翻譯

IU's Success Is Unprecedented For A Female K-Pop Soloist

IU 的成功對於韓國流行音樂solo女歌手來說是前所未有的

The artist — who represents Korea in Billboard's Global No. 1s series — has developed a massive, cross-generational following.

這位在Billboard全球排名第一的系列中代表韓國的藝人已經培養了大批跨世代的粉絲。

From making music to acting on screen, IU can seemingly do it all — and she commands unparalleled love and support from K-pop fans and the broader Korean music community. Her generation-spanning popularity was on display in 2024, when she dominated the charts. Her single, “Love Wins All,” climbed to the No. 1 spot on Melon’s TOP100 chart just an hour after its Jan. 24 release, becoming the second song to achieve this feat since the platform’s chart reform. The massively successful track led the weekly chart for four consecutive weeks, topped February’s monthly chart and on iChart achieved 339 perfect all-kills (the term describes when a song simultaneously tops iChart’s real-time, daily and weekly components).

從製作音樂到在螢幕上演戲，IU 似乎無所不能 - 她贏得了韓國流行樂迷和更廣泛的韓國音樂社群無與倫比的喜愛和支持。 2024 年，她在排行榜上佔據了主導地位，展現了她跨世代的人氣。她的單曲《Love Wins All》在 1 月 24 日發行後僅一小時就登上了 Melon TOP100 排行榜的第一名，成為該平台排行榜改革以來第二首實現這一壯舉的歌曲。這首大獲成功的歌曲連續四周在周排行榜上名列前茅，在2 月份的月排行榜上名列前茅，並在iChart 上實現了339 次PAK（該術語描述了一首歌同時在iChart 的實時、每日和每週部分中名列第一）。

The achievements helped propel IU to becoming Korea’s representative for Billboard’s Global No. 1 artist series. “It’s a bit humbling, a bit surreal, and honestly, it feels really special,” she says of the recognition.

這些成就促使 IU 成為 Billboard 全球第一藝人系列的韓國代表。 「這有點謙卑，有點超現實，老實說，感覺真的很特別，」她談到這種認可時說道。

Her success extended to the road. Starting March 2, IU embarked on a 31-performance world tour that played shows in Japan, Europe and North America — and was attended by some half a million fans, a record for a Korean female solo artist. She followed four sold-out shows at Seoul’s KSPO Dome with a performance at Manila’s Philippine Arena, the world’s largest indoor venue, where she became the first Korean solo artist to headline.

她的成功延伸到了巡演上。從 3 月 2 日開始，IU 開始了 31 場世界巡演，在日本、歐洲和北美進行了演出，吸引了大約 50 萬粉絲，創下了韓國solo女歌手的紀錄。繼首爾 KSPO Dome 的四場演出門票全部售完後，她又在馬尼拉的菲律賓競技場（世界上最大的室內場館）舉行了一場演出，成為第一位主唱的韓國solo藝人。

On Sept. 21 and 22, IU held encore concerts at Seoul World Cup Stadium, becoming the first female artist to perform at the venue and drawing 107,000 attendees across two nights, which set the record for the largest concert engagement by a Korean solo artist and female artist in Korea.

9月21日至22日，IU在首爾世界盃體育場舉辦了安可演唱會，成為首位在該場館演出的女藝人，兩晚吸引了107,000名觀眾，創下了韓國solo藝人以及女藝人的最大規模演唱會的紀錄。

Q1: What are the advantages and challenges of being a solo act in Korea’s music industry?

在韓國音樂界solo的優點和挑戰是什麼？

IU: If I had to pick one challenge, it’s that there’s no one to share energy with onstage. Groups have distinct roles, which create a synergy that’s hard to replicate as a soloist. But on the flip side, I get to enjoy all the love and attention by myself. (Laughs.)

如果我必須選擇一個挑戰，那就是舞台上沒有人可以分享能量。團體有不同的角色，這會產生一種solo歌手難以複製的協同作用。但另一方面，我自己也能享受所有的愛和關注。（笑）

Q2: Many Korean artists are making waves on Billboard charts. In your opinion, what sets them apart?

很多韓國藝人都在Billboard排行榜上掀起波瀾。在妳看來，是什麼讓他們與眾不同？

IU: There are countless strengths, but what stands out is how K-pop groups maintain their individuality while being deeply respected by their fans. As a K-pop listener myself, I see how each group’s unique identity is cherished and upheld, which makes them so special. Of course, the music is top-notch, but the visual elements and storytelling also define K-pop culture. For instance, the distinct characters and worlds that exist only onstage for groups are something I, as a soloist, sometimes envy. These unique traits captivate fans, offering an experience that engages the ears, eyes and heart. Ultimately, it’s this blend of individuality and fan support that makes Korean artists shine.

有無數的優點，但最突出的是韓國流行團體如何在深受粉絲尊重的同時保持自己的個性。作為一名韓國流行音樂聽眾，我看到每個團體的獨特身份個性是如何被珍惜和維護的，這使得他們如此特別。當然，音樂是一流的，但視覺元素和故事敘述也定義了韓國流行文化。例如，僅在舞台上為團體而存在的獨特角色和世界是我作為solo歌手有時會羨慕的。這些獨特的特徵吸引了粉絲，提供了一種聽覺、視覺和心靈的體驗。最終，正是這種獨特性和粉絲支持的結合讓韓國藝人大放異彩。

Q3: Do you have any plans to collaborate with global artists?

