Lee Ji-eun (Korean: 이지은; born May 16, 1993[1]), also known by her stage name IU (아이유), is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress. She signed with LOEN Entertainment (now Kakao Entertainment) in 2007 as a trainee and debuted as a singer at the age of fifteen with Lost and Found (2008), her first EP. Although her follow-up albums in 2009, Growing Up and IU...IM, brought mainstream success, it was only after the release of "Good Day", the lead single from her 2010 album Real, that she achieved national stardom. "Good Day" went on to spend five consecutive weeks at the top of South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, and in 2019, it was ranked number one on Billboard's "100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s" list.[2]
With the success of her 2011 albums, Real+ and Last Fantasy, IU established herself as a formidable force on the music charts of her native country and further cemented her girl next door image as Korea's "little sister".[3][4] 2011 also saw her first foray into songwriting with "Hold My Hand", which was written for the television series The Greatest Love. IU's third studio album, Modern Times (2013), showcased a more mature musical style that marked a departure from her earlier girlish image, with several tracks reaching the top 10 on the Gaon Digital Chart. The album was ranked number two on Billboard's "25 Greatest K-Pop Albums of the 2010s" list.[5] IU subsequently exerted more creative control over her music; Chat-Shire (2015) marked the first time she was credited as the sole lyricist of her own album.[6] IU's fourth studio album, Palette (2017), became her first to reach number one on Billboard's World Albums chart. While her following records Love Poem (2019) and Lilac (2021) continued to deviate from mainstream K-pop styles, exploring and mixing various music genres, IU consistently retained her dominance on South Korean music charts.[7][8][9] Her 2020 single "Eight" (prod. by Suga) became her first to reach number one on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart.[10]
IU has released a total of five studio albums and nine EPs, five of which have reached number one on the Gaon Album Chart, and thirty number-one singles, making her the artist with the most number-one songs in South Korea. One of the best-selling solo acts in the group-dominated K-pop industry,[11] IU became the first solo female K-pop act to perform at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena during the Seoul leg of her 2018 dlwlrma concert tour for her 10th anniversary[12] and also the first Korean female artist to hold a solo concert, The Golden Hour, at Seoul Olympic Stadium in Seoul on September 17 and 18, 2022.[13]Rolling Stone named her the 135th greatest singer of all time in a 2023 ranking.[14] She has been included five times in the top ten of Forbes magazine's annual Korea Power Celebrity list since 2012 and attained a peak ranking of number three that year.[15] In 2014, Billboard recognized IU as the all-time leader of its K-pop Hot 100 with the most number-one songs and the artist with the most weeks at the number-one position on the chart.[16] She was named Gallup Korea's Singer of the Year in 2014 and in 2017.[17][18]
Early life
IU was born Lee Ji-eun on May 16, 1993, in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea.[19][20] According to IU, she was born into the Jeonju Yi clan, the same clan as the former Korean monarchy.[21] At an early age, IU showed interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry and began attending acting classes.[22] Following her elementary school years, her family's financial situation deteriorated, and they eventually moved to the nearby Uijeongbu, in Gyeonggi Province.[23] She and her younger brother lived apart from their parents in a studio room with their grandmother and cousin for over one year in conditions of great poverty.[24][25] IU had little contact with her parents over this period of time, but felt reassured under her grandmother's care.[25]
During her middle school years, IU found her passion for singing and decided to become a singer after being applauded for a performance she gave at her school's sports competition.[26] She attended 20 auditions but failed to succeed in any of them, and was also scammed by fake entertainment companies.[27][28] She later trained at Good Entertainment with Uee, Yubin, Heo Ga-yoon, and Jun Hyo-seong.[29] After signing with LOEN Entertainment in 2007, she moved to Bangbae, Seoul.[30] Due to her poor living conditions at the time, IU stated that she "loved being at the studio", where she could eat as much as she wanted and had a place to sleep.[25]
Her burgeoning career led to her decreased attendance at school and declining grades, with the exception of Korean literature.[31] After graduating from Dongduk Girls' High School [ko] in 2012, IU decided not to pursue post-secondary education in tandem with her singing career.[32]
Career
2008–2009: Career beginnings
After training for ten months, IU made her debut in 2008 under her stage name, conceived by LOEN to mean "I and You become one through music."[33] She performed her debut single, "Lost Child" (Korean: 미아), live for the first time on the music programM Countdown on September 18, 2008, making it her debut performance as a professional singer.[34] IU recalled the crowd had hurled insults at her during the performance and initially felt discouraged by it, although she now considers it a beneficial experience.[35] "Lost Child" is the lead single from her debut extended play (EP) Lost and Found, which was released on September 24, 2008. For the album, IU was awarded the "Rookie of the Month" by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in November that same year.[36] However, the album did not do well commercially. During an interview in 2011, IU said, "My first album failed, but I'm grateful for that. If I had become successful as soon as I made my debut, I wouldn't appreciate my staff members and the popularity that I'm enjoying now."[31]
IU performing "Boo" on October 29, 2009.
On April 23, 2009, IU launched her first studio album, Growing Up, with the lead promotional single, "Boo". She began her album promotion the next day, performing "Boo" on KBS2's Music Bank.[37] The song was noted for its stark contrast in musical style to "Lost Child", which was described as a "heavy" and "dark" ballad compared to the 1980s "retro sound" of "Boo".[38][39] Deemed as a "strategic" transformation, the dance choreography, stage costume and hairstyle shown in live performances were used to emphasize her youthfulness and project a "cute" image.[38][40] Although it drew a favorable response from the public, IU, who was fifteen years old at the time, admitted that the image made her feel awkward.[40] Several songs from Lost and Found were featured on her debut studio album Growing Up, including "You Know" (있잖아); a new rock-style arrangement of the song was released as the follow-up single to "Boo". Towards the end of 2009, IU released her second EP, IU...IM. She began promoting its lead single, "Marshmallow" (마쉬멜로우), on music programs from November 13, 2009. Recalling the performances, IU stated on a 2013 episode of Happy Together that she disliked having to wear the girlish costumes and hairstyle fashioned for the song promotions.[41] The performances were well-received and were once again labelled "cute", reminiscent of reviews for "Boo".[42]
On June 3, 2010, IU released "Nagging", a duet which she recorded with 2AM's Lim Seul-ong. The single debuted at twelve on the Gaon Digital Chart and shot up to the number-one position the following week, where it remained for three weeks.[47] Written by Kim Eana and composed by Lee Min-soo, the pop ballad duet was used as one of the theme songs for the second season of the variety show We Got Married.[48] Soon after, IU released "Because I'm a Woman" (여자라서), one of the theme songs of MBC's historical drama, Road No. 1. The song peaked at number six on the Gaon Digital Chart.[49] IU's collaboration with Sung Si-kyung on "It's You" (그대네요) for his album, The First, debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart.[50] On October 6, 2010, she released the theme song "My Dream Patissiere" for the Korean dub of Yumeiro Patissiere.[51]
A 21-second sample of "Good Day", the lead single from Real. IU was noted for the "wide range" of her voice, while the song's popularity was ascribed to its lyrics and high-pitched climax.[52][53]
IU's third EP, Real, was released on December 9, 2010. Produced by Jo Yeong-cheol and Choi Gap-won, Real debuted at number four on the Gaon Album Chart.[54][55] The lead single, "Good Day", reunited IU with lyricist Kim Eana and composer Lee Min-soo after "Nagging", whom she would work with again on the lead singles of her next two studio albums. The uptempo song, as explained by Kim Eana, is about "a shy girl who is nervous about expressing her feelings to the boy she likes."[56] During the album's promotional period, IU also topped the charts on the music programs M Countdown, Music Bank, and Inkigayo.[57][58][59] Both Kim Eana and Lee Min-soo considered the main factors of the song's success to be the use of the word oppa (오빠) in the chorus, as well as the three high-pitched notes that IU sings in semitone increments during the climax of the song.[60] In addition to receiving praise for her vocal abilities, IU's fan base also expanded to a more varied demographic as compared to other K-pop groups.[53][61]Billboard magazine ranked "Good Day" at number one on their list "100 Greatest K-pop Songs of the 2010s".[2]
