Singer IU gifts trash bags to local residents ahead of Sangam concert

Singer IU / Courtesy of EDAM Entertainment By KTimes Singer IU has gained the appreciation of residents living near Seoul World Cup Stadium by providing them with trash bags as a gift ahead of her upcoming concert there. Several posts appeared Friday on online communities showing photos of the trash bags IU had sent to residents of apartment complexes near the Seoul World Cup Stadium in the northwestern part of the capital. Korea has a unique trash bag system designed to promote recycling and waste reduction.

The system revolves around the use of designated trash bags that are purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets. The plastic bags cost between 700 won to more than 10,000 won depending on the size. The singer distributed the trash bags with a note that read, "The 2024 IU Concert will be held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sept.



21-22, 2024. We kindly ask for your understanding." The nearby apartment complex, home to over 3,700 households, is situated close to where the concert will take place, which is expected to draw 100,000 fans over two days.

While large-scale concerts in Seoul were traditionally held at Jamsil Olympic Stadium, ongoing renovations since August 2022 have shifted major events to the World Cup Stadium, including the K-pop Jamboree Concert and performances by Seventeen and Lim Young-woong. Trash bags gifted by singer IU to residents of apartments near Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong, ahead of her concerts on Sep. 21-22.

Courtesy of online community This has led to noise complaints from nearby residents due to the late-night concerts. Despite some controversy — especially after South Korean national football team captain Son Heung-min publicly criticized the poor condition of the stadium's grass and suggested the concert be canceled— residents who received IU's trash bags responded positively. Comments included, "I'm touched by IU's thoughtfulness," "This is the first time I've received a gift like this while living near the stadium," "It's a practical and considerate gift for any household," and "I'll keep it as a limited-edition collectible.

" This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times..