IU (entertainer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids IU
IU in July 2025
Born	Lee Ji-eun (1993-05-16) May 16, 1993 (age 32) Seoul, South Korea
Occupation	Singer-songwriter actress
Years active	2008–present
Musical career
Genres	K-pop R&B soul
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	EDAM (Kakao) Universal Japan Warner Taiwan
Korean name
Hangul	이지은
RR	I Jieun
MR	I Chiŭn
Stage name
Hangul	아이유
RR	Aiyu
MR	Aiyu
Signature

Lee Ji-eun (born May 16, 1993), known as IU, is a famous South Korean singer and actress. She started her music journey as a trainee in 2007 and debuted as a singer at age fifteen. Her first album was Lost and Found (2008). IU became a national star with her 2010 song "Good Day". This song was number one in South Korea for five weeks.

IU's music style has changed over time. She now has more creative control over her songs, writing lyrics and helping to produce them. She is also a successful actress and TV host. Her roles in TV shows like My Mister (2018) and When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) have received great praise.

IU has released five studio albums and nine EPs. Many of her songs have reached number one in South Korea. She is one of the best-selling solo artists in K-pop. IU was the first solo female K-pop artist to perform at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in 2018. She was also the first Korean female artist to hold a solo concert at Seoul Olympic Stadium in 2022.

Rolling Stone magazine named her one of the greatest singers of all time in 2023. She has been on Forbes magazine's "Korea Power Celebrity" list many times. In 2025, Forbes Korea called her the "Queen of K-pop and K-drama."

Early Life & Music Dreams

IU was born Lee Ji-eun on May 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea. From a young age, she was interested in entertainment. She started taking acting classes early on. Her family faced money problems, and she lived with her grandmother and cousin for a while.

During middle school, IU found her love for singing. She decided to become a singer after getting applause at a school sports event. She tried out for many companies but faced challenges. She later trained with other future stars. IU signed with LOEN Entertainment in 2007. She loved being at the studio because it was a comfortable place for her.

Her singing career meant she spent less time at school. She graduated from high school in 2012. IU chose to focus on her music career instead of going to college.

Starting Her Music Career (2008-2009)

After ten months of training, IU debuted in 2008. Her stage name, IU, means "I and You become one through music." She first performed her song "Lost Child" on September 18, 2008. This song was the main single from her first EP, Lost and Found. The album did not sell very well at first.

On April 23, 2009, IU released her first studio album, Growing Up. The main song was "Boo." This song had a different, more upbeat style than her first one. It showed her youthful and "cute" image. Later in 2009, she released her second EP, IU...IM, with the song "Marshmallow."

As she became more popular, IU appeared on many TV shows. She sang covers of other artists' songs, which became very popular online. In late 2009, she started hosting a music chart show. She also appeared as a guest on several radio programs.

Rising to Stardom & Acting Debut (2010-2011)

On June 3, 2010, IU released "Nagging" with 2AM's Lim Seul-ong. This song quickly became number one on the music charts. She also sang theme songs for TV shows.

IU's third EP, Real, came out on December 9, 2010. Its main song, "Good Day", became a huge hit. The song was famous for its high notes and catchy chorus. "Good Day" was ranked number one on Billboard's list of "100 Greatest K-pop Songs of the 2010s."

To stay in the public eye, IU joined the TV show Heroes. She also got her first acting role in the teen drama Dream High. She played Kim Pil-sook, a shy school girl who wanted to be a singer. IU also sang "Someday" for the show's soundtrack, which became a number-one hit.

In February 2011, she released Real+. The main song, "Only I Didn't Know," was a sad ballad. It showed a different side of her music. IU also became a host for the music program Inkigayo. She recorded her first self-composed song, "Hold My Hand," for a TV series.

IU performing in 2011

IU's second studio album, Last Fantasy, was released on November 29, 2011. The album had a "cinematic feel" and included songs with other famous artists. Many songs from the album reached the top ten on the charts. The main song, "You & I", became her most successful single.

Japanese Debut & First Concert Tour (2012)

In 2012, IU started her career in Japan. She performed two shows in Tokyo. Her songs "Good Day" and "You & I" were released in Japan with Japanese lyrics. She also toured five cities in Japan.

IU performing at Expo Pop Festival on July 3, 2012

IU went on her first concert tour, Real Fantasy, in June 2012. She performed in six cities across South Korea. Tickets for her Seoul shows sold out in 30 minutes.

She released her fifth Korean EP, Spring of a Twenty Year Old, on May 11, 2012. The album celebrated her turning 20 years old in Korean age. It included the self-composed song "Peach." Another song from the album, "Every End of the Day," was number one for weeks.