To maintain public visibility, IU joined the cast of the variety show Heroes, which aired from July 18, 2010, to May 1, 2011.[29] Speaking fondly of the show, IU recalled the camaraderie she built with the other regular cast members despite the hectic two-day shooting schedules which only allowed them two to three hours of sleep.[62] Shortly after joining Heroes, IU was cast in teen dramaDream High. Filming ran from December 2010 to February 2011, during which time she remained committed to Heroes and her existing promotions for "Good Day".[63] In her first acting role, IU played Kim Pil-sook, a shy and overweight school girl who dreams of becoming a professional singer. Admitting that she was doubtful about her readiness to take on acting, IU remarked that she gained confidence in learning that the part would require singing and would later describe the experience as a tremendously enjoyable one.[33][61] For the series' soundtrack, she released the single, "Someday", which achieved number-one position on the Gaon Digital Chart on the week of January 30 – February 5, 2011.[64] By the end of 2011, the single had sold 2,209,924 digital copies and is one of IU's best-selling singles for a soundtrack.[65]
A follow-up extended play to Real was released on February 16, 2011, with the title, Real+, containing three songs.[66] The lead single, "Only I Didn't Know" (나만 몰랐던 이야기), was composed by singer-songwriter Yoon Sang with lyrics written by Kim Eana. Yoon Sang wrote the song for IU after spotting her momentary sad expression on a television broadcast.[67] The ballad's tone was a departure from her more recent releases, with IU describing it as dark, sad and sentimental, which is closer to her music preference.[22][61] The song performed well commercially, debuting at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart.[68]
IU took on various side-projects after the end of Dream High. On March 10, 2011, IU performed as the opening act for British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae's first solo concert in Seoul with two songs, before joining Bailey Rae during her performance of "Put Your Records On".[69] Bailey Rae, whom IU described as her role model, said of IU, "It's incredible that her voice is so soulful even though she's young."[70] In the same month, IU was appointed as one of the new hosts of the music program, Inkigayo, a position which she held until July 2013.[71] In May 2011, IU recorded her first self-composed song, "Hold My Hand" (내 손을 잡아), for the romantic-comedy television series, The Greatest Love.[72] The song peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart and sold 2,031,787 digital copies in 2011.[65][73] Between May and July 2011, IU took part in the reality ice-skating competition series, Kim Yuna's Kiss & Cry, as a celebrity contestant until she was eliminated in the eighth episode.[74][75] During this time, she also participated in Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend but eventually withdrew after recording one episode due to her overwhelming schedule.[76][77] On her wide-ranging activities in entertainment, IU remarked that while singing, acting, and variety are all difficult, she finds variety to be the most tiring.[78]
IU performing in 2011
IU's second studio album, Last Fantasy, was released on November 29, 2011.[79] The Korea JoongAng Daily described the album as one that would "suit all kinds of musical tastes and fans", while Billboard noted the "cinematic feel" of the album as set by the opening track, "Secret".[80][81] Produced by Jo Yeong-cheol, whom IU worked with on Real, the album contains collaborative works with singer-songwriters such as Yoon Sang, Lee Juck and Ra.D. The total number of download sales made from the album's tracks exceeded 10 million within the first two weeks.[82] Eight out of the album's thirteen songs debuted in the top ten on the Gaon Digital Chart, while the album debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart.[83][84] The main single, "You & I", became IU's most commercially successful single with almost 5.5 million digital copies sold by the end of 2012.[85] It topped the Gaon Chart as well as the newly established BillboardK-pop Hot 100 chart at the time of release.[84][86]
Shortly before the release of Last Fantasy, IU signed with EMI Music Japan (now part of Universal Music Japan) as a precursor to her entry into the Japanese market.[87] A selection of her previously released songs was compiled into an extended play called I□U that was released in Japan on December 14, 2011.[88]
2012: Japanese debut and first solo concert tour
As promotions for Last Fantasy and its main single "You & I" continued into 2012 in South Korea, IU began preparations for her debut in Japan by playing two shows at the Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo to an audience of about 4,000 people on January 24, 2012.[34] She performed six songs including her debut single, "Lost Child", and the Japanese version of "Good Day" with the support of either a live orchestra or her own acoustic guitar accompaniment.[34][89] Subsequent to the concert, both "Good Day" and "You & I" were released as new singles in Japan with translated lyrics to moderate success. According to Japan's Oricon Singles Chart, the single album of Good Day sold 21,000 physical copies on the first week of release with the single debuting on the chart at number six.[90] On the Billboard Japan Hot 100, "Good Day" peaked at number 5.[91] "You & I" peaked at number four on the Oricon Singles Chart and number eleven on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[92][93] In support of her Japanese single releases, IU toured five cities—Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka—in a mini-concert series called IU Friendship Showcase - Spring 2012.[94]
IU performing at Expo Pop Festival on July 3, 2012.
IU embarked on her first concert tour, Real Fantasy, in June 2012. She played shows in six different cities across South Korea, starting with two shows in Seoul.[95] The opening shows on June 2–3 were sold out within 30 minutes of the tickets going on sale on April 17.[96] It was reported that 43.8% of ticket purchasers were between the ages of 20 and 29, while 71% were male, which was considered uncommon for a K-pop concert.[96] The tour continued to Ulsan, Jeonju, Suwon, Busan and Daegu, before returning to Seoul with two encore concerts that ended on September 23, 2012.[97] Guest performers included Ra.D, Lim Seul-ong and Lee Seung-gi.[98]
Due to her commitments towards preparing for her first solo tour, IU was unable to make broadcast promotions for her fifth Korean extended play, Spring of a Twenty Year Old, which was released on May 11, 2012. The album, named to celebrate IU turning the Korean age of 20, contains three songs with the lead single being "Peach".[99] Self-composed by IU, "Peach" peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart and number three on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100.[100][101] The second single released from the album was "Every End of the Day" (하루 끝), which topped the Gaon Digital Chart for two weeks and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 for four weeks.[3][102] In place of the usual 4–5 minute music video that usually accompanies a single release, a 26-minute-long documentary-style music film was shot in Venice and Burano and released alongside the album, featuring both "Peach" and "Every End of the Day".[99]
IU returned to Japan on September 17, 2012, to perform one show, titled IU Friendship Special Concert — Autumn 2012, at the Tokyo International Forum to a crowd of over 5,000 people.[103] With Sunny Hill as a guest act, IU performed a mixture of her own songs and covers of Korean and Japanese songs such as "Juliette" by Shinee, "Friend" by Anzen Chitai and "Aishiteru" from the Natsume's Book of Friendsanime series.[104] Live recordings of "Friend" and "Aishiteru" from the event were later released as promotional digital singles. Nearing the end of her Real Fantasy tour and promotions in Japan, IU resumed her hosting duties on Inkigayo after taking a three-month leave due to concert commitments.[105] She also became the host of MBC's short-lived television quiz show, Quiz Show Q, alongside Park Myeong-su and Sun Bom Soo.[106] On December 29, IU hosted the 2012 SBS Gayo Daejeon, an annual music program, alongside Bae Suzy and actor Jung Gyu-woon. She was selected by the program's producer for her MC skills that she demonstrated on Inkigayo.[107]
IU started 2013 by taking on her first leading role in a television series, playing the title role in You Are the Best!. Her character was described as a "loser" who is seemingly average in every way except for her daring and bright personality, which helps her to overcome hardships.[110] Despite the worries of casting someone who is better known as a singer in the role, director Yoon Sung-sik decided to cast IU after seeing her performance in Dream High and thought that she suited the image he had envisioned for the character.[111] Her co-stars Go Doo-shim and Lee Ji-hoon, as well as the production crew, praised her performance, especially during emotional scenes.[112][113][114] As the series progressed, IU's performance garnered positive critical reviews despite early reservations shown about her casting, with the viewership ratings reaching a peak of 30.8%.[115][116] She was nominated for the Excellence in Acting Award (Best Actress in a Serial Drama) at the 2013 KBS Drama Awards. For the drama, she released a recording with her co-star Jo Jung-suk of her self-composed duet, "Beautiful Song" (예쁘다송), which was not included on the official soundtrack.[117]
IU at a Modern Times concert in Busan, South Korea, on December 1, 2013.
