IU Beautifully Embraces Imperfection With “Celebrity”

Hey, k-dreamers! How’s life treating ya? If you ever feel down about yourself and like you don’t amount to much in society, IU has just the song for you! Sometimes when artists try to bring back old trends, it can have adverse effects. “Celebrity” brings back the future bass genre, which was all the rage in 2017, and I was a bit concerned that it would sound dated. But somehow, IU sprinkled her magic and made the song feel nostalgic. Of course, it might also just be the chord progression, but I digress. I was inspired by the comments section of her music video talking about the beautiful lyrics (and how 1theK’s translation doesn’t do it justice) to do this review. Let’s explore the beauty of imperfection depicted in IU’s latest comeback.

IU can call someone weird and make it poetic.

Something I enjoy about this song is all the ways in which IU describes someone who would be considered a social pariah.

Your walk, your clothes
Your music playlist
Through your earphones is all in a minor key

I initially misinterpreted this quote because I typically associate minor keys with sadness. I thought she meant that this person was depressed. While that could still be true, IU more likely meant that her celebrity has an unpopular taste in music. This also extends to this person’s lifestyle as a whole.

You’re like a star drawn with the left hand
Can you see how beautiful
Your uniqueness is?

This one also puzzled me. I had to read an interpretation in the comments section of the music video to understand this one. IU is saying that your personality may not be polished, but that’s what makes you special. To further drive this point home, she even wrote “celebrity” with her left hand for the album art. Of course, if you’re left-handed, you might not catch this reference! IU also mentions that this person has an “awkward walk” and repeats pretty much the same message as the “left hand” reference.

A celebrity’s imperfection is only magnified.

I like to think that IU still has that savage fire from writing “BBIBBI”. Perhaps she brought that fire when writing “Celebrity” as well. In the same way that fans like to be concerned about idols, IU also makes comments about her “celebrity” that are a bit intrusive.

The shine you possess
Your imagination, identity
They’re all on a diet

I thought that IU was making a slight dig to fans who get concerned that their idol is losing or gaining weight. Fans tend to tell their idol to take care of themselves or get mad at the managers for making them diet. Keep in mind that this is all just speculation and probably not what IU had in mind while writing the lyrics.

It’s worth mentioning that this song bridges the gap between fans and idols. We each have our own imperfections as we are all human. Just like celebrities, we need love and support. So treat yourself kindly and don’t be ashamed to be who you are. Each imperfection makes you that much more unique!

iu celebrity

Honourable Mentions: Dreamcatcher – Odd Eye (let’s close out this trilogy with a first win!)

If you like this song, check out: Seulgi X SinB X Chung Ha X Soyeon – Wow Thing (2018), Cherry Bullet – Really Really (2019), Seventeen – My My (2020)

This song makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. How did “Celebrity” by IU make you feel? Let me know in the comments!

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