[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] “Joy and Sorrow Issues” is a column that breaks down the week’s entertainment news into “joy” and “sorrow.” <Editor’s Note>

The fourth week of July also brought a variety of news stories to the public. Singer and actress IU drew attention after postponing her comeback schedule due to a worsening of her eustachian tube dysfunction. TV personality Park Na-rae’s former manager was arrested on charges of attempted extortion and embezzlement.
The group NewJeans raised anticipation for their comeback by releasing a video featuring their four-member lineup for the first time in about two years.

◇ IU: “Chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Symptoms Have Worsened”
On the 20th, IU posted a lengthy message on the fan platform Berries, explaining that she would have to postpone the release of her sixth studio album, originally scheduled for September. She also stated that her nationwide concert tour, which was set to kick off at the Main Stadium of the Goyang Sports Complex, would be postponed as well.
She elaborated, “Recently, my chronic symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction have worsened,” adding, “The symptoms persist day and night, and I’m repeatedly finding it difficult to perform at my best when singing.” Eustachian tube dysfunction refers to a condition in which the Eustachian tube—which should normally be closed—remains abnormally open.
IU stated, “The condition I’m suffering from isn’t one that causes pain or makes daily life impossible,” adding, “However, since I’m a singer by profession, I judged that this situation is not suitable for delivering a joyful performance to the audience in top condition.”
She added, “I will do my best to ensure the wait isn’t too long,” and said, “I will strive to start 2027 together with my fans.”
Her agency, Idam Entertainment, stated in an official announcement, “We will provide an official update regarding the album and concert schedules at a later date.”

◇Park Na-rae’s Former Manager Arrested
A former manager of Park Na-rae, who demanded a large sum of money while threatening to expose false information about her, has been arrested. According to entertainment industry sources on the 21st, the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul arrested Mr. A, Park Na-rae’s former manager, on the 16th on charges including attempted extortion.
Mr. A is accused of claiming that Park Na-rae used company funds for personal purposes, such as for her ex-boyfriend, and demanding an amount equivalent to 10% of the company’s 2024 revenue from Park Na-rae’s side.
Park Na-rae’s former managers, Mr. A and Mr. B, filed a complaint against her with the Gangnam Police Station, alleging abuse of power and charging her with aggravated assault, defamation by spreading false information, and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act; they also submitted a petition to the Gangnam Branch of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office. Park Na-rae dismissed Mr. A’s allegations as “groundless,” filing a counter-complaint against him for attempted extortion and an additional complaint accusing him of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement).
On the 10th, the Gangnam Police Station referred Park Na-rae to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office without detention on charges of throwing a glass at her former managers (aggravated assault) and spreading false information about them (violation of the Information and Communications Network Act).

◇Anticipation for NewJeans’ Return
HYBE’s label ADOR sparked buzz by releasing a video commemorating the fourth anniversary of girl group NewJeans’ debut on the 22nd. This was the first new content from NewJeans in about two years, following the release of “Supernatural” in June 2024.
The video drew attention by featuring Hani, Haerin, and Hyein, as well as Minji, whose return to ADOR has not yet been confirmed. Daniel, who is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with ADOR, did not appear in the video.
NewJeans initiated a legal dispute with ADOR in November 2024, declaring they would pursue independent activities and claiming that “their contract was terminated due to ADOR’s breach of their exclusive contract.” During this process, three members—Haerin, Hyein, and Hani—returned to ADOR last year, while Minji continues to engage in discussions. Daniel’s return ultimately fell through.
As anticipation for the group’s return grew following the release of the four-member NewJeans video, ADOR explained, “This commemorative content was produced to celebrate NewJeans’ fourth debut anniversary with their fans.” They added, “We plan to announce NewJeans’ specific activity plans and format once discussions with the members are fully concluded.”