In the same period, IU released her second Japanese extended-play album, Can You Hear Me?, featuring her first original Japanese songs. Two tracks from the album were released as singles; "Beautiful Dancer" and "New World" peaked at number 66 and 76 respectively on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, ranking significantly lower than her Japanese-translated versions of "Good Day" and "You & I", which were top 10 releases.[118]Rolling Stone Japan gave the album a positive review, highlighting "Beautiful Dancer" and "Truth" as stand-out tracks.[119] In an interview with Oricon, IU recalled how shocked and touched she was to receive "Beautiful Dancer" and "Truth" from R&B producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.[120] Her next Japanese single, "Monday Afternoon", was released on September 11, 2013, debuting at number 27 on Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart and number 9 on Japan's Oricon Daily Chart.[121][122]
Almost two years after Last Fantasy, IU released her third studio album, Modern Times, on October 8, 2013. It was described to be "a big shift from the young singer's K-pop roots" that showcased a "more mature and sophisticated sound and image" than her previous work.[123] IU composed and wrote two out of the album's 13 tracks, which ranged from swing to jazz, bossa nova, Latin pop and folk genres.[124] The diversity of jazz styles and the mix of collaborative tracks were highlighted in reviews by Billboard and The Korea Herald.[4][125]Billboard described the album as one that features "throwback vibes with a modern twist a la Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics record", with IU proving to have "musical sensibilities well beyond a typical 20-year-old".[4]The Korea Herald wrote: "...vintage sounds and modern effects are put together artfully, forming a fresh but familiar compilation of songs. Modern Times has a distinct carefree feel that is reminiscent of jazz during the Roaring Twenties."[125]Modern Times debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart, while seven of its tracks achieved top ten positions on the Gaon Digital Chart with the lead single, "The Red Shoes" (분홍신), placing in the number one position.[126][127] Similarly, the album debuted number four on Billboard's World Albums Chart, with twelve tracks in the K-pop Hot 100 chart.[128][129] The album was ranked number two on Billboard's "25 Greatest K-Pop Albums of the 2010s" list.[5]
On the second week of her promotional activities for Modern Times, IU decided to join the romantic-comedy series Bel Ami.[130] She played the "quirky" and "playful" role of Kim Bo-tong, a carefree girl in her twenties who has had an unrequited crush on the male protagonist since high school.[130] For her performance, IU was nominated in the Outstanding Korean Actress category at the 2014 Seoul International Drama Awards.[131] In support of Modern Times, IU held her second concert tour with three shows which took place on November 23–24, 2013, at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul and ended on December 1, 2013, at KBS Hall in Busan.[132] Promotions for Modern Times progressed into 2014 with IU performing in Hong Kong for the first time in a solo concert.[133] A repackaged version of Modern Times, titled Modern Times — Epilogue, was released on December 20, 2013, with two additional tracks: "Friday" (금요일에 만나요) and "Pastel Crayon" (크레파스). Her self-composed track, "Friday", was originally intended to be included in Modern Times but was later released as the lead single of Modern Times — Epilogue.[134] Described as a "mid-tempo, bossa nova number", "Friday" held the number one position on the Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 chart for two weeks after release.[86][135] The lead single was successful on the Gaon Digital Chart, peaking at number one, and became the tenth best-selling digital single of 2014.[136][137]
IU released her sixth Korean extended-play and first cover album, A Flower Bookmark, on May 16, 2014. The album contains seven renditions of tracks that hailed from the 1980s and 1990s with a mixture of genres that included ballad, dance, folk and rock.[138] The album came about at the request of fans and due to the positive feedback she had previously received for her cover songs.[139] Three tracks debuted in the top ten of the Gaon Digital Chart on the week of release, with the main single, "My Old Story" (나의 옛날 이야기), ultimately peaking at number 2.[140][141] However, it was her collaboration with Kim Chang-wan on the remake of his 1984 song, "The Meaning of You" (너의 의미), that became the best-selling track from the album and also her best-selling single of 2014.[142] The album was well received by The Korea Times for providing "a pleasant, calming respite from the mainstream music of today's times", and praised IU for her reinterpretations: "For every track, IU keeps a careful balance between preserving the song's original sentiments and altering the original with her own color and arrangements."[143]Billboard highlighted the track, "Pierrot Smiles at Us" (삐에로는 우릴 보고 웃지), as the "most ambitious tune she tackled" and one that proved her diversity as a singer.[80]
IU's wish to conduct a more intimate and smaller scale concert was fulfilled in her third solo Korean concert series, "Just One Step... That Much More".[144] The concert series took place over eight nights from May 22 to June 1 at Sogang University's Mary Hall, which had a capacity of 450 people.[145] Tickets to all eight shows were sold out within 10 minutes of release on May 7, 2014.[145] As well as playing the keyboard for the first time on stage, IU performed all the seven songs from A Flower Bookmark among various new arrangements of her earlier songs.[144] Guest acts included Kim Jong-hyun, Jung Yong-hwa, Hwang Kwanghee, Kim Bum-soo, Lim Seul-ong, Jo Jung-suk, Ha Dong-kyun and Akdong Musician.[146] Profits made from the concerts were donated to the victims of the Sewol Ferry Disaster.[147]
Two months after her solo concerts ended, IU made her debut performance in the United States at the KCON music festival held in Los Angeles on August 9–10.[148] IU was the only female act to perform on the first day of KCON and for the event, she performed "The Red Shoes", "You & I", "Friday", and "You Know".[148] In their review, Los Angeles Times opined that IU had a "sprightly stage presence, and as a solo female singer, she's breaking the molds for K-pop stardom."[149] IU expressed her anxiety performing at the event in her interview with Billboard: "I always get nervous when I'm performing at international shows... I think I need to study English for the next visit to the U.S. It's suffocating not being able to communicate with fans..."[150]
Throughout 2014, IU's collaborations with other artists spawned top-ten hits: "Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms" (봄, 사랑, 벚꽃 말고), the debut single of High4, which featured IU as lyricist and vocalist, reached number one on both the Gaon Digital Chart and Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100;[16][151] "Anxious Heart" (애타는 마음), recorded by Ulala Session and IU in 2012 but was released more than a year later out of respect for the death of Ulala Session's lead vocalist, peaked at number four on the Gaon Digital Chart;[152][153] "Sing for Me" (노래 불러줘요), which was released as part of g.o.d's eighth studio album, peaked at number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart;[154][155] "Sogyeokdong" (소격동), written by Seo Taiji for his Quiet Night album and sung by IU in the October 2 release version, debuted at number four on the Gaon Digital Chart;[156][157] and "When Would It Be" (언제쯤이면), a duet with her labelmate Yoon Hyun-sang for his debut album, Pianoforte, which also peaked at number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart.[158][159] After "Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms" topped Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 chart, IU became its "all-time chart leader" with five number-one songs and the artist who has spent the most weeks at number one since the chart's creation in September 2011.[16]
2015–2016: Continued acting success and further EP releases
IU during her Chat-Shire tour on November 29, 2015.
