Basic Information:
Name: Lee Ji-eun (이지은)
Date of Birth: May 16, 1993
Nationality: South Korean
Profession: Singer-Songwriter, Actress
Social Media Links: Instagram:
Biography:
Lee Ji-eun, known professionally as IU, is a highly successful South Korean singer-songwriter and actress. She was born in Seoul, South Korea. Due to financial difficulties, IU and her brother lived apart from their parents for a period during her childhood. She found solace in music at a young age and began pursuing a singing career in middle school. After facing numerous rejections from auditions, she signed with LOEN Entertainment (now Kakao Entertainment) in 2007.
IU debuted as a singer at the age of fifteen in 2008 with the song "Lost Child." While her debut was not immediately successful, she gradually gained popularity through her subsequent releases and her appearances on television. Her breakthrough came in 2010 with the song "Good Day" from her album Real. "Good Day"'s high notes and IU's charming image propelled her to national stardom.
Since then, IU has released numerous hit songs and albums, establishing herself as one of the most popular and respected artists in South Korea. She is known for her distinctive voice, her songwriting skills, and her ability to connect with audiences. Beyond her music career, IU has also achieved success as an actress, starring in popular television dramas such as "Dream High" (2011), "The Producers" (2015), "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016), "My Mister" (2018), "Hotel del Luna" (2019), and "Broker" (2022). Adding to her acting portfolio, she starred in the 2023 film Dream with Park Seo-joon and the 2024 drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.
IU is known for her philanthropic activities and her advocacy for various social causes. She has donated to numerous charities and has spoken out on issues such as bullying and mental health.
Career Timeline:
2008: Debuted as a singer with "Lost Child."
2010: Breakthrough with the song "Good Day."
2011: Acted in her first television drama, "Dream High."
2015: Starred in the drama "The Producers."
2016: Starred in the drama "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo."
2018: Starred in the drama "My Mister."
2019: Starred in the drama "Hotel del Luna."
2022: Starred in the film "Broker".
2023: Starred in the film "Dream".
2024: Starred in the drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines".
Achievements:
Awards & Recognition:
Multiple Melon Music Awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
Multiple Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), including Best Female Artist.
Gaon Chart Music Awards: Songwriter of the Year.
Baeksang Arts Awards: Best New Actress for "You Are the Best!"
Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards: Prime Minister's Commendation.
Records/Stats:
Numerous number-one hits on the Korean music charts.
Highest-charting Korean solo female act on Billboard's World Albums Chart.
Recognized as one of Forbes magazine's annual Korea Power Celebrity 40 list multiple times.
Philanthropic Work:
Regular donations to charities supporting low-income families, students, and disaster relief.
Active involvement in campaigns against bullying.
Support for organizations promoting children's welfare.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases:
"It's okay to not be okay." (Reflecting her advocacy for mental health awareness)
"I want to make music that comforts people."