[OSENWORLD] IU’s latest release has taken Korea by storm. Her surprise digital single Bye, Summer, released at 7 a.m. KST on September 10, shot to the top of major charts, instantly becoming the hottest song in the country.
Dropped without teasers or promotional campaigns, the track surged to No. 1 on Melon, Bugs, and Genie. It also claimed the top spot on Melon’s HOT100, Bugs’ real-time chart, and Vibe’s domestic trending chart — a rare feat for a track released with no advance notice.
Fans lit up online communities and social media with praise: “Perfect for this weather,” “The song is beautiful,” and “I’ve been waiting for this release, and it didn’t disappoint.” Posts about the single quickly rose to the top of trending boards.
Bye, Summer has been highly anticipated ever since IU first performed it in September 2024 at Seoul World Cup Stadium during her 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT ENCORE: THE WINNING. Fans had repeatedly called for an official release.
Written and composed by IU herself, with additional composition from Seo Dong-hwan (who co-created Love Wins All), the track blends IU’s lyrical vocals with clean, melodic lines and a refreshing band sound — capturing the cool breeze and wistful mood of summer’s end.
Bye, Summer is available now on all major streaming platforms and IU’s official YouTube channel.
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