On April 3, a post on a Korean forum accusing IU of Practicing Shamanism sparked widespread controversy. It questioned why IU used her real name, “Jiyeon,” when referring to Sulli, a former actress and idol from f(x) who passed away in 2019. The controversy began when IU was noticed referring to Sulli as “Jiyeon” or “Jiyeon Wang” (Long Jeon) in interviews.
Many fans suggested this might be linked to a symbolic meaning or even a specific belief, such as tarot or shamanism, which led some to believe there was a hidden message behind IU’s use of her own name for Sulli. However, some responded by saying that these interpretations go beyond logical, and that it might simply be a personal expression of deep respect for Sulli, especially since they are close friends.
While fans confirmed that “Jeon” is the name Sulli received during her guest appearance in IU’s drama “Hotel Del Luna,” they emphasized IU’s support for Sulli and how she gave her the opportunity to appear in her own drama.
IU Accused of Shamanistic Practices on Idol for Endorsement Deals
The original post accusing IU of Practicing Shamanism shared a list of IU’s endorsement deals since 2014, and how these relationships were affected by the controversies and scandals surrounding some of the personalities representing these brands, and how all of these personalities were replaced by IU.
- In 2014, IU was a model for the band Chamisul.
- In December 2018, she was replaced by Irene.
- Ten months later, during a contract renewal period, a controversy erupted regarding Irene’s abuse of power.
- In December 2019, Irene’s contract was terminated.
- In 2020, she was replaced by IU again.
- In 2023, IU promoted a collaboration between Chamisul and Jestina.
- Since 2011, IU has been a model for SKT.
- In 2015, Seolhyun debuted as a model for SKT, which became a hot topic.
- Less than a year after her ad modeling career, her career was tarnished by the “Kim Too Kang” incident. (Note: Jimin couldn’t remember the name of legendary political figure Ahn Jung Geun.)
- In fact, it was AOA’s Jimin who made this statement, and Seolhyun… laughed alongside her.
- IU has a close relationship with SK Entertainment.
- In 2020, IU became a model for WAVVE.
- In 2020, she won first place on SK Gyeomung Karaoke.
- In January 2021, April’s daughter, Nayeon, was chosen as a new model.
- Three months later, she was embroiled in controversy over bullying accusations, and her contracts were terminated.
- All of Nayeon’s advertising contracts, including one for Geworin, were canceled.
- Rival producer GNAL-N chose IU as its model.
- In 2019, Park Na-rae was chosen as a model for Panaulim Pizza.
- Since 2020, Park Na-rae has been the subject of numerous controversies in the community and media.
- Her contract ended in January 2022.
- On February 1, 2021, IU became a model for Panaulim Pizza, which received widespread media coverage. In February 2021, Kim Sun-ho became a model for rival brand Domino’s Pizza.
- Less than a year later, in October, he was traumatized by the revelation of his ex-girlfriend, and his contract was terminated.
- IU’s contract with Panolem Pizza was terminated in 2022.
Attempts to Discredit IU
Many netizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the post and the strange intentions behind it. Some viewed it as an attempt to discredit IU and use her as a pawn for the current scandals in Korea, including the one involving actor Kim Soo Hyun.
K-netizens react:
- This post will also be deleted soon.
- Because she’s trying to replace her.
- Hul, why are you calling her by her name specifically…?
- Did everything come true as she wished?
“IU: In 2019, everything I wished for will come true. This is the perfect timing.” Sulli’s date of death: October 14, 2019 Goo Hara’s date of death: November 24, 2019
International stans’ opinions on IU’s shamanic practices accusations:
- Wait, are they calling IU a witch or something?
- I’m laughing so hard because they also manipulated some of the timelines to make their theories valid. For example, Irene’s power trip controversy happened in 2020, months after Chamisul returned to the University of Iowa. I remember it because people were saying Chamisul was lucky to have avoided it.
- What the hell? The next minute they’ll be saying IU is seeing the same shaman as Min Hye Jin.
- I’m not enjoying this witch hunt against IU… It seems to me that someone paid some of the rumor-mongers to divert attention from him, at least for the next few days.
- The person who started IU’s witch hunt is actually a right-winger, and the comments section is full of Yoon Suk Yeol supporters who didn’t like that IU supported her fans who participated in the protest.
- I’m sorry, but this all sounds like the imaginings of a psychopath.
- The idea that IU is the reason April Nayeon was canceled drives me crazy. I mean, yes, IU of all people needed the obscure Nayeon to disappear from the picture so that a different brand that was using her as a model could get more attention. And we thank whoever was behind it for saving “Taxi Driver” anyway. Also, it’s no wonder brands would try to land a famous, reputable model after their previous model was caught up in a scandal.
- Girl… Sulli’s role name in Hotel Del Luna was Ji-yeon. Can’t you call her friends by their character names?
