Lee Ji-eun (Korean: 이지은; born May 16, 1993),[1] also known by her stage nameIU (아이유), is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress. She signed withLOEN Entertainment (nowKakao Entertainment) in 2007 as atrainee and debuted as a singer at the age of fifteen with theEPLost and Found (2008). Although her follow-up albums brought mainstream success, it was only after the release of "Good Day", the lead single from her 2010 EPReal, that she achieved national stardom. "Good Day" went on to spend five consecutive weeks at the top of South Korea'sGaon Digital Chart, and in 2019, it was ranked number one onBillboard's "100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s" list.[2]
With the success of her 2011 albums,Real+ andLast Fantasy, IU established herself as a formidable force on the music charts of her native country and further cemented hergirl next door image asKorea's "little sister".[3][4] Her musical style matured and evolved with subsequent releases, deviating from mainstreamK-pop styles, exploring and mixing various music genres, with IU exerting more creative control over her music, both aslyricist andproducer,[5][6][7] at the same time consistently retaining her dominance on South Korean music charts.[8][9][10] Her 2020 single "Eight" (prod. bySuga) became her first to reach number one onBillboard'sWorld Digital Song Sales chart.[11]
IU has released a total of five studio albums and ten EPs, five of which have reached number one on theGaon Album Chart, and thirty-one number-one singles, making her theartist with the most number-one songs in South Korea. One of the best-selling solo acts in the group-dominated K-pop industry,[12] IU became the first solo female K-pop act to perform at theOlympic Gymnastics Arena during the Seoul leg of her 2018dlwlrma concert tour for her 10th anniversary[13] and also the first Korean female artist to hold a solo concert,The Golden Hour, atSeoul Olympic Stadium in Seoul on September 17 and 18, 2022.[14]
Rolling Stone named her the 135th greatest singer of all time in a 2023 ranking.[15] She has been included six times in the top ten ofForbes magazine's annualKorea Power Celebrity list since 2012 and attained a peak ranking of number one in 2025.[16] In 2014,Billboard recognized IU as the all-time leader of itsK-pop Hot 100 with the most number-one songs and the artist with the most weeks at the number-one position on the chart.[17] She was namedGallup Korea's Singer of the Year in 2014 and in 2017.[18][19] In 2024, media outlets such asNME andBillboard referred to IU as the "Queen of K-pop," highlighting her widespread influence and consistent success in the industry.[20][21] In 2025, Forbes Korea referred to IU as the "Queen of K-pop and K-drama," noting her influence and success in both the music and acting industries.[22]
IU was born Lee Ji-eun on May 16, 1993, inSongjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea.[23][unreliable source?][24] According to IU, she was born into theJeonju Yi clan, the same clan as theformer Korean monarchy.[25] At an early age, IU showed interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry and began attending acting classes.[26] Following her elementary school years, her family's financial situation deteriorated,[27] and they eventually moved to the nearbyUijeongbu, inGyeonggi Province.[28] 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.[29][30] IU had little contact with her parents over this period of time, but felt reassured under her grandmother's care.[30]
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.[31][unreliable source?] She attended 20 auditions but failed to succeed in any of them, and was also scammed by fake entertainment companies.[32][33] She later trained at Good Entertainment withUee,Yubin,Heo Ga-yoon, andJun Hyo-seong.[34] After signing withLOEN Entertainment in 2007, she moved toBangbae,Seoul.[35] 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.[30]
Her burgeoning career led to her decreased attendance at school and declining grades, with the exception of Korean literature.[36] After graduating fromDongduk Girls' High School [ko] in 2012, IU decided not to pursue post-secondary education in tandem with her singing career.[37]
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."[38] She performed her debut single, "Lost Child" (Korean:미아), live for the first time on themusic programM Countdown on September 18, 2008, making it her debut performance as a professional singer.[39] 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.[40] "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'sMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in November that same year.[41] 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."[36]
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" onKBS2'sMusic Bank.[42] 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".[43][44] 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.[43][45] 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.[45] Several songs fromLost and Found were featured on her debut studio albumGrowing Up, including "You Know" (있잖아); a newrock-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 ofHappy Together that she disliked having to wear the girlish costumes and hairstyle fashioned for the song promotions.[46] The performances were well-received and were once again labelled "cute", reminiscent of reviews for "Boo".[47]
