[OSENWORLD] IU has surprised fans with a special gift to close out the summer.
On September 10 at 7 a.m. KST, the singer released her digital single “Bye, Summer” on major streaming platforms without prior notice or promotion. The sudden release was meant as a heartfelt gesture marking the transition from summer to autumn.
The track was first performed live at IU’s 2024 IU H.E.R.E.H World Tour Concert Encore: The Winning at Seoul World Cup Stadium last September. Accompanying herself on guitar, IU told fans: “This summer felt unusually long, but because I spent it with you, I want to say it was the best summer ever. I wrote this song to capture that love and warmth.” The performance became unforgettable when a light rain that began during the set stopped just as she finished.
Fans had been requesting an official release ever since — a wish finally granted today. Co-written and composed by IU with producer Seo Dong-hwan, who also collaborated on “Love Wins All,” the track pairs her lyrical, understated vocals with a refreshing band arrangement, evoking the breezy sentiment of late summer days.
A lyric video for “Bye, Summer” was also posted on IU’s official YouTube channel, styled like a short fairytale animation that depicts a boy and girl making summer memories before parting as the season ends.
IU continues to shine beyond music. She recently won Best Actress and Popular Star at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards for her Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (Korean title: 폭싹 속았수다), which also earned the Grand Prize. She was further recognized with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award at the 7th Newsis K-Expo.
Next up, IU will meet fans at her 2025 IU Fan Meet-Up [Bye, Summer] on September 13–14 at KSPO Dome in Seoul, before resuming work on her next drama, The 21st Century Lady.
IU’s new single “Bye, Summer” is now streaming on all major platforms and available on her official YouTube channel.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of EDAM Entertainment