妳有與國際藝人合作的計畫嗎？

IU: In the past, I received many amazing offers, but the idea of collaborating with artists who spoke different languages felt daunting. I turned down those opportunities then, but I don’t feel the same way anymore. Now, I’m much more open to the idea of working with global artists.

過去，我收到了很多驚艷的邀約，但與說不同語言的藝人合作的想法讓人感到畏懼。當時我拒絕了這些機會，但我不再這麼想了。現在，我對與國際藝人合作的想法更加開放。

Q4: You’re known for having a strong bond with your fans. What do they mean to you?

眾所周知，妳與粉絲的關係非常密切。他們對妳意味著什麼？

IU: Initially, most of my fans were older than me — big sisters, older brothers and even uncle fans. At the time, I was a young solo artist without a solid footing, so I often felt cared for and protected by them. As I entered my mid-20s, fans my age became the majority. They resonated with my lyrics and music as peers, and we built a mutual understanding and grew together. Now, I have many younger fans, and I find myself wanting to support, encourage and nurture them. I see UAENA [IU’s fandom] and myself as having a steady, balanced relationship where we constantly exchange the best of what we can offer each other.

一開始，我的粉絲大部分都比我年長─姊姊、哥哥甚至叔叔粉絲。那時我還是個尚無立足之地的年輕solo藝人，所以常常感受到他們的關心和保護。當我進入20多歲時，與我同齡的粉絲成為大多數。他們作為同儕與我的歌詞和音樂產生共鳴，我們建立了相互理解並共同成長。現在，我有很多年輕的粉絲，我發現自己想要支持、鼓勵和培養他們。我認為 UAENA [IU 的粉絲] 和我自己有著穩定、平衡的關係，我們不斷交換彼此所能提供的最好的事物。

Q5: Why do you think you have such cross-generational appeal?

妳認為自己為何具有如此跨世代的吸引力？

IU: Without meaning to downplay myself, I think I appear relatively ordinary and less distinctive in my looks and personality compared to other remarkable stars in Korea. This might make me seem more approachable and relatable. Plus, Korea is a country with a lot of warmth, and I believe the support I’ve received reflects appreciation for my consistent hard work. Still, it’s fascinating that even teens connect with me these days.

無意貶低自己，我認為與韓國其他傑出的明星相比，我的外表和個性看起來相對普通，沒有那麼獨特。這可能會讓我看起來更平易近人、更容易產生共鳴。另外，韓國是一個充滿溫暖的國家，我相信我得到的支持反映了對我一貫努力工作的讚賞。儘管如此，令人著迷的是，現在連青少年都與我有所共鳴。

Q6: You’ve encountered fans all over the world. Are there any memorable moments from your performances abroad?

妳遇過世界各地的粉絲。妳國外演出中有哪些難忘的時刻嗎？

IU: It’s hard to pick just one, but Oakland [Calif.] comes to mind. Their unique way of cheering made the entire experience unforgettable. Another standout was Jakarta [Indonesia], where the audience sang along to every song from start to finish. That level of enthusiasm left a lasting impression on me.

很難只選一個，但我想到了奧克蘭（加州）。他們獨特的應援方式讓整個體驗令人難忘。另一個亮點是雅加達（印尼），觀眾從頭到尾跟著唱每首歌。那份熱情給我留下了深刻的印象。

Q7: You’re often credited for both your meticulousness and flexibility. How do you balance these seemingly contrasting traits?

妳經常因嚴謹性和靈活度而受到讚譽。妳如何平衡這些看似截然不同的特質？

IU: I feel like I’m constantly at a crossroads. You could say I’m flexible, or, less flatteringly, that I’m good at justifying things. (Laughs.) I’m naturally stubborn and like to plan everything thoroughly, but I’ve learned that things rarely go perfectly. Over time, I’ve practiced being more adaptable, and in doing so, I’ve figured out how to protect my mental well-being.

我覺得自己一直處於十字路口。你可以說我很靈活，或者，不那麼恭維地說我擅長合理化事情。（笑）我生性固執，喜歡把所有事情都計劃周全，但我知道事情很少會十全十美。隨著時間的推移，我練習變得更加適應，在這樣做的過程中，我找到了如何保護我的心理健康。

Q8: Beyond music, you’ve made your mark as an actor. What’s in store for 2025?

除了音樂之外，妳還作為演員打出名號。2025 年準備了什麼？

IU: The drama I filmed throughout 2023, When Life Gives You Tangerines, will premiere on Netflix in 2025. It’s a project filled with the cast and crew’s hard work, and I’m excited to promote it. I’ll also be filming a new drama with a completely different vibe — glamorous and fun. Although I’ll be focused on acting for most of 2025, I’ve already started working on new music, so fans won’t have to wait too long for something fresh.

我在 2023 年拍攝的電視劇《辛苦了》將於 2025 年在 Netflix 首播。我還將拍攝一部氛圍完全不同的新劇—迷人而有趣。雖然 2025 年的大部分時間我都會專注於演戲，但我已經開始創作新音樂，所以粉絲們不必等待太久就會有新作品。

原文：https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/iu-korea-cover-1235858239/

翻譯 by Utopia