In 2015, two years after her last acting role, IU starred alongside Kim Soo-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, and Gong Hyo-jin in The Producers, which was named as one of the most anticipated TV series of the year in South Korea.[160] She played Cindy, a diva-like singer who decides to participate in a variety show to improve her public image. Analysing her character's perceived icy demeanor, IU commented that she could relate to her character's "biting attitude" and how similar her character was to herself.[160] The series and IU's portrayal of Cindy were met with lukewarm reviews at the premier but both the viewership and critical response improved over the course of the series, peaking at 17.7% viewership for the last episode.[161][162] She performed two songs in character, "Twenty Three" and "Heart" (마음), both of which were later included as bonus tracks on her 2015 album, Chat-Shire. While she wrote the lyrics for both songs, she also composed the music for "Heart", which was released as a digital single on May 18. "Heart" topped the charts upon its release and went on to become the tenth best-selling digital single of 2015 in South Korea.[163][164] "Heart" was among a slew of K-pop songs used by South Korea's Defense Ministry in its propaganda broadcasts to North Korea during the two countries' tense standoff in August 2015, with the aim of advertising the "South Korean youth culture".[165][166] Through The Producers, IU's popularity in China soared—reportedly receiving offers for several projects from Chinese companies.[167]
After the completion of The Producers, IU participated in the biennial music festival event hosted by the variety show, Infinite Challenge, in which each participating singer-songwriter is partnered with one of the six hosts to create a song for the festival. The preparation process and festival event were aired over the course of seven episodes. She was partnered with Park Myeong-su, with whom she recorded and performed the song, "Leon" (as inspired by the film Léon: The Professional). The live performance event on August 13, 2015, attracted an estimated crowd of 40,000 at Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium as shown in the final episode, which achieved a 21.1% viewer's rating on its August 22 airdate.[168] Subsequent to the final episode's broadcast, "Leon" was released along with the other songs from the festival as a digital track and on the official festival album. "Leon" reached number one on all of South Korea's music charts upon release.[169]
IU's seventh Korean extended play, Chat-Shire, was released digitally on October 23, 2015, prior to its physical release on October 27. IU asserted greater creative control on the album, writing the lyrics for all seven tracks (as well as the physical album's two bonus tracks) and composing the music for five tracks either individually or collaboratively.[170] She was also credited as the album's executive producer.[171] The lead single, "Twenty-Three", topped the national music charts upon release with several of the album's tracks also ranking in the top ten.[8] The album reached a peak position of number four on Billboard's World Albums chart.[172]Billboard described the album as a "must-hear" release, containing "some of [IU's] most personal music yet", and named "The Shower" (푸르던) as its stand-out track.[80][6]
Despite positive critical reviews and success in the music charts, the album became controversial due to the lyrics of "Zezé" and the audio samples used in the bonus track "Twenty Three" (not to be confused with the similarly titled lead single).[173] On November 4, the Korean publisher of the novel My Sweet Orange Tree, from which IU drew inspiration for the song "Zezé", stirred debate in the entertainment industry on freedom of interpretation when it leveled criticisms at IU for her interpretation of the five-year-old protagonist as a "sexual object".[174][175] Two days later, IU issued a public statement: "I did not mean to turn Zeze into a sexual object... but I realize that my lyrics have offended many, and for this I apologize."[174] On November 10, the publisher released an apology for its failure to acknowledge "diversity of interpretation."[174][175] For the bonus track "Twenty Three", voice samples from Britney Spears' "Gimme More" were allegedly used without permission.[176]Billboard ranked Chat-Shire the sixth best K-pop album of 2015, explaining that "IU knows how to take the sounds of yesterday and update them to stunning results."[177]
Prior to the release of Chat-Shire, LOEN announced that IU would not be partaking in broadcast promotions for the album and would instead be holding a national tour from November to December 2015.[178] The Chat-Shire tour began in Seoul on November 21 and continued to Busan, Daegu and Gwangju, before returning to Seoul, where it ended on December 31.[179][180] In the midst of her concert tour for Chat-Shire in South Korea, IU also increased promotional activities in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, hosting fan-meetings and concerts in various cities as well as releasing a compilation album, Smash Hits, to the Taiwanese market on December 11, 2015.[181] Containing 16 previously released songs, Smash Hits was published by Warner Music Taiwan and topped the K-pop album chart of Taiwan's leading online music store, KKBOX, on its first week of release.[182] Tickets to her concert of January 10, 2016, in Taiwan also sold out within two minutes of going on sale.[183] Towards the end of 2015, IU hosted SBS's annual end-of-year music program, Gayo Daejeon, with Shin Dong-yup. The program's producers said of their host selection, "IU has been deeply acknowledged for her musical talents, moving beyond the image of 'Korea's cute younger sister'."[184] For her accomplishments in 2015, Ize listed IU as one of the "Persons of the Year", while GQ Korea named her as the "Woman of the Year".[185][186] In September 2016, IU starred as the lead role, Hae Soo, in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, a Korean adaptation of the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin.[187][188]
2017–2018: Palette, A Flower Bookmark 2 and My Mister
IU at her Palette concert in Seoul, South Korea, on December 10, 2017.
IU published her fourth studio album, Palette, on April 21, 2017, of which she served as the primary lyricist and executive producer.[189][190] Three singles from the album were released earlier; the lead single of the same name featuring G-Dragon from Big Bang;[191] as well as two pre-release tracks "Through the Night" and "Can't Love You Anymore".[192][193]Palette (팔레트) debuted atop Billboard World Albums chart, a first for the singer,[194] and topped local charts in both album sales and downloads.[195]Billboard highlighted and complimented IU's stronger creative control on the album, saying that it successfully allowed listeners to learn more about her and ultimately paving way for greater success both in Korea and internationally.[190]Palette was a commercial success, with all three singles from the album peaking at the top of the Gaon Digital Chart,[196][197][198] with the main single, "Palette" spending a total of two weeks at number 1. However, it was her first pre-release track, "Through the Night" that became the best-selling track from the album and also her best-selling single of 2017.[199]
Palette was also critically acclaimed and received multiple accolades, including "Best Pop Album" at the 15th Korean Music Awards,[200] "Album of the Year" at the Melon Music Awards,[201] and "Record of the Year (Album)" award at the 27th Seoul Music Awards;[202] IU herself was awarded the Best Female Artist at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.[203] The album also earned IU a "Best Songwriter" award at the Melon Music Awards,[201] a "Lyricist of the Year" award at the seventh Gaon Chart Music Awards and a "Producer of the Year" award for herself and her production team.[204] IU also received the "Song of the Year" award at the 32nd Golden Disc Awards for her hit song "Through the Night".[205]Billboard magazine listed "Palette" at number six on its list of "Best K-Pop Songs of 2017", explaining "The mellow-dy belies a topsy-turvy world of self-satire, idiosyncratic sound effects and throwbacks to older eras."[206]The New York Times Magazine also featured "Palette" on its list of "25 Songs That Tell Us Where Music Is Going", making IU the only Asian artist to make the list while appreciating IU's ability as a singer-songwriter to project authenticity in K-pop.[207] Furthermore, Billboard ranked Palette the best K-pop album of 2017, explaining that "An album as impressive and sonically diverse as Palette proves why injecting an artist's personal experiences into their music can lead to their greatest work yet."[208]
During the promotional period of Palette, IU joined the reality program Hyori's Homestay.[209]
