album and the postponed concerts as soon as possible.

Her agency, EDAM Entertainment, also confirmed the decision, saying both the company and IU concluded that performing in her current condition would place too much strain on her health. After careful discussions, they decided to adjust her schedule for the rest of the year and prioritize her recovery.