On August 6, IU uploaded a collection of recent photos to Instagram with the captions: “Hi, it’s been a while”, “I’ve been living diligently” and “A very belated birthday meal.”
The 20-photo update featured candid moments from her daily life, including mirror selfies before and after makeup, relaxed photos taken in a car, casual off-duty looks, and behind-the-scenes images from filming. She also shared a warm snapshot with actress Lee Yeon, giving fans a glimpse into her recent activities after months of limited social media updates.
While fans welcomed IU’s return, many quickly noticed that she had chosen “Living Without Anything Special” (Byeoril Eopsi Sanda) by Chang Kiha and the Faces as the background music for the post. The song selection immediately fueled online speculation because of IU and Jang Kiha’s well-known dating history.
The two first met in 2013 through SBS PowerFM’s “Chang Kiha’s Great Radio” before developing a romantic relationship. They publicly confirmed their relationship in 2015, becoming one of Korea’s most talked-about celebrity couples due to their 11-year age gap. After dating publicly for approximately two years, they announced their breakup in 2017.
IU later confirmed her relationship with actor Lee Jong Suk in late 2022. Their romance became public after Lee Jong Suk referenced a special person in his acceptance speech at the MBC Drama Awards, with IU later describing him to fans as someone who had always supported and encouraged her.
However, after nearly four years together, the couple officially ended their relationship in July 2026. Lee Jong Suk’s agency confirmed the breakup on July 10, stating that the two had decided to remain supportive colleagues.
Meanwhile, Chang Kiha publicly confirmed his relationship with actress Yoon Ga Yi on June 27. According to reports, the pair became close after meeting through Coupang Play’s SNL Korea Season 4 in 2023, bonding over their shared interests in music and film.
IU’s music selection generated mixed reactions across social media. Some fans viewed it as evidence of emotional maturity.
- She’s so cool for casually using her ex-boyfriend’s song.
- The title ‘Living Without Anything Special’ makes the timing feel even more meaningful.
Others argued that the choice was being overanalyzed. Many pointed out that nearly a decade has passed since IU and Chang Kiha ended their relationship, suggesting the song was simply chosen because she enjoys the music rather than as a hidden message. Several fans also emphasized that artists can appreciate each other’s work regardless of their personal history.
IU has recently scaled back her activities due to a worsening case of patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction, a chronic ear condition that affects hearing and vocal performance. As part of her recovery, she canceled her scheduled September concert at Goyang Stadium and postponed the release of her sixth full-length album to focus on treatment and rehabilitation.
Her latest Instagram update marks one of her first personal social media posts in months, reassuring fans that she is gradually returning to public activity.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스