IU released her second cover album, A Flower Bookmark 2 on September 22, 2017. Like its predecessor, the album contained renditions of tracks released from the 1960s to the early 2000s with a mixture of genres such as folk, retro, ballad and nu-disco.[210][211] Prior to the album's release, a single titled "Autumn Morning" was released without prior notice on September 18 to mark the singer's ninth anniversary.[212][213] The album was originally intended to include Kim Kwang-seok's track "With the Heart to Forget You", however, due to recent events surrounding the singer's family, it was ultimately decided that the track would be removed out of respect for the ongoing investigations.[214] She later went on a tour in various cities around Korea as well as Hong Kong from November to December 2017 to promote the album.[215] IU was also featured in the title song, "Love Story", of Epik High's ninth album, We've Done Something Wonderful, which was released on October 23, 2017. Gallup Korea ranked her the most popular K-pop artist of 2017 (she previously topped the ranking in 2014) and also the most popular K-pop idol of the year.[18][216]
In March 2018, IU starred in tvN's My Mister, playing the character Lee Ji-an.[217] The series was commercially and critically successful with peak audience ratings of 7.3% making it one of the highest rated Korean dramas in cable television history, and positive reviews for IU's performance.[218][219] IU then contributed her vocals to Zico's "Soulmate", which was released on July 23, 2018. Upon release, the single topped the daily and real time charts of all 6 major Korean music sites and claimed the number-one position on the Gaon Digital Chart.[220]
IU at her 10th anniversary fanmeeting 'IU+' in September 2018
To commemorate her tenth debut anniversary, IU released a single titled "Bbibbi" in October 2018.[221] The music video was released alongside the single on October 10, 2018. The following day, Kakao M confirmed that "Bbibbi" had surpassed one million unique listeners on Korea's largest music site, Melon, only 16 hours after its release. They stated that by 23 hours in, it had already broken the previous 24-hour unique listener record set by her duet "Leon" with Park Myung-su in 2015.[222] "Bbibbi" went on to record a total of 1,462,625 unique listeners in the first 24 hours of its release. The single peaked at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart, and at number five on the Billboard's World Digital Songs Chart.[223][224]Billboard magazine listed "Bbibbi" at number 87 on its list of "Best Songs of 2018", explaining "The single not only comments on IU's experiences in the public life, but it doubles as a universal empowerment anthem, knowing and acknowledging one's worth and personal rights."[225] The single was also listed at number 4 on Billboard's list of "The 20 Best K-pop Songs of 2018".[226] IU began her first Asian tour, titled IU 10th Anniversary Tour Concert, on October 28, 2018.[227] Two months later, IU featured on Kim Dong-ryul's "Fairytale", which peaked at number four on the Gaon Digital Chart.[228]
2019–2021: Hotel del Luna, Love Poem and Lilac
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 Netflixanthology seriesPersona.[229] She portrayed different characters in each of the four short films which were written and directed by the critically acclaimed directors Lee Kyoung-mi, Yim Pil-sung, Jeon Go-woon and Kim Jong-kwan.[230][231] It was the sixth most popular program on Netflix in Korea in 2019.[232] During the summer, IU starred in the fantasy mystery drama Hotel del Luna, written by the Hong Sisters. She also sang one of the songs on the soundtrack, "Happy Ending".[233] The drama was a commercial success, recording the highest ratings in its timeslot throughout its run.[234] IU was set to release her ninth extended play, Love Poem, on November 1. However, she decided to postpone the EP's release to November 18 following her close friend Sulli's death.[235][236] Her single "Peach" (2012), inspired by Sulli, re-entered charts as a tribute to the late singer.[237] The EP's eponymous lead single was released as planned, subsequently peaking at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart, and at number nine on Billboard's World Digital Songs Chart.[238][239] On November 2, 2019, IU began her second Asian tour, titled Love Poem, in Gwangju.[240] Nearly 90,000 fans attended her two-month tour during which she visited 10 cities.[241]
For the first time in nine years, IU participated in a soundtrack album with the song "Give You My Heart" for the hit romantic comedy Crash Landing on You.[242] Released on February 15, 2020, it debuted at number 71 on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, 2020,[243] rising and reaching number one the following week.[244] On May 6, 2020, IU released the single "Eight" featuring and produced by BTS's Suga.[245] It follows IU's previous singles "Twenty-Three" (2015) and "Palette" (2017) which together comprise her "coming-of-age" series.[246] The song's title derives from the last digit of the Korean age "twenty-eight" of both artists.[247] On June 19, 2020, IU released the song "Into the I-LAND" as the signal song for the survival reality show I-Land.[248]
On January 9, 2021, IU won Song of the Year at the 35th Golden Disc Awards for "Blueming", becoming the first female soloist to win two grand prizes in the award show's history.[249] While onstage accepting her award, she hinted that she would be soon returning with a new single titled "Celebrity" and that the new song would have a refreshing and cheerful pop sound.[250] Two days later, Edam Entertainment confirmed her return with the pre-release single "Celebrity" on January 27, 2021.[251] On March 3, she announced her fifth studio album, Lilac, which was released on March 25[252] to immediate commercial success; the album debuted atop the Gaon Album Chart, and all tracks had simultaneously charted in the top 30 of the Gaon Digital Chart. In October, IU announced that her digital single "Strawberry Moon" would be released on October 19.[253] IU later teased a special album titled Pieces, which was released on December 29.[254]
IU's first project of 2022 was the collaborative single "Ganadara" with Jay Park, which peaked at number one on both the Gaon Digital Chart and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100.[255][256][257] Her first documentary, Pieces:29th Winter, was scheduled to release on March 16 but was later postponed to March 23.[258]
The following month, IU starred in the film Broker, playing single mother So-young, who initially decides to leave her newborn at a baby box but later changes her mind and tries to retrieve her child.[259] Director Hirokazu Kore-eda choose to cast IU after seeing her moving performance in My Mister (2018), as he felt that she was the only actress who could embody So-young's character.[259]Broker was chosen to compete for the Palme d'Or, and its premiere was held at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.[259] Film critic Ben Rolph praised IU's performance, writing that "it is K-pop singer-turned actor Lee Ji-eun who leads the ensemble down its path of brilliance as she performs her heart out, she is the soul of the film."[260] The performance earned her a nomination for Best New Actress at the 27th Chunsa International Film Festival.[261]
On January 3, 2020, it was announced that IU would star in the Lee Byeong-heon's Dream, a comedy drama about a group of people participating in the Homeless World Cup.[262][263] Filming was completed in Hungary on April 13, 2022. Commenting on the experience, she said: "It was my first feature film shooting. It has accumulated more memories than any other work, so I think it will remain in my memory for a long time."[264] The movie was released on April 26, 2023.[265]
On April 4, 2023, Big Hit Music announced the second collaboration between IU and BTS member Suga, under his moniker Agust D, for the song titled "People Pt. 2". The song was released on April 7 as a pre-release track for Suga's first solo album D-Day.[266]
IU released the single "Love Wins All" on January 24, 2024.[267] This would be part of her sixth EP The Winning which was released on February 20.[268]
IU has been credited for writing over seventy-two songs over the course of her career, including music for her career as a solo artist, songs for other performers and various songs for film or drama. The first two songs for which she received songwriting credit were Yoo Seung-ho's "Believe in Love", which she featured on, for the compilation album Road for Hope,[271] and "Alone in the Room" from her third extended play (EP) Real.[272] Her first self-composition was "Hold My Hand" for The Greatest Love in 2011.[72][273] Considering the fact that she wrote the song not for herself but at the behest of the drama's producers, IU found the experience difficult as she had to match the drama's cheerful tone.[78] On her second studio album Last Fantasy,[274] IU began to take more creative control over her music, writing six of the thirteen total tracks. Her following studio album Modern Times[275] and its re-release Modern Times – Epilogue[276] was also mostly written by IU and South Korean lyricist Kim Eana, who had previously written multiple tracks on Last Fantasy. IU wrote the lyrics to each track on her subsequent releases, Chat-Shire[170] and Palette,[277] with the exception of one song on the latter, and served as executive producer of both. The lyrics on her fifth EP Love Poem[278] were entirely self-written, and she received composition credits on two tracks, "The Visitor"[278] and "Blueming".[278] IU wrote lyrics to all the tracks on her fifth studio album, Lilac.[279] Additionally, she helped compose two of the album's singles, "Coin" and "Celebrity".[279] IU has also written and performed multiple songs for various South Korean films and dramas, including The Producers,[280]My Mister,[281]Bel Ami[282] and Hotel Del Luna.[283] Sixteen of the tracks written by IU have been released as singles, with eleven of those reaching the top of the Gaon Digital Chart, including "Through the Night"[284] and "Friday",[285] the third and fifth best-selling singles in South Korea, with more than six million[286] and five million sales, respectively.[287]
