IU
Info
🙂 Native Name: 이지은 (Lee Ji-eun)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: May 16, 1993
🏠 Birth Place: Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Taurus
📏 Height: 162 cm (5 feet 3¾ inches)
💍 Spouse: Unmarried
👶 Children: None
Biography
IU, born Lee Ji-eun on May 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the most beloved and influential figures in K-pop and Korean drama. Raised in a financially struggling household, IU developed a passion for music at a young age. After facing numerous audition rejections, she eventually signed with LOEN Entertainment (now EDAM Entertainment) and made her music debut in 2008 with the mini-album Lost and Found. Though her early releases went under the radar, IU’s breakthrough came in 2010 with her hit single “Good Day,” which showcased her three-octave vocal range and skyrocketed her to fame.
Over the years, IU established herself not only as a top-tier solo artist but also as a gifted songwriter and composer. Her albums Palette, Love Poem, and LILAC received both critical and commercial acclaim, topping charts and earning her multiple awards, including numerous Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Mnet Asian Music Awards. She is known for writing emotionally rich lyrics and evolving musically with every album, making her a respected and consistent figure in South Korea’s competitive music industry.
IU has also built a successful acting career. She made her drama debut in Dream High (2011), but her acclaimed roles in “My Mister” (2018) and “Hotel Del Luna” (2019) earned her critical respect and massive popularity. Her portrayal of the emotionally scarred Lee Ji-an in My Mister won praise for its depth and maturity, while Hotel Del Luna cemented her image as a charismatic and stylish lead actress. Her performances have earned her Baeksang Arts Award nominations and a loyal global fanbase.
In addition to her artistry, IU is known for her philanthropy, having donated billions of won to various causes including children’s welfare, education, disaster relief, and healthcare. She is unmarried and keeps her personal life relatively private, though she is confirmed to be in a relationship with actor Lee Jong Suk as of late 2022. Whether through her voice, screen presence, or generosity, IU continues to inspire millions and remains a defining icon of modern Korean entertainment.
Hobbies
Writing lyrics and composing music is more than work for IU—it’s a creative outlet she often uses during breaks between albums or acting roles.
She enjoys reading poetry and classic literature, which influences her introspective songwriting style.
IU is a fan of photography, especially capturing candid moments of her daily life and behind-the-scenes memories.
She loves watching documentaries and dramas, often using them as emotional preparation for roles.
Cooking simple Korean dishes is a relaxing hobby for her, though she jokes that she’s “not very good at it yet.”
Interests
IU has a strong interest in mental health awareness and often uses her platform to speak about emotional resilience and healing.
She’s fascinated by vintage fashion, often incorporating retro styles into her music videos and stage outfits.
IU is drawn to film scoring and background music, and hopes to produce soundtracks for a drama someday.
She has a passion for interior design, frequently redecorating her space to match her evolving tastes and moods.
IU is a lover of fine arts, and has publicly shared her admiration for modern painters and illustrators.
Facts
IU debuted at just 15 years old and rose to stardom with her 2010 hit “Good Day,” known for its legendary high notes.
Her stage name “IU” stands for “I and You,” symbolizing harmony between artist and listener.
She is known for her perfect pitch and ability to sing live flawlessly, even under pressure.
IU has been listed on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list multiple times, ranking among the top artists in South Korea.
She holds the record for most #1 songs on Korea’s Melon music chart, proving her unmatched digital power.
Secrets
IU once admitted she kept her debut a secret from her classmates because she was afraid it might not work out.
Despite her confident image, she’s revealed she struggled with self-esteem issues during her trainee years.
She keeps a private lyric journal, where she writes unfiltered thoughts and lyrics never released to the public.
IU secretly donated large sums to schools, hospitals, and disaster relief without seeking media attention.
She once said she watches videos of her early performances to stay grounded and reflect on her growth.
Funny Things
IU has a running joke with fans about being “short but fierce,” which she often laughs about during fan meetings.
She once wore two different shoes to a rehearsal and didn’t notice until someone pointed it out mid-performance.
During a variety show, she tried to imitate a chicken and accidentally fell off her chair from laughing too hard.
Her co-stars often tease her for being clumsy, especially on set where she tends to bump into furniture.
IU has a habit of talking to her guitar like it’s a person—she says it helps her write more emotional melodies.
Fears
IU has shared that she fears losing her authenticity as she grows more famous.
She’s afraid of public misinterpretation, often carefully choosing her words in interviews.
IU has confessed to experiencing stage fright, even after over a decade of performing.
She worries about letting down her fans, especially when releasing music that reflects a new or different sound.
She has a mild fear of flying, and prefers road travel for short-distance tours when possible.
News
1. IU Stars in Netflix Drama When Life Gives You Tangerines
In March 2025, IU captivated audiences with her dual roles in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines. Portraying both Oh Ae-sun and Yang Geum-myeong, her performance was lauded for its depth and emotional range. Despite high expectations, IU did not secure the Best Actress award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, leading to discussions among fans and critics.
2. Legal Action Against Cyberbullying
IU has taken a firm stand against online harassment by filing lawsuits against over 180 individuals, including a former classmate, for cyberbullying and the distribution of deepfake content. These legal proceedings, initiated in 2023, are ongoing, with some cases reaching formal court hearings.
3. Generous Donation on Children’s Day
On May 5, 2025, IU donated 150 million KRW (approximately $110,000) under the alias “IUaena” to support youth preparing for independence and improve living conditions for children with disabilities. This act of generosity aligns with her history of philanthropic efforts.
4. Upcoming Album After Two-Year Hiatus
IU confirmed she is working on a new album, marking her first release in over two years since her fifth studio album LILAC. She mentioned that the album has undergone significant changes during its production and will explore themes of desire.
5. YouTube Milestone: 10 Million Subscribers
As of April 6, 2025, IU’s official YouTube channel, ‘이지금 [IU Official]’, surpassed 10 million subscribers. Launched in 2017, the channel offers a variety of content, including behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, and her original variety program, IU’s Palette.
TV Drama
Music / OST
IU (Lee Ji-eun) is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress who debuted in 2008. She has released five studio albums, eleven extended plays, and numerous singles, including notable tracks like “Good Day,” “Palette,” and “LILAC.” IU has received over 100 awards, including multiple Daesang (grand prize) awards from major Korean music award shows.
Gallery
