IU Opens Up About a Lifelong Incurable Condition, Fans Shower Her with Support

Singer and actress IU has revealed that she suffers from an unusual chronic condition.

On December 19(KST), she appeared as a guest on Yoo In-na’s YouTube channel, ‘Yoo In Radio,’ in an episode titled "[Meeting People In-na] Let’s Stop Talking! | IU EP.4-1." IU, a well-known close friend of Yoo In-na in the entertainment world, received a warm welcome during the recording. Yoo introduced IU as “a precious gem, delicately crafted by the heavens and sent rolling into this world,” gifting her a bouquet of purple flowers, IU’s favorite.

Reflecting on their past collaborations, Yoo said, “It’s been 1 year and 8 months since we met on a broadcast, and almost 9 years since we last met on the radio.” IU, surprised, joked, “I’m getting goosebumps. I thought it was only 3 or 4 years ago. I was wondering when you’d invite me again—only after Gong Yoo, huh?” sparking laughter with her playful tone.

During the show, IU participated in a balance game, answering quirky hypothetical questions. When asked, “Would you rather hear mosquitoes buzzing all night or wake up covered in bites but hear no sound?” IU replied, “I’d prefer just hearing the buzzing.” She explained her reasoning by revealing a surprising health condition:

“If a mosquito bites me, the area swells up like a hump, I have to take antibiotics, and it oozes. It can even lead to necrosis,” IU said, disclosing her struggle with Skeeter Syndrome, a severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites.

IU described her symptoms in detail: “The swelling spreads widely, becomes red, and sometimes looks like a blistered edema. I often get bitten on my face, which leaves scars.” She also added, “Areas where I was bitten badly as a child are still numb. I wouldn’t even feel it if I pricked them with a needle.”

Expressing her disdain, she declared, “I hate mosquitoes more than cockroaches.”

Fans who watched the video were shocked and concerned, leaving comments such as, “I can’t believe it’s an incurable condition. Take care of yourself!” and “IU and Yoo In-na’s chemistry is unmatched—they truly are best friends.”

Skeeter Syndrome is a rare allergic reaction to mosquito bites with no specific cure. Severe cases may require immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as anaphylactic shock. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or steroid creams to alleviate symptoms.

This is not the first time IU has spoken about her health issues. She previously revealed her experience with autophony, a condition where her own voice echoes unusually loudly in her ears, caused by patulous eustachian tube dysfunction.

Despite these challenges, IU successfully completed a world tour this year, solidifying her position as a leading artist. Looking ahead to 2025, she is set to appear in the Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ and will co-star with Byeon Woo-suk in MBC’s new drama ‘Wife of a 21st Century Prince’ (working title), continuing her flourishing acting career.