South Korean singer, songwriter and actor, Lee Ji-eun, aka IU, grew to become a family identify within the nation after her debut in 2008. From ruling the music business to sweeping accolades for her a number of appearing chops, IU has established herself as probably the most profitable Korean stars of the period. Right here we take an up-close and private have a look at Okay-pop idol IU and her life past the digital camera.
IU, who has been included in Forbes Korea‘s Energy Movie star 40 record for 5 consecutive years, from 2012 to 2016, has delivered a number of the hottest Okay-pop songs over time. A few of her hit tracks embody “Strawberry Moon”, “Lilac”, “eight”, “Movie star”, “Boo” and “Hey (Rock Ver.)”.
Moreover, her collaboration with BTS member Suga for “Individuals Pt.2”, earned her a #1 on the Billboard Digital Track Gross sales in 2023. In the meantime, her 2024 single “Love Wins All” broke data on Korean music charts by debuting at #1 on Melon — a feat solely achieved by BTS with their observe “But to Come.”
IU additionally has to her credit score an array of hit Korean films and TV exhibits. These embody Moon Lovers: Scarlet Coronary heart Ryeo (2016), My Mister (2018), Resort Del Luna (2019), Shades of the Coronary heart (2021) and Dealer (2022).
Her April 2023 launch Dream grew to become the primary Korean film to prime the field workplace inside 50 days of its launch since The Satan’s Deal in March 2023, in response to the Korean Movie Council. To not neglect her most-awaited appearing undertaking When Life Provides You Tangerines, co-starring Korean heartthrob Park Bo-gum. The Okay-drama is all set to reach on Netflix in 2024.
Fascinating details to find out about well-liked South Korean singer IU
A Taurus born within the Yr of the Rooster
South Korean singer IU was born on 16 Could 1993. She is a Taurus and, in response to the Chinese language zodiac, she was born within the Yr of the Rooster.
The rooster occupies the tenth place within the Chinese language zodiac, and folks belonging to this yr are deemed loyal, assured, hardworking, organised and passionate. They’re additionally homeowners of nice wealth.
IU was born in Seoul
Born Lee Ji-eun to oldsters Lee Jin-kook and Kim Mi-sam, IU belongs to the Jeonju Yi clan — the identical clan as the previous Home of Yi which dominated the Joseon dynasty and the Korean Empire. She grew up in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
She graduated from Dongduk Ladies’ Excessive Faculty in 2012.
IU determined to drop out of her post-secondary training to give attention to her singing profession.
She had a troublesome childhood
IU’s is a rags-to-riches story to inform. The Okay-pop idol has shared in numerous interviews that as her dad and mom had been principally away working, IU and her youthful brother needed to stay together with her grandmother in a dilapidated room. Recalling her bygone days, IU has even talked about that she was so used to surviving amid roaches throughout her elementary faculty that she might kill one together with her naked palms.
IU was conned by pretend companies earlier than debut
Do you know Okay-pop idol IU was a sufferer of fraud like her character Lee Quickly-shin from the hit 2013 Okay-drama You’re the Finest?
In a Could 2013 visitor look on the Korean selection present Completely satisfied Collectively, IU revealed that she had fallen sufferer to pretend leisure firms whereas hustling to debut as a South Korean singer.
IU mentioned, “Earlier than I made my debut, I used to be truly scammed on a number of events. Usually, when an organization asks for cash, it’s a transparent pink flag that they’re attempting to deceive you. Sadly, I fell prey to the techniques of three such firms earlier than I realised what was occurring. These firms might demand as a lot as 3 million received. For those who do succumb to their excessive charges, they typically give you solely minor roles or additional work. I ended up shedding a major sum of money to those fraudulent people.”
She confronted a number of rejections
Each journey is difficult and even a star singer like IU needed to face rejections within the leisure business.
Probably the most profitable South Korean singers of the century, IU was turned down by huge leisure firms like JYP Leisure, round 20 instances as a trainee.
On the age of 14, she lastly signed with LOEN Leisure.
Debut in music
IU was 15 years previous when she debuted together with her single “Misplaced Youngster” within the Okay-music program M Countdown on 18 September 2008.
