IU's Post-Royal Album Work: What's Next for K-Pop Queen?

Singer and actress IU has announced that she has begun working on a new album. IU stated that she is preparing for her return as a singer after finishing promotional activities for the MBC drama '21st Century Grand Lady'.

IU starred alongside actor Lee Yeon in the drama '21st Century Grand Lady'. Regarding her first impression of Lee Yeon, IU recalled, "I met him at an awards ceremony a year before I was cast. I was a fan even then. I told him, 'I want to work on a project together someday,' and at that time, I felt the passion and composure of a rookie in his eyes." Lee Yeon described IU as "like a Disney princess," emphasizing her youthful appearance.

IU pointed to the blend of comedy and melodrama as the highlight of '21st Century Grand Lady', explaining that the comedic scenes were enriched by the director's vision and the actors' imagination. She added that as the drama progresses, the atmosphere shifts as it becomes more serious and the romance ripens.

IU revealed that she is a night owl, unlike Lee Yeon, who is an early bird. Lee Yeon mentioned IU's thoughtfulness, sharing an anecdote about when he stayed at IU's house; even though it wasn't her usual waking time, IU woke up first, prepared fruit, and then went back to sleep.

Meanwhile, IU's duet performance of Sung Si-kyung and IU's original song 'You Are Here' with actor Byun Woo-seok garnered significant attention. Byun Woo-seok stated that he chose this song because the lyrics resembled his character in the drama. IU shared Byun Woo-seok's special efforts to deliver a great performance, such as visiting the music director's studio late at night after his schedule to practice separately. IU was touched upon seeing the detailed notes Byun Woo-seok had written on the lyric sheet.