IU on finding self-acceptance: 'Want to be friends with me, flaws and all'

Singer IU has candidly reflected on the musical turning points of her career and the journey toward self-acceptance.

In a recent episode of the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block,' IU shared the core values that permeate her musical world and her life. She specifically discussed her album 'Palette,' which captures her experiences around the age of 25, revealing how she began to embrace her true self.

'Want to be friends with me, flaws and all'... Self-affirmation at 25

Discussing her musical approach and themes, IU explained, "Since my age changes every year and I change with every age, I thought it would be interesting to leave these as records to listen to later." Referring to 'Palette,' she identified age 25 as the pivotal moment when she moved past the self-loathing she once felt and began to affirm herself.

IU described her mindset at that time: "Now, there is nothing more to be disappointed in about myself, and there is nothing more to be surprised by or new about myself." She added, "I developed the desire to be close to myself—accepting my flaws as they are and my strengths as they are," explaining the sentiment behind the lyric "I think I might know myself" in her songs. She also confessed to a period in her youth when she struggled to feel lovable, regardless of her achievements.

A confession born from insomnia: Defining love through 'Through the Night'

IU also shared personal experiences that shaped her creative process. Regarding the background of her song 'Through the Night,' she revealed, "On nights when I couldn't sleep well, I wondered what the most sincere way would be to make a confession to someone I love."

Having struggled with long-term insomnia, IU explained, "In a state where one cannot sleep well, the words 'sleep well' are the most pure-hearted confession." She added, "There are times when I feel petty, feeling disappointed if I fall asleep first while being with someone, but if it is someone I truly love, I want that person to truly sleep well regardless of me. I think that is love."

'I want to be remembered through my music'... IU's vision for the future

IU also discussed the balance between her life as the artist IU and her personal life as Lee Ji-eun. "When I work as IU, I try to do my job very competently, but as Lee Ji-eun, I sometimes neglected myself because I worked too hard, which led to poor health," she said. She noted that as she enters her 30s, she is learning to take care of herself and find balance. She added that because she overextended herself in the past, her joints, bone density, and immunity are not as good as they should be for her age, and she now feels the need to conserve her energy.

When asked about her future, IU offered sincere reflections. Having promised in a 2010 magazine interview to become "a popular singer who performs shows that can make people feel comfortable through good music," she stated she is still working to fulfill that promise through her performances. Looking toward age 39, she remarked, "I think I will be working even more meticulously," noting her tendency to become more particular and rigorous as she works.

Finally, when asked how she wishes to be remembered, she said, "When I leave this world without regrets, I hope the song 'Heart' remains as my representative song." IU expressed her wish to be remembered through a song that embodies her best self, stating, "This is a self-composed song made by taking only my best parts."