On June 3, 2010, IU released "Nagging", a duet with2AM'sLim 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.[52] Written byKim Eana and composed by Lee Min-soo, the pop ballad duet was used as one of the theme songs for thesecond season of the variety showWe Got Married.[53] 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.[54] IU's collaboration withSung Si-kyung on "It's You" (그대네요) for his album,The First, debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart.[55] On October 6, 2010, she released the theme song "My Dream Patissiere" for the Korean dub ofYumeiro Patissiere.[56]
A 21-second sample of "Good Day", the lead single fromReal. IU was noted for the "wide range" of her voice, while the song's popularity was ascribed to its lyrics and high-pitched climax.[57][58]
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.[59][60] 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."[61] During the album's promotional period, IU also topped the charts on the music programsM Countdown,Music Bank, andInkigayo.[62][63][64] Both Kim Eana and Lee Min-soo considered the main factors of the song's success to be the use of the wordoppa (오빠) in the chorus, as well as the three high-pitched notes that IU sings insemitone increments during the climax of the song.[65] 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.[58][66]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 showHeroes, which aired from July 18, 2010, to May 1, 2011.[34] Shortly after, IU was cast inteen dramaDream High. Filming ran from December 2010 to February 2011, during which time she remained committed toHeroes and her existing promotions for "Good Day".[67] 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.[38][66] 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.[68] 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.[69]
A follow-up extended play toReal,Real+, was released on February 16, 2011, containing three songs.[70] 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.[71] 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.[26][66] The song performed well commercially, debuting at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart.[72]
IU took on various side-projects after the end ofDream High. On March 10, 2011, IU performed as theopening act for British singer-songwriterCorinne Bailey Rae's first solo concert in Seoul with two songs, before joining Bailey Rae during her performance of "Put Your Records On".[73] 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.[74] 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.[75] The song peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart and sold 2,031,787 digital copies in 2011.[69][76] 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.[77][78] During this time, she also participated inImmortal Songs: Singing the Legend but eventually withdrew after recording one episode due to her overwhelming schedule.[79][80]
IU performing in 2011
IU's second studio album,Last Fantasy, was released on November 29, 2011.[81] TheKorea JoongAng Daily described the album as one that would "suit all kinds of musical tastes and fans", whileBillboard noted the "cinematic feel" of the album as set by the opening track, "Secret".[82][83] Produced by Jo Yeong-cheol, whom IU worked with onReal, the album contains collaborative works with singer-songwriters such as Yoon Sang,Lee Juck andRa.D. The total number of download sales made from the album's tracks exceeded 10 million within the first two weeks.[84] 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.[85][86] 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.[87] It topped the Gaon Chart as well as the newly establishedBillboardK-pop Hot 100 chart at the time of release.[86][88]
Shortly before the release ofLast Fantasy, IU signed withEMI Music Japan (now part ofUniversal Music Japan) as a precursor to her entry into the Japanese market.[89] A selection of her previously released songs was compiled into an extended play calledI□U that was released in Japan on December 14, 2011.[90]
As promotions forLast 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 theBunkamura Orchard Hall inShibuya, Tokyo to an audience of about 4,000 people on January 24, 2012.[39] 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'sOricon Singles Chart, the single album ofGood Day sold 21,000 physical copies on the first week of release with the single debuting on the chart at number six.[91] On theBillboard Japan Hot 100, "Good Day" peaked at number 5.[92] "You & I" peaked at number four on the Oricon Singles Chart and number eleven on theBillboard Japan Hot 100.[93][94] In support of her Japanese single releases, IU toured five cities—Tokyo,Sapporo,Nagoya,Osaka andFukuoka—in a mini-concert series called IU Friendship Showcase - Spring 2012.[95]
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 inSeoul.[96] The opening shows on June 2–3 were sold out within 30 minutes of the tickets going on sale on April 17.[97] 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.[97] The tour continued toUlsan,Jeonju,Suwon,Busan andDaegu, before returning to Seoul with two encore concerts that ended on September 23, 2012.[98] Guest performers includedRa.D,Lim Seul-ong andLee Seung-gi.[99]
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 theKorean age of 20, contains three songs with the lead single being "Peach".[100] Self-composed by IU, "Peach" peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart and number three on theBillboard K-pop Hot 100.[101][102] 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 theBillboard K-pop Hot 100 for four weeks.[3][103] 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 inVenice andBurano and released alongside the album, featuring both "Peach" and "Every End of the Day".[100]
