IU has long been regarded as one of the leading artists in the кσяєαn entertainment industry, standing out for her rare longevity not only in music but also in acting. Debuting at a very young age, she quickly won over the public with her emotionally rich vocals, refined songwriting sкιℓℓs, and image as a versatile artist. At the same time, IU has proven her talent through a series of impressive acting roles, earning positive reviews from both critics and au∂ιєnces.
Meanwhile, for ARMY, she is considered one of the most special female artists to have worked with BTS. Not only has she delivered well-loved collaborations with SUGA and V, but she is also close friends with three out of the group’s seven members. Not to mention, Jungkook has frequently mentioned IU as his ideal type since debut, attending her concerts multiple times and openly showing his admiration for her.
Last weekend, when BTS held their three-night concert in Goyang to kick off their world tour, IU also took time to attend and support her idol friends. She appeared early, quietly and discreetly with her manager, even checking her lightstick before the show began—winning fans’ hearts for being just like any ordinary concertgoer.
Her presence in the au∂ιєnce that day was not particularly surprising to ARMY, as many other idols, actors, and celebrities were also in attendance, including Jang Wonyoung, TXT, BABYMONSTER members Chiquita and Ahyeon, as well as actor Jang Dong Gun and his wife, and actress Ha Ji Won. On the other hand, many fans αѕѕumed that given her friendship with SUGA, V, and j-hope, she must have been invited as a special guest—possibly explaining why she was seated in the guest area.
However, the truth behind her ticket, revealed by IU in the latest episode of the online variety show Salon Drip, left fans stunned as they realized they had misunderstood. During the show, host Jang Do-yeon asked IU, "I heard that even if someone offers you an invitation ticket, you always pay out of your own pocket and buy a ticket. Is that true?"
IU replied, "As someone who also performs, I feel like watching shows is a form of study for me. I usually buy tickets secretly and just go enjoy the performance." She emphasized that attending concerts is not merely a form of entertainment, but also a meaningful experience. “I try to go to as many performances as possible. It helps relieve stress and is very healing for me", she added.
As this episode was meant to promote the currently airing film Perfect Crown, IU appeared alongside fellow actors Byeon Woo-seok, Gong Seung-yeon, and Noh Sang-hyun. Continuing the conversation, Gong Seung-yeon recalled, "My younger sister said she wanted to invite IU to a concert, and I told her, ‘Do you really think she’s going to see your DM? She must get so many messages.’" She then added, "We were actually planning to send her an invitation to Twice’s concert, but it turned out she had already bought tickets", further confirming IU’s habit of purchasing tickets herself.
At this point, some fans began to realize the truth, commenting: “She buys and then she has access to VIP seats because she’s a celeb,” “She ‘purchases’ might mean she insisted on paying for a complimentary ticket,” “I saw her going through the ticketing process in her vlogs, and it turns out she did the same for BTS,” “She could have offered to pay instead of taking free tickets,” and more.
Other fans expressed their appreciation and admiration for IU’s sincerity and support for her fellow artists, including BTS:
- You're telling me she participated in the goyang ticketing war? There's no way...Suppportive friend
- So you’re telling me that THEE Queen IU came and cheered for BTS by the tickets she fought hard for?! I love her even more!
- Instead of using her fame for free access, she chooses to support artists the proper way. That level of sincerity and respect is rare
- IU sweetie it's okay to be a nepo baby sometimes. Losing out to IU was an honor and a privilege
- Well she has experience lol..I saw in a yt show she once had to buy her own tickets as a game lol
- She once tried buying a ticket for her own concert so she used that knowledge again and won the ticket battle! She's too precious.
- She did that so yoongi couldn’t brag of inviting her even tho he didn’t got invited by her
- IU. Girll sometimes you can use complimentary tickets. You are special to us you know