“Misplaced Youngster” is the lead single from her first album Misplaced and Discovered, an prolonged play (EP) that was launched on 24 September 2008. The album earned her the “Rookie of the Month” award by South Korea’s Ministry of Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism in November 2008.
Her stage identify
The identify IU is derived from the phrase “I and You,” symbolising the truth that individuals can develop into one by means of music.
IU can play a number of devices
South Korean star IU believes that studying a number of devices can have an excellent impression on a singer. She will be able to play the piano, flute, drums, electrical guitar and acoustic guitar.
Her love for appearing
IU was within the Korean leisure business from a younger age and even attended appearing courses for a similar, in her junior years at school.
On the age of 14, IU carried out in entrance of an enormous gathering for her faculty’s sports activities competitors, and since then, by no means regarded again.
Singer IU made her appearing debut in 2011 with the Okay-drama collection Dream Excessive, starring acclaimed South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun. This was adopted by her spectacular efficiency within the 2015 Okay-drama The Producers, which made IU one of many nation’s most liked actors.
IU is multilingual
Along with her native Korean, IU can converse English and Japanese. In a number of interviews, stay live shows and stay streams, the singer is seen flaunting her language expertise.
Her well-liked three-step skincare routine
The Korean singer has revealed in a number of interviews that the skincare merchandise she depends on are sunscreen, toner and facial oil.
She has a particular love for facial oils. In accordance with IU, two drops of facial oil could make her face look radiant very quickly.
IU is obsessed together with her pet canine
Okay-pop idol IU is the proprietor of a cute white Maltese canine named Bbugu. The singer raised the celeb pet since Bbugu was a pup. She is commonly seen spoiling her paw-some canine with luxurious items. Bbugu additionally accompanies IU to her units and model shoots.
The IU and BTS V connection
With the discharge of IU’s new music video “Love Wins All” that includes V of BTS, the celeb duo has develop into the discuss of the city.
Whereas this was IU and V’s first collaboration, followers is perhaps shocked to know that the Korean stars have recognized one another since 2013. The reality about their long-term friendship was first revealed by V through the September 2023 broadcast of the “IU’s Palette” present. The BTS singer mentioned that it was not his first encounter with IU and that they typically bond over music.
The South Korean singers first met throughout a 2013 Music Financial institution present the place V was a particular MC together with bandmate Jungkook, and IU was a nominee for her hit tune “Purple Sneakers.”
IU is relationship South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk
In certainly one of their huge relationship reveals Okay-media outlet Dispatch introduced Okay-pop idol IU and actor Lee as their 2023 New Yr couple on 31 December 2022. They additional reported that IU and Lee have been in a relationship for 4 months.
Following this, the Korean celeb couple’s companies launched particular person official statements confirming the relationship information.
Lee’s company Excessive Zium Studio congratulated the couple and requested their followers to “cheer them on in order that they’ll proceed their stunning relationship.”
Consequently, IU‘s company EDAM Leisure shared, “Lee Jong-Suk and IU have lately progressed from shut colleagues right into a relationship.”
Later, each IU and Lee Jong-suk shared their love story by posting private letters on their official fan cafes.
IU, the actual property mogul
Okay-pop idol IU is the proprietor of a lavish penthouse price USD 11.7 million in Eterno Cheongdam, Seoul.
In accordance with Koreaboo, she additionally purchased a studio in Gyeonggi-do for about USD 3.62 million. The “Lilac” singer additionally owns residences in Yangpyeong-gun, Bangbae and Gwacheon.
Proprietor of a staggering internet price
One of many richest Okay-pop idols, IU has a internet price of round USD 40-45 million, as of January 2024.
Her opulent wealth comes massively from album gross sales, music streams, appearing tasks, sold-out live shows, adverts and a number of noteworthy model endorsements.
(Hero and featured picture: Courtesy IU/Instagram)
Steadily Requested Questions (FAQs)
– Who’s the BF of IU?
IU is relationship South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk.
– Why is she referred to as IU?
The South Korean singer’s stage identify is IU, symbolising the phrase ‘you and I’.
– Is Lee Jong-suk married to IU?
Lee Jong-suk is relationship IU. They’re but to get married.