IU returned to Japan on September 17, 2012, to perform one show, titled IU Friendship Special Concert — Autumn 2012, at theTokyo International Forum to a crowd of over 5,000 people.[104] WithSunny Hill as a guest act, IU performed a mixture of her own songs and covers of Korean and Japanese songs such as "Juliette" byShinee, "Friend" byAnzen Chitai and "Aishiteru" from theNatsume's Book of Friendsanime series.[105] 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 onInkigayo after taking a three-month leave due to concert commitments.[106] She also became the host of MBC's short-lived television quiz show,Quiz Show Q, alongsidePark Myeong-su and Sun Bom Soo.[107] On December 29, IU hosted the 2012SBS Gayo Daejeon alongsideBae Suzy and actorJung Gyu-woon. She was selected by the program's producer for herMC skills that she demonstrated onInkigayo.[108]
IU took her first leading role in a television series in 2013, playing the title role inYou 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.[111] Despite the worries of casting someone who is better known as a singer in the role, directorYoon Sung-sik decided to cast IU after seeing her performance inDream High and thought that she suited the image he had envisioned for the character.[112] Her co-starsGo Doo-shim andLee Ji-hoon, as well as the production crew, praised her performance, especially during emotional scenes.[113][114][115] 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%.[116][117] She was nominated for the Excellence in Acting Award (Best Actress in a Serial Drama) at the2013 KBS Drama Awards. For the drama, she released a recording with her co-starJo Jung-suk of her self-composed duet, "Beautiful Song" (예쁘다송), which was not included on the official soundtrack.[118]
IU at aModern Times concert inBusan, 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 theBillboard Japan Hot 100.[119]Rolling Stone Japan gave the album a positive review, highlighting "Beautiful Dancer" and "Truth" as stand-out tracks.[120] In an interview withOricon, IU recalled how shocked and touched she was to receive "Beautiful Dancer" and "Truth" fromR&B producersJimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.[121] Her next Japanese single, "Monday Afternoon", was released on September 11, 2013, debuting at number 27 onBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart and number 9 on Japan's Oricon Daily Chart.[122][123]
Almost two years afterLast 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.[124] 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.[125] The diversity of jazz styles and the mix of collaborative tracks were highlighted in reviews byBillboard andThe Korea Herald.[4][126]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.[127][128] Similarly, the album debuted number four onBillboard's World Albums Chart, with twelve tracks in theK-pop Hot 100 chart.[129][130] The album was ranked number two onBillboard's "25 Greatest K-Pop Albums of the 2010s" list.[5]
On the second week of her promotional activities forModern Times, IU decided to join the romantic-comedy seriesBel Ami.[131] 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.[131] For her performance, IU was nominated in the Outstanding Korean Actress category at the2014 Seoul International Drama Awards.[132] In support ofModern Times, IU held hersecond concert tour with three shows which took place on November 23–24, 2013, atKyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul and ended on December 1, 2013, at KBS Hall in Busan.[133] Promotions forModern Times progressed into 2014 with IU performing inHong Kong for the first time in a solo concert.[134] A repackaged version ofModern Times, titledModern 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 inModern Times but was later released as the lead single ofModern Times — Epilogue.[135] Described as a "mid-tempo, bossa nova number", "Friday" held the number one position on theBillboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 chart for two weeks after release.[88][136] The lead single was successful on the Gaon Digital Chart, peaking at number one, and became the tenth best-selling digital single of 2014.[137][138]
IU released her sixth Korean extended-play and firstcover album,A Flower Bookmark, on May 16, 2014. The album contains seven renditions of tracks that hailed from the1980s and1990s with a mixture of genres that included ballad, dance, folk and rock.[139] The album came about at the request of fans and due to the positive feedback she had previously received for her cover songs.[140] 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.[141][142] However, it was her collaboration withKim 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.[143] It was also well received critically.[82][144]
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".[145] The concert series took place over eight nights from May 22 to June 1 atSogang University's Mary Hall, which had a capacity of 450 people.[146] Tickets to all eight shows were sold out within 10 minutes of release on May 7, 2014.[146] Profits made from the concerts were donated to the victims of theSewol Ferry Disaster.[147]
Two months after her solo concerts ended, IU made her debut performance in the United States at theKCON music festival held in Los Angeles on August 9–10.[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]