According to The Korea Herald, consolation is one of the core themes explored in IU's music, most notably in "Through the Night" and "Dear Name", both songs both from Palette.[288]
Voice
IU possesses a soprano vocal range,[289][290] with acoustician and professor Myung-jin Bae expressing her range also has mezzo-soprano qualities when writing an article comparing her voice to Hyun Bin.[291][292] Her vocal ability is often met with positive reception. Monique Danao of South China Morning Post noted that IU could quickly transition from a "sweet" voice to "hit powerful notes".[289] On his 2011 academic paper co-written by Doo-heon Kyon at Soongsil University, Bae used "Good Day" as the basis for his vocal analysis, stating that when IU reached the highest note (F♯5) in the three-note increment, her stability in frequency showed a lengthy duration with abundant lung capacity, and commenting that she "expresses well beyond the highest range required by the soprano [voice type]".[290]
IU has received ten Daesang (grand prize) awards from various award shows, including five from the Melon Music Awards and three from the Golden Disc Awards. In 2012, she was named to the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list as one of the most influential people in South Korea, and has since been mentioned five times.[15] Additionally, IU was honored at the 2015 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, held by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, for her influence and success in the music industry. In 2022, she was recipient of the Visionary Award, instituted by CJ ENM, which recognizes talents from the Korean film and television industry for their contributions to "leading trends and spearheading innovations."[294]
Other ventures
Activism
In December 2024, IU provided prepaid meals and snacks to people participating in protests calling for the impeachment of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol following his declaration of declaration of martial law.[295]
Philanthropy
IU has donated all the proceeds from her fan meetings since 2011.[296] Since February 2012, she has been an ambassador for South Korea's National Police Agency in their anti-bullying campaigns in schools; she was made an honorary member of the police force in 2013 before being promoted to an honorary senior police officer in 2014 for a two-year term.[297] IU established a scholarship at her high school alma-mater in 2016 after regularly donating there for several years.[298] In January 2023, she featured in charity song "One Step" to promote disability awareness.[299]
In 2015, IU donated ₩100 million to the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation, requesting it be used to assist underprivileged children and volunteering for the organization.[300] Since 2018, she has been a regular donor to the foundation,[301][302][303] helping to support tuition for prospective college students among low-income families, single parents, disabled children, and grandparents raising their grandchildren.[301][304][305][306][307][excessive citations] She also makes regular donations on her birthday and debut anniversary,[308][309][310][311][312][313][314][excessive citations] and has been supporting vulnerable social groups in Yangpyeong County annually since 2020.[315][316][317][318][319][320][excessive citations]
In 2018, she participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge, an Internet challenge designed to promote Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) awareness,[321] and donated ₩10 million.[322] She joined the challenge once again in 2023, donating ₩50 million.[322] In 2019, after having to learn sign language for My Mister the year before, IU donated ₩50 million to the Deaf Senior Citizens Support Center.[323] She also donated ₩10 million through Seocho District Office for those in vulnerable social groups and elderly living alone,[324] and other ₩100 million at the end of the year to the Korean Foundation for Support of the Senior Citizen.[325] Her philanthropy efforts earned her a mention in Forbes' "Asia's 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy: Catalysts For Change", being the youngest to have made the list.[326]
During COVID-19 pandemic, she donated 3,000 pieces of medical protective clothing[327] and about 4,600 cooling vests for nurses in 2020,[328] and ₩850 million of products, from winter coats and bedding sets, to water bottles for twenty COVID-19 clinics in Seoul the following year.[329]
IU has also supported natural disaster relief efforts, donating ₩100 million to help the victims of floods in August 2020,[330] and ₩100 million for residents affected by the 2022 Uljin and Samcheok wildfires and the South Korean floods.[331][332]
As of May 2024, IU has donated more than ₩4.8 billion since her debut,[333] and over ₩1.5 billion in 2022 alone.[334]
Endorsements
IU at a Sony product launching event on September 20, 2017.
IU is one of the highest-earning celebrities in South Korea,[335] with endorsements attributing to a proportion of her income.[336] Over the course of her career, she has endorsed various products that ranged from electronics to clothing and cosmetics.[337] Her breakthrough in 2010 earned her the first three endorsement deals she had with Crown Confectionery's MyChew candy, Crown Bakery and clothing brand Y'sb.[337][338] Among her first endorsements that year were also video games.[339] When developer Ntreev Soft had chosen IU to endorse MMORPGAlicia: The Story of My Horse and I, they cited her "simple and innocent" image had complemented with the game's vibe,[339] and featured her in the soundtrack.[340] IU announced the player introductions for the Global StarCraft II League[339] — she later performed at the finals of the league in 2011.[341]
In April 2022, IU was selected as an advertising model by Woori Financial Group, owner of one of the four largest banks in South Korea, for her influence across various generations.[374] That same month, the MAU (monthly active users) using its services increased by 100,000, reaching 5.8 million users. The next month, it exceeded 6 million users, an increase of about 500,000. A spokesperson of Woori said that they believed it was an effect of IU's endorsement.[375] Other endorsements include S-Oil,[376]Homeplus,[377]Nongshim's products,[c] fast-food chain Mexicana Chicken,[380] and Jeju Samdasoo[381] and Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk both in mid-2020.[382][383] In November 2014, HiteJinro announced that IU had become the spokesperson for Chamisulsoju.[384] They renewed a contract with her in December 2015.[385] In April 2024, Estée Lauder announced IU as their first Korean global brand ambassador.[386]
Personal life
South China Morning Post estimated IU's net worth to be around US$31–45 million, making her the wealthiest female Korean idol singer.[387]
On October 8, 2015, IU and indie rock singer Chang Kiha confirmed that they had been dating for two years.[388] On January 23, 2017, the two revealed that they had recently broken up after four years together.[389] On December 31, 2022, it was reported that IU had been in a relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk for four months. Both of their agencies confirmed the rumors.[390]
^ abJang, Jin-ri (July 28, 2022). 아이유, 9월 잠실주경기장 콘서트...여성 솔로 가수 최초 [IU's September concert at Jamsil Main Stadium... First female solo singer] (in Korean). spoTV News. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022 – via Naver.
Choi, Eun-kyung (February 23, 2015). "2015 KOREA POWER CELEBRITY 40 - 엑소, 한국 최고의 파워 셀러브리티" [2015 Korea Power Celebrity 40 - Exo is Korea's top power celebrity]. Forbes Korea (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
^ ab2017년 올해를 빛낸 가수와 가요 - 최근 11년간 추이, 아이돌 선호도 포함 [2017, Outstanding Singer and Songs This Year – Including Trends and Idol Preferences For The Last 10 Years] (in Korean). Gallup Korea. December 19, 2017. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
^아이유 [IU]. Naver. October 18, 2018. Archived from the original on March 22, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
^아이유 '어머니 빚보증 잘못서... 바퀴벌레 우글거리는 단칸방 생활' [IU 'Mother made a bad business decision... we lived in a single room with roaches']. Newsen (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. December 14, 2011. Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
^Shin, Eun-kyung (February 29, 2012). "[Cover Story] 31호 아이유" [[Cover Story] No. 31: IU]. The Big Issue Korea (in Korean). South Korea. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
^"You are the Best!". Happy Together. Season 3. Episode 297 (in Korean). May 22, 2013. KBS World. Archived from the original on May 22, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
^ abLee, Seung-han (October 11, 2013). 21살 아이유 원숙미는 곤란해. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Seoul. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
^아이유 깜찍발랄 'Boo' 컴백 신고식 '슬픈 이미지 벗어던졌다' [IU's cute and youthful 'Boo' comeback debut]. Newsen (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. April 18, 2009. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
^"Overnight Celebrity Special". Happy Together. October 18, 2013. KBS2.
