IU has drawn attention after revealing that she has seriously wondered whether she should reduce the amount of merchandise released for fans.
During a September 25 appearance on the YouTube channel *Jindol*, IU shared a concern about how much money fans may already be spending on her activities.
She explained that fans may need to pay for albums, concerts, fan club membership, and other related expenses, saying, *“There are already so many things that cost money. So I thought, maybe we should reduce the merchandise.”*
Her comment immediately surprised one of the hosts, who identified herself as a longtime UAENA.
The host responded, *“You’re going to reduce it here? Choosing what to buy should be up to us.”*
She then explained that buying IU-related items can even serve as motivation to work, joking that she sometimes thinks, *“I need to buy that. I need to go to the concert. I guess I have to work.”*
IU also brought up photocards and questioned why fans sometimes buy multiple copies of the same album just to collect different versions.
She said that from her point of view, she once wondered whether fans could simply print the selfies she posts on social media instead.
Noticing the reaction around her, IU quickly clarified that she now better understands why fans enjoy collecting official photocards.
She said, *“Now I understand it. I understand the feelings of people who want to collect them.”*
IU added that she still finds it difficult to know whether fans prefer receiving more casual selfies through social media or having certain photos saved specifically for merchandise and photocards.
Her comments sparked playful reactions from fans, with some saying they appreciated her concern but still wanted her to keep releasing merchandise.
The exchange showed IU trying to balance fan demand with her concern over how much supporters may already be spending on albums, concerts, memberships, and collectibles.