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 ofHigh4, which featured IU as lyricist and vocalist, reached number one on both the Gaon Digital Chart andBillboard Korea K-pop Hot 100;[17][150] "Anxious Heart" (애타는 마음), recorded byUlala Session and IU in 2012 but 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;[151][152] "Sing for Me" (노래 불러줘요), which was released as part ofg.o.d's eighth studio album, peaked at number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart;[153][154] "Sogyeokdong" (소격동), written bySeo Taiji for hisQuiet Night album and sung by IU in the October 2 release version, debuted at number four on the Gaon Digital Chart;[155][156] and "When Would It Be" (언제쯤이면), a duet with her labelmateYoon Hyun-sang for his debut album,Pianoforte, also peaked at number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart.[157][158] After "Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms" toppedBillboard 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.[17]
2015–2016: Continued acting success and further EP releases
In 2015, two years after her last acting role, IU starred alongsideKim Soo-hyun,Cha Tae-hyun, andGong Hyo-jin inThe Producers, which was named as one of the most anticipated TV series of the year in South Korea.[159] She played Cindy, a diva-like singer who decides to participate in avariety 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.[159] 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.[160][161] 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.[162][163] "Heart" was among a slew ofK-pop songs used bySouth 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".[164][165] ThroughThe Producers, IU's popularity in China soared—reportedly receiving offers for several projects from Chinese companies.[166]
After the completion ofThe 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 withPark Myeong-su, with whom she recorded and performed the song, "Leon" (as inspired by the filmLéon: The Professional). The live performance event on August 13, 2015, attracted an estimated crowd of 40,000 atAlpensia Ski Jumping Stadium.[167] 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.[168]
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.[169] She was also credited as the album's executive producer.[7] 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.[9] The album reached a peak position of number four onBillboard's World Albums chart.[170]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.[82][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).[171] On November 4, the Korean publisher of the novelMy 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".[172][173] 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."[172] On November 10, the publisher released an apology for its failure to acknowledge "diversity of interpretation."[172][173] For the bonus track "Twenty Three", voice samples fromBritney Spears' "Gimme More" were allegedly used without permission.[174]Billboard rankedChat-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."[175]
Prior to the release ofChat-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.[176] TheChat-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.[177][178] In the midst of her concert tour forChat-Shire in South Korea, IU also increased promotional activities inHong 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.[179] Containing 16 previously released songs,Smash Hits was published byWarner Music Taiwan and topped the K-pop album chart of Taiwan's leading online music store,KKBOX, on its first week of release.[180] Tickets to her concert of January 10, 2016, in Taiwan also sold out within two minutes of going on sale.[181] Towards the end of 2015, IU hosted SBS's annual end-of-year music program,Gayo Daejeon, withShin 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'."[182] For her accomplishments in 2015,Ize listed IU as one of the "Persons of the Year", whileGQ Korea named her as the "Woman of the Year".[183][184] In September 2016, IU starred as the lead role, Hae Soo, inMoon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, a Korean adaptation of the Chinese novelBu Bu Jing Xin.[185][186]
IU at her Palette concert inSeoul, 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.[187][188] Three singles from the album were released earlier; thelead single of the same name featuringG-Dragon fromBIGBANG;[189] as well as two pre-release tracks "Through the Night" and "Can't Love You Anymore".[190][191]Palette (팔레트) debuted atopBillboard World Albums chart, a first for the singer,[192] and topped local charts in both album sales and downloads.[193]Palette was a commercial success, with all three singles from the album peaking at the top of theGaon Digital Chart,[194][195][196] 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.[197]
Palette was also critically acclaimed and received multiple accolades, including "Best Pop Album" at the 15thKorean Music Awards,[198] "Album of the Year" at the Melon Music Awards,[199] and "Record of the Year (Album)" award at the 27thSeoul Music Awards;[200] IU herself was awarded the Best Female Artist at theMnet Asian Music Awards.[201] The album also earned IU a "Best Songwriter" award at the Melon Music Awards,[199] a "Lyricist of the Year" award at the seventhGaon Chart Music Awards and a "Producer of the Year" award for herself and her production team.[202] IU also received the "Song of the Year" award at the 32ndGolden Disc Awards for her hit song "Through the Night".[203]Billboard magazine listed "Palette" at number six on its list of "Best K-Pop Songs of 2017."[204]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.[205] Furthermore,Billboard rankedPalette the best K-pop album of 2017, explaining that "An album as impressive and sonically diverse asPalette proves why injecting an artist's personal experiences into their music can lead to their greatest work yet."[206]
