IU Answers "Modern Times" Questions at a Recent Press Conference

IU held a press conference at K-Art Hall in Bangi-dong’s Olympic Park where she entertained questions about her recent comeback.

Oct 8, 2013 10:13 AM BST

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IU recently held a press conference at the K-Art Hall in Bangi-dong's Olympic Park where she discussed more about her third studio album, "Modern Times".

During the interview IU shared that "Modern Times" is her first album in one year and five months. "[For Modern Times] I don't have anything like a big resolution or goal. As it's been a while, I just want to have fun. I want to do this and that."

She also admitted that she really missed performing on stage while she got busy filming her drama series. "I wanted to go on various variety and radio programs. I want to do everything enjoyably, going anywhere they call me without having any regrets."

IU was filming a drama series for 6 straight months.

IU also admitted that she is proud of the natural feel "Modern Times" exudes. In her previous album, she was caught up in portraying a girl-like image-with all the braids and cute one-piece dresses. "[However] this time, I give off a devilish vibe," IU said, "I am thinking of being tipsy there. I want to perform on stage with a free and playful expression." And that expression will have more freedom than on her previous album.

"Modern Times" contains thirteen tracks, including the title song "The Red Shoes". The third album also features collaborations from artists such as SHINee's Jonghyun, Brown Eyed Girls' Ga In, Choi Baek Ho, and Yang Hee Eun.

IU shared on the press conference that she wants to work with Choi Baek Ho again in the future. Choi Baek Ho, who IU describes as "cool", sang "Walk With Me, Girl" with IU. She also went on to share that her father really liked the song since he's also a Choi Baek Ho fan. Because IU enjoyed the song so much, it nearly got selected as the title song for "Modern Times".

IU also rendered her song writing skills for this album. She personally wrote "Bad Day" and "Voice Mail". The latter almost didn't get included in the final tracklist for "Modern Times" as the company did not like it. However, IU persevered for it to get included since she felt a special attachment to it. "Bad Day" was made better than how IU originally arranged it with the help of G Gorilla.

Media representatives were quick to ask about IU's transition from cute to sexy. IU explained that they weren't exactly aiming to sexiness. She did, however, want to showcase something new. "My image needed a change. I believe I said I should show a sexier side, but my personal thoughts were not putting much emphasis on sexiness... It was simply trying this and that to show newness." The nation's sweetheart proceeded to ask, "Do you believe I have the ambition to go for sexy? I hear that it doesn't work for some people. I don't have a big ambition for it."

However, teaser photos indeed showed a new and more sophisticated side of IU. The sexy bit was even fired up with the addition of the Ga In factor. But because Ga In was naturally sexy, IU had a hard time levelling with her. "I took jacket photos, filmed the teaser, and recorded a song with Ga In.  Because she is so sexy and poised, I went there thinking, 'It's my album, I mustn't fall behind,' but I fell too much behind.  It was a shame, but I learned a lot."  

As for the album's title song, IU described "Red Shoes" as a difficult track to perform.

"It was to the point I lived in the practice room wondering if I ever spent this much time practicing in the dance room since I debuted. I feel like I worked the hardest out of all that time.  I'm relieved if that looked like dancing to you."

IU was also asked about how she feels with the many singers coming out to join the October comeback season. According to her, "I became worried while looking at the news and thinking why we didn't check more carefully. However, there are advantages as well. As there will be many singers, there will also be many people showing more interest.

True enough, IU has nothing she needs to worry about regarding the heavy competition this October. Since its release on October 7, "Modern Times" is already hitting the charts, with all thirteen songs making it to MelOn's real-time chart.

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