IU wins two Daesangs at the Melon Music Awards 2021

IU received two "daesangs," or grand prizes, at the Melon Music Awards 2021 (MMA) held on December 4.

This was her first appearance at the MMA since she won Album of the Year, Best Songwriter, and Top 10 Artists in 2017.

At MMA 2021, IU bagged two grand prizes: Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for 'LILAC.'

"I have received such a big award. Artist of the Year is an award with a lot of weight. A lot of artists worked hard and did their best this year, but I am receiving this award alone, so I feel a sense of gratitude toward the other artists," IU said in her speech for Artist of the Year.

"I will carry the weight of this award and channel it into working hard at making music next year. Artists, you all worked hard this year," she added.

IU also shared her life as an artist. "My music career can be short if you look at it one way or long if you look at it another, but I've never taken a break from releasing music once from age 20 to age 30.

"There were years when I wanted to take a break, but I spent those 10 years getting close to the fans who love my music through my songs, so I think I did well. This is really an award I wanted to win. Next year, I will work hard on music in my cool 30s. Uaena, I love you."

On October 19, IU released her single "Strawberry Moon," along with a dreamy music video. The song is her first comeback since the release of her fifth studio album 'LILAC' in March 2021.

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