^아이유 '마쉬멜로우' 컴백, 깜찍 퍼포먼스 업그레이드. Newsen (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. November 15, 2009. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
^가수 아이유,태연이어 MBC FM '친한 친구' DJ로 [Singer IU to be a casual MBC FM "Chin Chin Radio" DJ]. Daily Finance (in Korean). April 20, 2010. Archived from the original on October 3, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
^"아이유, 통통튀는 목소리로 애니메이션 주제가 도전" [IU challenges animation theme song with her bouncy voice] (in Korean). tvdaily. October 6, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
^ abcKim, Ji-young (March 22, 2011). '삼촌'팬 몰고 다니는 국민 여동생 아이유 ['Uncle' fans attending in droves for the Nation's Little Sister, IU]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Seoul. Archived from the original on November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
^아이유, 영웅호걸에 무한애정 보여줘 [IU shows endless love for Heroes]. SBS Weekly Focus (in Korean). Seoul Broadcasting System. January 15, 2011. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
^Kim, Seong-han (January 15, 2011). (스타 인터뷰) 아이유 '연기? 새롭고 신기해요... 재미있어요' [(Star interview) IU: 'Acting? It's new, amazing and fun...']. Sports Korea (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
^아이유, '나만 몰랐던 이야기' 벌써부터 히트예감 [IU is already feeling the heat from 'Only I Didn't Know']. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Seoul. February 16, 2011. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
^윤상, 아이유 '나만 몰랐던 이야기' 준 것 후회 "고등학생에 너무 슬픈곡" [IU's 'Only I Didn't Know': Yoon Sang regrets, "The song is too sad for a high schooler."]. Newsen (in Korean). May 27, 2011. Archived from the original on January 25, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
^Kim, Pyo-hyang (May 30, 2011). '키스앤크라이' 아이유, 하루 5시간 맹연습으로 명예회복 노린다 [IU trains 5 hours per day to restore honor on 'Kiss and Cry']. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
^Kim, Won-kyum (July 12, 2011). 여고생 아이유 열공! [High-school girl IU studies hard!]. The Dong-a Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 26, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
^ ab(창간26주년) 아이유, 스마트 스타의 대표주자 [(26th Anniversary) IU: Representative of a smart star] (in Korean). Sports Seoul. June 21, 2011. Archived from the original on June 23, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
^"韓国の"国民の妹"IU、来春日本デビュー決定" [The "Nation's Little Sister" of South Korea, IU, to debut in Japan next spring] (in Japanese). Oricon. November 16, 2011. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
^아이유, 9월 日 단독 콘서트... 6개월만의 '성과' [IU's solo concert in September, 6 months after 'performance']. Osen (in Korean). Seoul Broadcasting System. June 25, 2012. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
^ ab"Special: 봄과 함께 팬들 곁으로 돌아온 아이유" [Special: IU returning to the fans' side with Spring]. Naver Music (in Korean). Naver. May 11, 2012. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
^"K-POP期待の19歳が安全地帯カバー 「本当に綺麗な音楽」" [19-year-old K-pop's hope covers Anzen Chitai: Really beautiful music]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). September 18, 2012. Archived from the original on January 13, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
^아이유·수지·정겨운, SBS '가요대전' MC로 호흡 [IU, Suzy and Jung Gyu-woon selected as SBS Gayo Daejeon's MCs]. No Cut News (in Korean). December 26, 2012. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
^[포토엔]서울가요대상 아이유 '수줍은 시스루룩 패션'(서울가요대상) [Seoul Music Awards: IU's shy see-through fashion]. Newsen (in Korean). January 20, 2012. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
^Kim, Min-jung (February 29, 2012). '장기하와 얼굴들' 한국대중음악상 4관왕 [Jang Ki-ha and the Faces' 4 wins at Korea's pop awards]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
^Yang, Jin-young (March 5, 2013). '최고다 이순신' 아이유 첫 주연 소감 "안예쁜 이순신, 자신있다" ['You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin' IU's first starring role comment: "Lee Soon Shin isn't pretty, I am confident."]. NewsPim (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
^Lee, Ji-suk (March 4, 2013). ""'최고다 이순신' PD "아이유 캐스팅? 1회 끝나면 우려 없어진다"" ['You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin' PD: "IU's casting? The first episode will eliminate everyone's concerns."]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
^Lee, Ji-suk (March 4, 2013). '최고다 이순신' 고두심 "아이유 부담없는 외모" 솔직발언 폭소 ['You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin' Go Doo Shim's hilarious candid remarks: "IU looks casual."]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
^Lee, Ji-suk (March 4, 2013). '최고다 이순신' 이지훈 "아이유 준비 철저히 했다" 극찬 ['You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin' Lee Ji Hoon praises: "IU prepared thoroughly."]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
^Baek, Ah-reum (March 24, 2013). '최고다 이순신' 기대이상 아이유 눈물연기 관계자도 놀랐다 [IU's emotional acting surprises 'You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin' production crew]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
^아이유 조정석과 듀엣곡 공개, "'예쁘다송'인 이유는..." [IU and Jo Jung-suk's duet released: "The reason for 'Beautiful Song' is..."]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). August 26, 2013. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
^Park, Hyeon-min (September 12, 2013). 아이유, 일본서 신곡 발표...오리콘 차트 9위 [IU's song book published in Japan... number 9 on Oricon chart]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
^인기투표하세요, 서울드라마어워즈 스타 - 작품 - 노래. Business Wire (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. July 16, 2014. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
^Kang, Hyung-Jun (July 1, 2014). "Young Samsung" 이제는 여신이 된 국민여동생, 아이유를 만나다! [Let's meet the nation's little sister, IU, who has now become a goddess!]. Samsung (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
^ ab[스타캐스트] 아이유 '딱 한발짝... 그 만큼만 더' 준비 현장! [[Starcast] IU 'Just One Step... That Much More' concert preparation!]. Naver (in Korean). May 20, 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
^ abKim, Eun-gu (May 8, 2014). 아이유 소극장 콘서트 예매 '딱 10분 만에 끝' [IU theater concert's ticket reservation ended in 10 minutes]. E-Daily Star In. Seoul: JoongAng Media Network. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
^Lee, Jung-hyuk (June 2, 2014). '국민 여동생' 왕관 벗어던진 아이유의 생존 비법 [IU's "National Younger Sister" crown thrown out - survival secrets]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Seoul. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
^Kim, Won-gyeom (June 17, 2015). '프로듀사' 효과...중국, 아이유 러브콜 쇄도 ['Producers' effect: Deluge of love-calls from China for IU]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
^Hsu, Sandy; Kao, Annie (December 22, 2015). "就是明年1月了！終於等到「國民妹妹」IU首次訪台！門票開賣僅2分鐘即售罄" [It's next January! The wait for 'National Sister' IU's first visit to Taiwan is over! Tickets sold out in two minutes]. Vogue Taiwan (in Chinese). Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
^Hwang, Hyo-jin; Lee, Ji-hye; Sim, Ha-lim (December 1, 2015). "PEOPLE 2015: ② 아이유부터 강동원까지, 올해의 인물 10" [People 2015: From IU to Kang Dong-won, 10 Persons of the Year]. Ize. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
^Jung, Woo-sung (November 23, 2015). "2015 WOMAN OF THE YEAR - 아이유" [2015 WOMAN OF THE YEAR - IU]. GQ Korea. Archived from the original on November 26, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
^Lee, Yong-wook (March 19, 2016). 아이유-이준기 주연 한국판 '보보경심', 9월 한중 동시 방영 [Korean 'Scarlet Heart' starring IU and Lee Joon-gi to be simulcast in China in September]. MyDaily Korea (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
^'나의 아저씨' 모든 배우의 '인생작'이 되다 ['My Mister' to be a 'life work' for all of its actors]. Naver. Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
^Jeong, Hee-yeon (October 8, 2021). 아이유 19일 컴백 확정 [공식] [IU Confirmed Comeback on the 19th]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021 – via Naver.
^Park, Hye-jin (December 22, 2021). 아이유, 12월 29일 신곡 깜짝 발표...'조각집', 아트워크 티저 공개 [IU to release a new song on December 29th... 'Sculpture', artwork teaser released]. Dispatch (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021 – via Naver.
^Kim, Soo-jin. 박재범, 아이유와 첫 컬래버 시너지 통했다 [Jay Park, IU and IU's first collaboration synergy]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
^2022년 12주차 Digital Chart [Digital Chart – Week 12 of 2022] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
^"Billboard K-pop 100". Billboard Korea (in Korean). March 26, 2022. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
^Jeong, Hee-yeon (March 11, 2022). 아이유 다큐 발매 연기 (전문)[공식] [IU Documentary Release Delay (Full Text)[Official]]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
^Kim Nara (August 26, 2022). 아이유X손석구, '신인상' 받을까..."춘사국제영화제, 후보 발표" [공식] [IU X Son Seok-gu, will she receive the 'Rookie of the Year Award'... "Chunsa International Film Festival, Candidate Announcement" [Official]]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
^Choi Jeong-ah (April 18, 2022). '드림' 이병헌 감독x박서준x아이유 크랭크업 ['Dream' Director Lee Byung-hun x Park Seo-joon x IU Crankup]. Sports World (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
^Kim Bo-young (March 14, 2023). 박서준·이지은·이병헌 감독 '드림', 4월 26일 개봉 확정 [Director Park Seo-joon, Lee Ji-eun, and Lee Byung-hun's 'Dream' confirmed to be released on April 26] (in Korean). E-Daily. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023 – via Naver.
^Ji, Min-kyung (February 21, 2024). "역시 음원퀸" 아이유, 새 앨범 전곡 음원 차트 '줄 세우기' 완료 ["As expected of the music queen", IU completes 'lining up' the music charts for all songs from her new album] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024 – via Naver.
