IU vs T-ARA – Who Brings the Hotter Comeback? This Is Their Chance!

IU and T-ARA will go head to head as they battle it out in this week's comeback. As two singers that are extremely popular in the online community, they receive a few thousand comments with any news of a release, and they seem to draw attention no matter what they do. So both their comebacks this week are likely to show a hot response.

IU released her new album Modern Times at midnight on October 8th, and will be commencing her album activities. Until now, IU has been receiving a lot of male fans' love as a cute "Korea's younger sister" image. However, in her latest album image, IU shows a surprising sexy image, an unexpected twist. She showcases her new image with see-through, mesh, and lace attire.

T-ARA will be releasing their title song "Number 9" at noon on October 10th, and have been preparing for their comeback. If IU showcased a change in image through her comeback, T-ARA is showcasing a change in music with this comeback. "Number 9" has a gentle guitar melody and strong sound that is exciting yet sad, coming together to create an unexpected sound.

IU - Is She Turning In Her Younger Sister Image?

IU has recently attracted a lot of mother fans through her role in KBS 2TV's drama "You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin," which boasted an average viewership of 30%. Up until now, she's had many "uncle" older male figure fans. Whether she liked it or not, IU was praised for her sweetness, and was often affectionately called "Marshmallow" for her entertaining dances and cuteness. Last year, IU's popularity took a hit with her online self-camera scandal, and she was met with a lot of malicious comments online.

It seems as if IU has decided to come back with a more mature image in response to being criticized for every action she took since then. Some say that this is an opportunity for IU. There's talk that fans who loved IU for her cuteness are now ready to see a more mature IU. With her new image in "You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin," and her comeback as a singer, IU is putting more emphasis on "Sexiness."

IU has the advantage of being recognized by more experienced musicians for having outstanding musical knowledge, vocals, and stage presence. Before she was swept up in the online scandal, she was recognized as "Korea's little sister." Such a title was given to IU because of her cute and articulate conversation skills, and her talent in music as well as other parts of entertainment. With her new mature woman concept, there's expectation for her to appeal to the public in a new light.

T-ARA - Can They Shed Their Bad Image?

T-ARA has been pegged as the "Ugly duckling." They've been receiving criticism online no matter what they do. Before, they were one of the leading girl groups thanks to their retro dance and unique visual concept. That is, all up until their bullying scandal came to light. Since then, they've been having a difficult time. Although they've explained, apologized, and reconciled, the public's view of T-ARA just isn't what it used to be.

They released songs such as "Sexy Love," "Day by Day," and T-ARA N4's "Jeonwon Diary," but the response wasn't the same. But this isn't to say that interest in the group has diminished. Soyeon became a hot issue recently as her 3 year relationship with Click B's Oh Jong Hyuk came to light. Hyomin pursued international activity with her role in the Japanese film "Jinx." Jiyeon and Eunjung have been busy in the acting industry.

Right now is a crucial time for T-ARA, and their comeback is an opportunity for them to shed their bad image and erase that red slashed across their names. That's why there are rumors that the group members are preparing for their comeback with even greater fervor. There's determination for the group to slowly open the hearts of the internet users first with their music, and their performances onstage.

Besides IU and T-ARA, many other singers are planning for an October comeback. These include well-known artists such as SHINee, Kahi, Jung Joon Young, and Jaurim, as well as AOA, MYNAME, Nine Muses, and Boys Republic.