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L’OFFICIEL PARIS: You’re entering a new chapter in your career, one that’s more focused on music. What excites you the most about this new stage? IU: Right now, I’m working on a new album. I’m writing and recording the songs myself, including the lyrics. There’s something special about this project: the entire creative process is being filmed. Usually, the public only gets to see the finished result, but this time, every step, including rehearsals will become an integral part of the work itself. This is always the most intense and creatively fulfilling period for me, and I want to preserve all of that energy. The album is expected to be released around the end of August or the beginning of September, followed by a tour that will begin in Korea at the end of September. We’re also planning an international tour next year. L’OFFICIEL PARIS: How has your creative process evolved since your debut? IU: I’ve always drawn inspiration from my own experiences, and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is that, over time, I realized I needed to avoid repeating myself. So I started looking beyond my own world. Other people’s experiences, current events, and even everyday objects have become new sources of inspiration. My creative process still begins with myself, but today I’m much more open to the world around me. L’OFFICIEL PARIS: As an artist, what aspect of Korean culture are you most proud to share with the world? IU: One of the things I’m most proud of is the Korean concept of Jeong (정). It’s a very difficult word to translate because it describes a deep emotional connection and a genuine warmth between people. Even if we may not always seem very expressive on the surface, I believe Koreans naturally carry this feeling within them. It’s what keeps our communities closely connected. I’m also very proud of the diversity of Korean artists. There isn’t just one definition of Korean creativity, each artist has their own unique identity, and we’ve managed to preserve those individualities while sharing our work with the rest of the world. L’OFFICIEL PARIS: After all these years, what makes your relationship with New Balance so genuine and authentic? IU: I was already a huge fan of New Balance long before I became its ambassador. I wore the brand all the time. As I learned more about its philosophy, I realized it aligned deeply with my own values. The importance it places on quality, the creative process, and comfort really resonates with me. As I’ve gotten older, comfort has become essential to me, and New Balance succeeds in combining that with a strong identity and a true sense of style. Looking back, it feels like we were naturally drawn to each other from the very beginning. L’OFFICIEL PARIS: You’ve always been committed to supporting others. Why does philanthropy play such an important role in your life? IU: My parents taught me from a very young age to help others and never be selfish. My family once lived comfortably, but we later went through a period of extreme poverty. During that difficult time, many people reached out to help us. I promised myself that if I were ever in a position to do so, I would do the same for others. Today, I’m able to keep that promise. Giving back brings me genuine happiness, and it motivates me to keep working hard, because the more successful I become, the more I can help those who are in need. lofficiel.com/people/iu-inte…