IU is once again facing intense online scrutiny after a bizarre conspiracy theory targeting the singer-actress began spreading rapidly across social media platforms.
As reported by Koreaboo, over the past few days, numerous posts on X (formerly Twitter) have attempted to connect IU to the tragic deaths of late stars Sulli, Goo Hara, and Kim Sae Ron through a series of unverified and highly speculative claims.
The conspiracy theory largely revolves around reports mentioning that Sulli’s brother once claimed IU had referred Sulli to a psychiatric clinic. Online users then pointed out that the same clinic was allegedly visited by other celebrities, including Goo Hara, Kim Sae Ron, and late Jonghyun member Jonghyun.
Posts spreading the theory claim that the clinic in question is the Kim Jong Il Psychiatric Clinic, with some users further attempting to portray the facility as suspicious or dangerous based on anecdotal accounts shared online.
설리, 김새론, 구하라, 종현이 상담받은 정신과 김정일 의사라고 함 pic.twitter.com/hfWqI2PcMy
— WATCHER (@WatcherKR) May 24, 2026
Much of the speculation stems from a comment left under a YouTube video featuring Dr. Kim Jong Il, where an alleged former patient urged people not to seek treatment there. The commenter accused the doctor of prescribing “10–15 pills a day” and allegedly making disturbing remarks about stalking situations and suicide.
The post also claimed the doctor told patients stories about former individuals who secretly traveled abroad to end their lives. According to the commenter, these conversations occurred while they were already struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Despite the lack of verified evidence connecting IU to any wrongdoing, social media posts began combining these claims with unrelated past interviews involving the singer-actress.
One particular quote repeatedly circulated online came from a report in which IU allegedly described 2019 as “the year I achieved everything,” adding that “the timing was just right.” Some users questioned how IU could make such a statement after losing close friends Sulli and Goo Hara that same year.
“IU: 2019 was a year in which I achieved everything. In 2019, her close friends Sulli and Goo Hara passed away. It had been barely one or two months since her close friends left—how could she possibly say something like that?” one post read.
Others escalated the speculation even further with baseless accusations involving cults and “sacrificial rituals.”
“Maybe she’s into some thingy like sacrificing lives for successful career in return? You know koreans believe in that kind of things they had cults there,” one user wrote.
좌O유, “2019년 모든걸 이룬 해”
2019년 절친 설리,구하라 사망.
절친이 떠난지 고작 1~2개월밖에 안됐는데 저렇게
말할 수 있음? pic.twitter.com/ADqIW1DXNU
— 천안문광장 짜장퇴치암호 (@Koreahjhm) May 23, 2026
Another claimed, “So in the pop industry, sacrificing close ones to stay famous is a thing, just saying.”
So in the pop industry, sacrificing close ones to stay famous is a thing, just saying https://t.co/nN7NbzA4DD
— 🦋Adagio | Wheein come back! (@MuntikaJ) May 23, 2026
As the conspiracy theory spread, some users admitted that the posts appeared convincing despite lacking credible evidence.
“These kinds of conspiracy theories can feel really scary because of how convincing they sound, and it makes you wonder if there might be some truth to them,” one comment stated.
These kinds of conspiracy theories can feel really scary because of how convincing they sound, and it makes you wonder if there might be some truth to them. Like who is her benefactor that her career has still stayed intact despite controversies that could easily end a career? 👀 https://t.co/xm9UKlySC2
— ً (@scrolljudgepost) May 24, 2026
Maybe she’s into some thingy like sacrificing lives for successful career in return? You know koreans believe in that kind of things they had cults there https://t.co/yLLplqP6SS
— CHU (@gloriouscatt) May 23, 2026
Highly believe it was all sacrificial ritual. Coincidentally all her close friends did suicide and she kept rising in popularity despite of controversies?! Really https://t.co/Umbj7BoQ6b
— 🦋Adagio | Wheein come back! (@MuntikaJ) May 23, 2026
However, many netizens quickly pushed back against the rumors, criticising the spread of misinformation and pointing out the flaws in the claims being circulated.
“Interviews are typically conducted long before the article is published. It seems likely that the interview took place first, and the article was released only after the death occurred. Sigh…” one user argued.
Another commented, “Sometimes people want to forget things because they were traumatic and emotionally painful. It depends on how you look at it or maybe you just already hate that person.”
Sometimes people want to forget things because they were traumatic and emotionally painful. It depends on how you look at it or maybe you just already hate that person. https://t.co/pu0zHjKdYc
— ที่สุดของแจ้🧋 เรียกป้าก็ได้ (@bubupearr) May 23, 2026
The controversy has also sparked wider concerns about what many describe as an organised online witch hunt targeting IU, particularly amid ongoing criticism surrounding her recent project Perfect Crown.