^Son, Anna (February 22, 2023). 아이유와 이지은 [IU and Lee Ji-eun]. Harper's Bazaar (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
^Hong, Seung-han (April 14, 2018). [단독]'밤편지' 아이유X김제휘, '나의 아저씨' OST로 다시 만났다 [[Exclusive] 'Night Letter' IU X Kim Je-hwi met again with 'My Mister' OST]. Sports Seoul (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
^아이유 직접 작사·작곡한 신곡 '크레파스' 음원 공개! [The new song 'Pastel Crayon', which IU wrote and composed herself, has been released!]. Korea Economic (in Korean). December 20, 2013. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
^2017년 13주차 Digital Chart [Week 13 of 2017 Digital Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on April 6, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
^2014년 01주차 Digital Chart [Week 01 of 2014 Digital Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on February 28, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
^가온차트 관찰노트 2편 [다운로드차트 누적 이용량] [Gaon Chart Observation Notes #2 (Download Count)]. Gaon Music Chart. December 30, 2021. Archived from the original on December 31, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2021 – via YouTube.
^Hwang, Mi-hyeon (August 25, 2022). 아이유, 총 기부액 43억...매년 통 커지는 '나눔' [IU's total donation of 4.3 billion won... 'Sharing' grows every year]. News 1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
^"117 로고 - 슬로건 공모전 시상 및 명예경찰 아이유 특별승진 임용" [117 logo, slogan contest prizes and honorary police IU special promotion delegation]. Korean National Police Agency (in Korean). November 6, 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
^ ab아이유, 어린이날 앞두고 소외아동 지원 위해 또 1억 기부(공식) [IU, and 100 million donation to support underprivileged children ahead of Children's Day (Official)]. Herald POP. March 5, 2018. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
^Hyo, Jeong-yoon (May 5, 2022). [단독] 아이유, 100주년 어린이날에도 선행...1억원 기부 [[Exclusive] IU, leading the 100th Children's Day... 100 million won donation]. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved May 8, 2022.
^Kim, Chae-yeon (September 18, 2022). 아이유, 데뷔 14주년 기념 2억원 기부...여전한 선한 영향력 [IU donates 200 million won to commemorate the 14th anniversary of her debut... still good influence] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Retrieved September 18, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Yu-na (May 18, 2022). 아이유, 가정의 달 맞아 저소득 취약계층 아이들에 1000만원 기부 [IU donates 10 million won to low-income and underprivileged children in celebration of Family Month] (in Korean). YTN. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Ho-jin (January 2, 2023). 아이유, 양평군에 취약계층 난방비 1000만원 기탁 [IU donates 10 million won for heating costs to the vulnerable in Yangpyeong-gun] (in Korean). Newsis. Retrieved January 2, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Woo-sung (January 5, 2024). 아이유, 양평군 취약계층에 1천만원 기부 (in Korean). Retrieved March 10, 2024.
^Ahn Byung-gil (March 5, 2022). 아이유, 산불 피해 1억원 기부 [IU donates 100 million won for wildfire damage]. Sports Trend (in Korean). Retrieved March 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^Hwang Hye-jin (August 12, 2022). 아이유, 폭우 피해복구 위해 1억 쾌척..1년8개월간 20억 이상 기부 [IU donates more than 2 billion won for 1 year and 8 months to recover from heavy rain] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved August 12, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee, Sun-myung (January 3, 2022). '지난해 15억 기부' 아이유, 가족있는 양평에 천만원 쾌척. sports.khan.co.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
^ ab아이유 50억+α 2010년 수입도 '대세' [IU's 5-billion-won 2010 income]. Newsen (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. December 29, 2010. Archived from the original on February 4, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
^ abc아이유, 온라인 게임 모델 발탁 '게임계의 여왕' ['Queen of gaming' IU is chosen as an online games model]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). November 5, 2010. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
^Jung, Hyun-soo (November 5, 2010). 엔트리브, '앨리샤' 모델에 아이유 선정 (in Korean). Retrieved September 8, 2024.
^Kwon, Myung-gwan (January 12, 2011). 국민 여동생 아이유, 삼성전자 애니콜 새 모델로 전격 발탁 ['National sister' IU appointed as the new model for Samsung Anycall]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 6, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^아이유-윤상의 'How to live SMART' (삼성전자) [IU 'How to Live Smart' (Samsung)]. Samsung (in Korean). May 27, 2011. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^아이유, '바다를 생각합니다' [IU - 'Stories told by the sea']. Expo 2012 (in Korean). January 10, 2012. Archived from the original on January 31, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^Kim, Da-jeong (September 30, 2014). 소니, 헤드폰 새 모델에 유희열-아이유 발탁 [IU and You Hee-yeol appointed as new models for Sony headphones]. ZDNet (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
^Kang, Hyung-suk (May 27, 2015). '아이유도 들어보고 깜짝!' 소니, 고음질 블루투스 오디오-헤드폰 공개 ['IU reports a surprise!' - Bluetooth audio for Sony Hi-Fi headphones released]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 4, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
^서인국 아이유, 자전거 데이트현장 포착 '실제 연인같아' [Seo In Guk and IU's bicycle dating scene captured 'like real lovers']. Newsen (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. January 18, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
^Jung-hyuk, Lee (September 1, 2011). 아이유, 이런 모습 처음이야! [This is the first-time look for IU!]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^Kim, Hee-yeon (July 16, 2012). 11번가, 국민 여동생 아이유 모델 발탁 [National sister IU selected as model for 11st]. ZDNet (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^Jung-hyuk, Lee (January 25, 2012). 동갑내기 아이유-유승호, 다정한 화보 눈길 [Same-age IU and Yoo Seung-ho in affectionate eye-catching photos]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 31, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^대세스타 아이유-송재림, 커플화보 '사랑스러워' [Pop star IU and Song Jae-rim's 'lovable' couple photoshoot]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). December 2, 2014. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
^더샘 '어반에코 하라케케', 출시 45일 만에 5만개 판매 [The Saem 'Urban Eco Harakeke Toner': 50,000 sold in 45 days after release]. Daily Sports (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. October 19, 2012. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^Wu, Yi-xuan (June 13, 2014). "IU搖身一變甜美單車少女 粉紅洋裝凸顯小蠻腰" [IU transformed into sweet bicycle girl in a pink dress]. CJ E&M enewsWorld (in Chinese). Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
^Shin, Sae-ah (December 26, 2017). "LG생활건강, CNP차앤박의 새 얼굴 '아이유'". Green Post Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 11, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
^Lee, Bo-ram (February 2, 2015). 아이소이, 가수 아이유 전속모델로 발탁 [ISOI selected singer IU as its exclusive model]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
^아이소이, '프로듀사' 아이유 화장품으로 인기 급상승! ['The Producers' IU's cosmetics brand, ISOI, is becoming popular]. BNT News (in Korean). June 9, 2015. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
^Jung, Min-ha (April 21, 2022). 우리금융그룹, 새 광고모델에 가수 아이유 선정 [Woori Financial Group selects singer IU as a new advertising model]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved April 25, 2022.
^Kim, Jong-un (November 24, 2022). "아이유 효과 이 정도?"...우리은행 뱅킹앱 이용자 상승세 눈부시네 ["Is IU's effect this much?"... The rise in Woori Bank banking app users is dazzling]. News1. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
^[포토엔]아이유 '이승한 회장님 물총 하나만~'. Newsen (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. June 6, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^Im, Hyun-woo (August 20, 2012). 신라면 블랙, 컵라면으로 부활 [Resurrection of Shin Ramen's Black Cup Noodles]. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 17, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^Kang, Se-hun (March 7, 2012). 농심, 후루룩칼국수 모델로 '아이유' 발탁 [IU appointed as Nongshim's Hoo Roo Rook noodle's model]. Business Wire (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^Kim, Si-eun (April 29, 2011). '닭치는 소녀' 아이유 치킨CF 보조출연 알고보니 '삼촌팬들' ['Chicken girl star' IU's chicken CF includes appearances from 'uncle fans']. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
^Choi, Na-young (December 31, 2022). "진지한 만남" 이종석♥︎아이유, 10년 친구 끝 열애..준비된 공개 고백이었나 [종합] ["Serious meeting" Lee Jong-suk♥︎IU, after 10 years of friendship, devoted love...was it a prepared public confession? [Comprehensive]]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Retrieved December 31, 2022 – via Naver.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
