Singer-songwriter IU, who is currently in a public relationship with actor Lee Jong Suk, has once again drawn attention after candidly recalling a senior artist who both hurt her the most and supported her the deepest during her early career.
In a past appearance on MBC FM4U’s radio show “2 O’Clock Date,” IU revealed, “The man who made my life in the entertainment industry the hardest was Ha Dong Kyun.” Her unexpected confession quickly caught listeners’ attention, especially given the warmth and respect she later expressed toward him.
IU has previously shared multiple stories about her difficult rookie days, particularly moments involving singer Ha Dong Kyun. When host Park Kyung Lim asked her to explain, IU spoke with a mix of frustration and gratitude.
“He told me things like ‘You can’t sing,’ ‘Your voice sounds weird,’ and even ‘Just go back to Uijeongbu,’” she recalled, referring to the blunt criticism she endured. Despite those harsh words, IU emphasized that Ha Dong Kyun later became one of the people she trusted most.
“When I was at my lowest, he would hold me tightly and tell me it was okay to cry. He’s someone I’m truly grateful for,” she added, highlighting the deep bond they eventually formed.
Ha Dong Kyun also addressed the story himself during a past appearance on MBC’s variety program “Song Stealer.” A fellow guest mentioned that IU had once described him as “the senior she trusts and relies on the most, like family.”
When asked directly about his infamous remark— “You can’t sing” —Ha Dong Kyun explained that the comment dated back to when IU was only in middle school. At the time, she practiced singing alongside composers who shared a studio with him.
“A senior composer told me, ‘You should go say something firm to her,’” he said. “So I just delivered what was asked of me.” He admitted saying something along the lines of “Your singing isn’t good right now,” but noted that IU surprisingly didn’t react strongly at the time.
He added that they still keep in touch, sharing meals and conversations whenever one of them is struggling.
Beyond this heartfelt story, IU continues to be praised not only for her artistry but also her generosity. Last month, she reportedly donated ₩200 million (approximately USD 150,000) toward year-end charitable causes. Since her debut in 2008, IU has consistently given back on meaningful occasions such as her debut anniversary, holidays, and Children’s Day, with her total donations exceeding ₩6 billion to date.
Meanwhile, IU has been publicly dating actor Lee Jong Suk since 2022, continuing to balance her personal happiness with a career defined by resilience, growth, and sincerity.
Sources: MyDaily