IU won several awards in 2012. Last Fantasy was named "Record of the Year" at the Seoul Music Awards. "Good Day" won "Song of the Year" at the Korean Music Awards. Billboard magazine named her one of the hottest musicians under 21.

First Main Acting Roles & Modern Times (2013)

In 2013, IU took her first main acting role in the TV series You Are the Best!. She played a character who overcomes challenges with her bright personality. Her acting received good reviews as the series went on.

IU at a Modern Times concert in Busan, South Korea, on December 1, 2013

IU released her third studio album, Modern Times, on October 8, 2013. This album showed a more mature sound, mixing jazz, bossa nova, and folk styles. IU wrote two of the album's 13 songs. Modern Times was number one on the album charts. Its main song, "The Red Shoes," also reached number one.

She also joined the romantic-comedy series Bel Ami. She played a fun and quirky character. IU held her second concert tour to support Modern Times. A special version of the album, Modern Times — Epilogue, was released with two new songs. Her self-composed song "Friday" became a number-one hit.

A Flower Bookmark & US Debut (2014)

IU at the 2014 Melon Music Awards

On May 16, 2014, IU released her first cover album, A Flower Bookmark. It had seven new versions of songs from the 1980s and 1990s. The album was a request from her fans. Her song "The Meaning of You" became the best-selling song from the album.

IU held a smaller, more personal concert series called "Just One Step... That Much More." All tickets sold out in 10 minutes. The money from these concerts was given to help victims of the Sewol Ferry Disaster.

Two months later, IU performed in the United States for the first time at the KCON music festival in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times praised her "sprightly stage presence." IU also collaborated with other artists, creating many top-ten hits. She became the "all-time chart leader" on the Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 chart.

Acting Success & New Music (2015-2016)

In 2015, IU starred in the TV series The Producers. She played Cindy, a famous singer. IU said she could relate to her character's personality. The show became very popular. She sang two songs for the show, "Twenty Three" and "Heart," which were later added to her album. "Heart" became a top-selling song.

IU during her Chat-Shire tour on November 29, 2015

IU also took part in the Infinite Challenge music festival. She teamed up with Park Myeong-su to create the song "Leon." This song reached number one on all South Korean music charts.

Her seventh Korean EP, Chat-Shire, was released on October 23, 2015. IU wrote all the lyrics and helped compose five songs. She was also the album's executive producer. The main song, "Twenty-Three", topped the charts. Billboard called the album a "must-hear" release.

IU went on a national tour for Chat-Shire. She also held fan meetings and concerts in Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan. In September 2016, IU starred as Hae Soo in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.

Palette, A Flower Bookmark 2 & My Mister (2017-2018)

IU at her Palette concert in Seoul, South Korea, on December 10, 2017

IU released her fourth studio album, Palette, on April 21, 2017. She wrote most of the lyrics and was the executive producer. Three songs from the album, including the main song "Palette," reached number one. "Through the Night" became her best-selling song of 2017.

Palette received many awards, including "Best Pop Album" at the Korean Music Awards. The New York Times Magazine included "Palette" on its list of "25 Songs That Tell Us Where Music Is Going."

IU released her second cover album, A Flower Bookmark 2, on September 22, 2017. She also went on a tour in Korea and Hong Kong. In March 2018, IU starred in the TV show My Mister. Her performance received positive reviews.

IU at her 10th anniversary fanmeeting 'IU+' in September 2018

To celebrate her tenth debut anniversary, IU released the song "Bbibbi" on October 10, 2018. The song broke records for unique listeners on music sites. "Bbibbi" was number one on the Gaon Digital Chart. Billboard listed "Bbibbi" as one of the "Best Songs of 2018." IU started her first Asian tour, "IU 10th Anniversary Tour Concert."

Hotel del Luna, Love Poem & Lilac (2019-2021)

IU at a concert in Jeju during the Dlwlrma tour on January 5, 2019

On April 11, 2019, IU made her film debut in the Netflix series Persona. She played different characters in four short films. Later that summer, IU starred in the fantasy drama Hotel del Luna. The drama was very successful.

IU released her ninth EP, Love Poem, on November 18, 2019. The main song, "Love Poem," reached number one. She then began her second Asian tour, also called "Love Poem."

In 2020, IU sang "Give You My Heart" for the TV show Crash Landing on You, which became a number-one hit. On May 6, 2020, she released "Eight" with BTS's Suga. This song continued her "coming-of-age" series.

On January 9, 2021, IU won "Song of the Year" for "Blueming" at the Golden Disc Awards. She then released the single "Celebrity" on January 27, 2021. Her fifth studio album, Lilac, was released on March 25, 2021, and was very successful. In October, she released the digital single "Strawberry Moon." She also released a special album called Pieces in December.

