IU Opens Up About Why It Took Her So Many Years To Release A New Album

IU has finally made her return to the music industry with her new album The Winning.

Lilac, her fifth studio album, was released roughly three years ago on March 25, 2021. It was her last fully promoted album, with extended play Pieces (December 2021) being made for digital download and streaming only. The singer previously mentioned that she was working on her sixth album right after finishing Lilac.

In an industry where K-Pop idols often make comebacks at least once a year, IU’s long hiatus was unusual. She explained why it took so long in her newly released interview video of The Winning on her YouTube channel.

There are always certain topics I’m obsessed with when I work on an album.

— IU

It turned out that she had lacked inspiration the last few year for songwriting material, and this naturally held her back from producing new music.

I haven’t had that for a while, that’s why it took quite a long time to drop a new album.

— IU

Luckily, she eventually found her groove. The Winning became easier and easier to complete especially compared to other albums that she worked on in the past.

It’s been a while since I felt this. I was less emotionally challenged while I was working on this album. This album naturally guided me so I loved the time working on it because I didn’t have to squeeze my creative juice or be under stress.

— IU

She added that her naturally competitive spirit was ignited in the process of making her sixth album. It became a learning experience and fun creative outlet at the same time.

I’ve always been a competitive person. As I enter my 30s I think it’s a favorable time for my own competitive spirit and all to reignite.

— IU

The Winning was released on February 20, 2024. It contains dual title tracks “HOLSSI” and “Shopper,” alongside B-sides such as “Shh,” “Love Wins All,” and “I Stan U.”