Lee Ji Eun, better known by her stage name IU, is one of South Korea’s cutest and most talented singers, composers, and actresses. Her stage name is drawn from the phrase “I and You,” which represents how music can bring people together.
IU expressed an interest in having a career in the entertainment sector at a young age and began taking acting classes. IU discovered her passion for singing in middle school and wanted to pursue a career as a singer.
She made her “Mnet M! Countdown” debut in September 2008 with her breakthrough single “Lost Child.” She did not achieve national success until December 2010, when her hit song “Good Day” boosted her to stardom, giving her the title of “Nation’s Little Sister.”
| Hangul Name | 이지은 |
| Date Of Birth | May 16, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Seoul |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Agency | EDAM Entertainment |
| Recent Drama | Hotel del Luna |
IU’s ability to seamlessly switch from K-pop to folk and R&B established her image as a musical chameleon.
Her 2017 album “Palette,” which featured collaborations with major artists, marked a turning point in her career, solidifying her position as an influential figure in the music industry.
It was revealed on December 31, 2022, that IU had been dating actor Lee Jong-suk for four months. Their respective agencies confirmed the rumors.
Korean Dramas & Movies
Aside from her musical accomplishments, IU has seamlessly transitioned into the world of acting. She has starred in numerous dramas and movies mentioned below.
1. Hotel Del Luna
Hangul: 호텔 델루나
Year: 2019
Hotel del Luna is the namesake hotel in the heart of Seoul that exclusively serves to ghosts; Jang Man Wol, the gorgeous but ill-tempered CEO, is cursed to manage the hotel owing to a heinous act she committed but cannot remember.
Rating:
Main Cast (Characters):
- IU as Jang Man Wol
- Yeo Jin Goo as Goo Chan Sung
- Shin Jung Keun as Kim Sun Bi
- Bae Hae Seon as Choi Seo Hee
No. Of Episodes: 16 (80 min. each)
Streaming Options (region-specific):
2. My Mister
The drama tells us the story of three middle-aged brothers, who are enduring the weight of their lives, and a strong, cold woman, who has been living a hard life of her own, as they come together in healing each other’s past scars.
3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
When a total eclipse of the sun takes place, Ha Jin is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. She soon befriends several of the princes and meets the 4th Prince, Wang So. She finds herself caught up in palace politics and the rivalry among the princes as they fight for the throne.
Cast –
- Lee Joon Gi as Wang So
- IU as Go Ha Jin / Hae Soo
- Kang Ha Neul as Wang Wook
- Hong Jong Hyun as Wang Yo
No. Of Episodes – 20
Watch On – Viu
4. The Producers
The story revolves around the dynamic work and life of people who work in the entertainment division of television networks. It will leave various deep messages about friendship, family, fame, buying, betrayal, and support in the broadcast industry.
5. Bel Ami
Ma Te is an ambitious man who begins to date, ten women. A strange woman then appears in front of him. Her name is Bo Tong, an ordinary girl who comes from a poor background who’s been in love with him for ten years. Can she make him fall in love with her?
Cast –
- Jang Geun Suk as Dok Go Ma Te
- IU as Kim Bo Tong
- Han Chae Young as Hong Yoo Ra
- Lee Jang Woo as Choi David
No. Of Episodes – 16
Watch On – Viki
6. You Are The Best!
Soon Shin & her mother struggle to find happiness after her father’s death. She then meets Joon Ho, the head of an agency and he turns her life around. He is a confident, and competitive man who changes after he begins to understand the real meaning of success.
7. Dream High
Hangul: 드림하이
Year: 2011
Six people at Kirin High School want to be K-pop stars. During their school years, they learn how to sing, write songs, and dance, and they also learn about themselves. Also, they start to develop feelings for each other.
Rating:
Main Cast (Characters):
- Bae Suzy as Go Hye Mi
- Kim Soo Hyun as Song Sam Dong
- IU as Kim Pil Sook
- Ok Taecyeon as Jin Gook
No. Of Episodes: 16 (70 min. each)
Streaming Options (region-specific):
8. Dream
In preparation for the Homeless World Cup, a disgraced soccer player is tasked with leading a squad of homeless individuals. The squad pulls together despite its differences and discovers the value of friendship and teamwork.
9. Broker
Two traders sell abandoned babies to adoptive parents. When the mother of one of the babies comes back to get her child, their lives are turned upside down. Along with two agents, they go on a road trip to find the baby a loving home.
10. Shades Of The Heart
Chang Seok, a writer, returns to Seoul after seven years of married life abroad and prepares to publish a book based on his personal experiences. He chooses to rewrite his book after listening to numerous people’s life tales.
Awards & Achievements
Lee Ji Eun has also received many awards for her songs. Below are the awards received for her acting career.
Broker
- Most Popular Actress – 2023 Baeksang Arts Awards
- Popular Star Award – 2022 Blue Dragon Film Awards
- Popular Star Award – 2022 Buil Film Awards
My Mister
- Most Popular Actress – 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards
- Top Excellence Award – 2018 APAN Star Awards
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
- Best Couple Award – 2016 SBS Drama Awards
You Are The Best!
- Best New Actress, Best Couple Award – 2013 KBS Drama Awards
Iu has received 16 Gaon Chart Music Awards, 11 Mnet Asian Music Awards, 21 Melon Music Awards, 8 Golden Disc Awards, 5 Korean Music Awards, and 7 Seoul Music Awards.
She was named to the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list in 2012 as one of the most influential persons in South Korea, and she has since been mentioned five times. She was also recognized at the 2015 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards.
Wrapping Up
So this was the complete guide with all the details that you need to know about IU, the sensational singer and actor. She is loved by all and of course has a huge fan base.
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