IU sings 'Zeze' at concerts despite controversy

IU /Korea Times file

Singer IU sang her new song from her latest album at concerts over the weekend, although the track has been embroiled in claims that it offends victims of child sexual abuse.

The song, “Zeze” from her fourth album “CHAT-SHIRE,” has been criticized for painting pedophilia in a positive light.

IU said the song was inspired by a Brazilian children’s novel, “My Sweet Orange Tree.”

The singer introduced “Zeze” as “a song I continue to love” in an apparent allusion to the controversy.

The lyrics in question include “You have a pretty name; I want to keep saying it. That unspeakable naughty imagination is lovable” and “You're very innocent but definitely cunning. You may seem pure as a child but deep down, you're dirty.”

IU apologized earlier this month“for hurting people’s feelings,” but did not say she would exclude or change the song at her concerts.