IU released her second cover album,A Flower Bookmark 2 on September 22, 2017.[207][208] 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.[209][210] 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.[211] IU was also featured in the title song, "Love Story", ofEpik 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.[19][212]
In March 2018, IU starred in tvN'sMy Mister, playing the character Lee Ji-an.[213] The series was commercially and critically successful with peak audience ratings of 7.3% making it one of thehighest rated Korean dramas in cable television history, and positive reviews for IU's performance.[214][215] IU then contributed her vocals toZico'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.[216]
IU at her 10th anniversary fanmeeting 'IU+' in September 2018
To commemorate her tenth debut anniversary, IU released a single titled "Bbibbi" on October 10, 2018.[217] The song surpassed one million unique listeners on Korea's largest music site,Melon, only 16 hours after its release, and by 23 hours in, it broke the previous 24-hour unique listener record set by her duet "Leon" withPark Myung-su in 2015.[218] "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 theBillboard's World Digital Songs Chart.[219][220]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."[221] The single was also listed at number 4 onBillboard's list of "The 20 Best K-pop Songs of 2018".[222] IU began her first Asian tour, titled IU 10th Anniversary Tour Concert, on October 28, 2018.[223] Two months later, IU featured onKim Dong-ryul's "Fairytale", which peaked at number four on theGaon Digital Chart.[224]
IU at a concert in Jeju during the Dlwlrma tour on January 5, 2019
On April 11, 2019, IU made her film debut in theNetflixanthology seriesPersona.[225] She portrayed different characters in each of the four short films which were written and directed by the critically acclaimed directorsLee Kyoung-mi,Yim Pil-sung, Jeon Go-woon andKim Jong-kwan.[226][227] It was the sixth most popular program on Netflix in Korea in 2019.[228] During the summer, IU starred in the fantasy mystery dramaHotel del Luna, written by theHong Sisters. She also sang one of the songs on the soundtrack, "Happy Ending".[229] The drama was a commercial success, recording the highest ratings in its timeslot throughout its run.[230]
IU was set to release her ninth extended play,Love Poem, on November 1, 2019; however, she decided to postpone the EP's release to November 18 following her close friendSulli's death.[231][232] Her single "Peach" (2012), inspired by Sulli, re-entered charts as a tribute to the late singer.[233] The EP's eponymouslead single was released as planned, subsequently peaking at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart, and at number nine onBillboard's World Digital Songs Chart.[234][235] On November 2, 2019, IU began her second Asian tour, titled Love Poem, inGwangju.[236] Nearly 90,000 fans attended her two-month tour during which she visited 10 cities.[237]
For the first time in nine years, IU participated in a soundtrack album with the song "Give You My Heart" for the hit romantic comedyCrash Landing on You.[238] Released on February 15, 2020, it debuted at number 71 on South Korea'sGaon Digital Chart, 2020,[239] rising and reaching number one the following week.[240] On May 6, 2020, IU released the single "Eight" featuring and produced byBTS'sSuga.[241] As the song's title derives from the last digit of the Korean age "twenty-eight" of both artists,[242] it follows IU's previous singles "Twenty-Three" (2015) and "Palette" (2017) which together comprise her "coming-of-age" series.[243] On June 19, 2020, IU released the song "Into the I-LAND" as the signal song for the survival reality showI-Land.[244]
On January 9, 2021, IU won Song of the Year at the35th Golden Disc Awards for "Blueming", becoming the first female soloist to win two grand prizes in the award show's history.[245] 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.[246] Two days later, Edam Entertainment confirmed her return with the pre-release single "Celebrity" on January 27, 2021.[247] On March 3, she announced her fifth studio album,Lilac, which was released on March 25[248] to immediate commercial success. The album debuted atop theGaon 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.[249] IU later teased a special album titledPieces, which was released on December 29.[250]
IU's first project of 2022 was the collaborative single "Ganadara" withJay Park, which peaked at number one on both the Gaon Digital Chart and theBillboard K-pop Hot 100.[251][252][253] Her first documentary,Pieces: 29th Winter, was scheduled to release on March 16 but was later postponed to March 23.[254]
The following month, IU starred in the filmBroker, playing single mother So-young, who initially decides to leave her newborn at ababy box but later changes her mind and tries to retrieve her child.[255] DirectorHirokazu Kore-eda choose to cast IU after seeing her moving performance inMy Mister (2018), as he felt that she was the only actress who could embody So-young's character.[255] 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."[256] The performance earned her a nomination for Best New Actress at the27th Chunsa International Film Festival.[257]