Broker, The Winning & First World Tour (2022-Present)

IU performing at The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun concert on September 17, 2022

In 2022, IU released the song "Ganadara" with Jay Park, which was number one. She also starred in the film Broker. She played a single mother named So-young. Critics praised her performance in the movie.

On September 17 and 18, 2022, IU held a concert called "The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun" at the Seoul Olympic Stadium. She was the first Korean female artist to perform there.

In April 2023, IU collaborated with BTS member Suga again on the song "People Pt. 2." She also starred in the film Dream. In July 2023, she held an art exhibition to celebrate her 15th debut anniversary.

IU released the single "Love Wins All" on January 24, 2024. This song was part of her sixth EP, The Winning, released on February 20, 2024. She then went on her first world tour, the IU HEREH World Tour, visiting Asia, North America, and Europe. The final concert of her tour in September 2024 was at Seoul World Cup Stadium. This made her the first female musician to perform at that venue. In December 2024, IU was cast in a new drama called 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife.

In March 2025, IU starred in the TV series When Life Gives You Tangerines. Her performance received great praise, and she won "Best Actress" at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards. On May 27, 2025, IU released her third cover album, A Flower Bookmark 3.

Songwriting & Voice

IU's Songwriting Journey

IU has written over seventy-six songs throughout her career. This includes songs for herself, other artists, and for films or TV shows. Her first self-composed song was "Hold My Hand" in 2011. On her album Last Fantasy, she started taking more creative control, writing six songs.

For her albums Chat-Shire and Palette, IU wrote almost all the lyrics. She was also the executive producer for these albums. She wrote all the lyrics for her EPs Love Poem and The Winning, and her album Lilac. Many of her self-written songs have reached number one on the charts.

A common theme in IU's music is comfort and support for others. This can be heard in songs like "Through the Night" and "Dear Name."

IU's Vocal Abilities

IU has a beautiful singing voice. She can easily switch from a sweet sound to powerful high notes. Experts have praised her vocal stability and strong lung capacity, especially when she sings high notes.

Awards & Achievements

IU at the 2023 Baeksang Arts Awards

Since her debut in 2008, IU has won over 100 awards. She has received many awards from major music shows. She has also won awards for her acting. In 2014, she won "Best New Actress" at the KBS Drama Awards. In 2025, she won "Best Actress" at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards.

IU has won ten "Daesang" (grand prize) awards from different shows. She has been named one of the most influential people in South Korea by Forbes magazine many times. In 2015, she was honored by the Korean Ministry of Culture for her success in music. In 2022, she received the Visionary Award for her contributions to Korean film and TV.

Helping Others

IU's Philanthropy

IU has a big heart and has donated a lot of money to help others. In 2010, she gave all the money from a duet song to charity. In 2012, she became an ambassador for the National Police Agency's anti-bullying campaigns. She was even made an honorary senior police officer.

In 2016, IU started a scholarship at her old high school. She has been a regular donor to the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation since 2018. She helps low-income families, disabled children, and grandparents raising their grandchildren. IU makes regular donations on her birthday and debut anniversary. She supports many groups, including single mothers, the elderly, and cancer patients.

She has also helped with natural disaster relief. She donated money to help victims of floods and wildfires. As of December 2024, IU has donated over 6 billion Korean Won since her debut.

Endorsements

IU at a Sony product launching event on September 20, 2017

IU is one of the highest-earning celebrities in South Korea. She has endorsed many products, from electronics to clothes and makeup. Her popularity in 2010 led to her first endorsement deals. She has worked with big brands like Samsung, Sony, and New Balance.

In February 2020, Gucci named IU their brand ambassador for South Korea. In March 2022, she became a global brand ambassador for Gucci. In April 2022, Woori Financial Group chose IU as their advertising model. Her endorsement helped their services gain many new users. In April 2024, Estée Lauder announced IU as their first Korean global brand ambassador.

In 2024, IU was the female model with the most TV advertising appearances.

Personal Life

IU was in a relationship with singer Chang Kiha from 2013 to 2017. In December 2022, it was confirmed that IU is in a relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk.

Discography

• Growing Up (2009)
• Last Fantasy (2011)
• Modern Times (2013)
• Palette (2017)
• Lilac (2021)

Filmography

Selected filmography

• Dream High (2011)
• You Are the Best! (2013)
• Bel Ami (2013)
• The Producers (2015)
• Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
• My Mister (2018)
• Hotel del Luna (2019)
• Broker (2022)
• Dream (2023)
• When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)

Tours

• Real Fantasy (2012)
• Modern Times (2013)
• Chat-Shire (2015)
• 24 Steps: One, Two, Three, Four (2016–2017)
• Palette (2017)
• Dlwlrma (2018)
• Love, Poem (2019)
• The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun (2022)
• IU H.E.R.E.H. World Tour (2024)

See also

In Spanish: IU (cantante) para niños