On April 4, 2023,Big Hit Music announced the second collaboration between IU andBTS memberSuga, 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 albumD-Day.[258] In the same month,Lee Byeong-heon'sDream was released in theaters,[259] marking IU's first feature film role.[260] Later on, she held the media art exhibition "Moment" from July 21 to August 20, 2023, at Galleria Forêt The Seoul Lightium in Seongdong District, Seoul, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of her debut.[261]
IU released the pre-release single "Love Wins All" on January 24, 2024, with the song debuting atop theCircle Digital Chart.[262][263] This would be part of her sixth EPThe Winning, which was released on February 20.[264] She then toured Asia, North America and Europe with theIU HEREH World Tour.[265] The final concert of the tour, held atSeoul World Cup Stadium in September, marked the first entry by a female musician into the venue and the 100th concert of the singer's career.[266] In December 2024, IU was cast as the main lead of romance drama21st Century Grand Prince's Wife opposite actorByeon Woo-seok.[267]
2025–present:When Life Gives You Tangerines andA Flower Bookmark 3
IU released the digital single "Bye, Summer" on September 10.[278] She then held a fan meet-up titled 2025 IU Fan Meet-Up (Bye, Summer) on September 13 and 14 at the KSPO Dome to celebrate her 17th debut anniversary, becoming the first K-pop soloist and actress to hold a fan meeting at the venue.[279]
IU has been credited for writing over seventy-six 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 wereYoo Seung-ho's "Believe in Love", which she featured on, for the compilation albumRoad for Hope,[280] and "Alone in the Room" from her third extended play (EP)Real.[281] Her first self-composition was "Hold My Hand" forThe Greatest Love in 2011.[75][282] 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.[283] On her second studio albumLast Fantasy,[284] IU began to take more creative control over her music, writing six of the thirteen total tracks. Her following studio albumModern Times[285] and its re-releaseModern Times – Epilogue[286] was also mostly written by IU and South Korean lyricistKim Eana, who had previously written multiple tracks onLast Fantasy. IU wrote the lyrics to each track on her subsequent releases,Chat-Shire[169] andPalette,[287] with the exception of one song on the latter, and served as executive producer of both. The lyrics on her fifth EPLove Poem[288] were entirely self-written, and she received composition credits on two tracks, "The Visitor"[288] and "Blueming".[288] IU wrote lyrics to all the tracks on her fifth studio album,Lilac.[289] Additionally, she helped compose two of the album's singles, "Coin" and "Celebrity".[289] In 2021, she also released the albumPieces consisting of five acoustic and orchestral songs, entirely in Korean, written, composed, arranged and produced by IU over the years. The lyrics on her sixth EPThe Winning were entirely self written, and she received composition credits on the track "Holssi". IU has also written and performed multiple songs for various South Korean films and dramas, includingThe Producers,[290]My Mister,[291]Bel Ami[292] andHotel Del Luna.[293] Nineteen of the tracks written by IU have been released as singles, with fifteen of those reaching the top of the Gaon Digital Chart, including "Through the Night"[294] and "Friday",[295] the third and fifthbest-selling singles in South Korea, with more than seven million[296] and five million sales, respectively.[297]
According toThe 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 fromPalette.[298]
IU possesses asoprano vocal range,[299][300] withacoustician and professor Myung-jin Bae expressing her range also hasmezzo-soprano qualities when writing an article comparing her voice toHyun Bin.[301][302] Her vocal ability is often met with positive reception. Monique Danao ofSouth China Morning Post noted that IU could quickly transition from a "sweet" voice to "hit powerful notes".[299] On his 2011 academic paper co-written by Doo-heon Kyon atSoongsil 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]".[300]
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 theForbes Korea Power Celebrity list as one of the most influential people in South Korea, and has since been mentioned six times.[16] Additionally, IU was honored at the 2015Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, held by theKorean 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 byCJ ENM, which recognizes talents from the Korean film and television industry for their contributions to "leading trends and spearheading innovations."[304]
In December 2024, IU provided prepaid meals and snacks to people participating in protests, calling for theimpeachment of South Korean presidentYoon Suk Yeol, following hisdeclaration of martial law.[305] Yoon supporters have subsequently left malicious comment on her social media accounts, accusing her of being a "leftist" and calling for boycotts of her endorsed products.[306][307]
In 2010, two years after her debut, IU donated all the proceeds from her duet song with actor Yoo Seung-ho, while in 2011, she donated the proceeds from her fan meeting.[308] In 2012, she was chosen as an ambassador for South Korea'sNational 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.[309] In 2016, IU established a scholarship at her high school alma-mater after regularly donating there for several years.[310]
In 2015, IU volunteered and donated to the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation.[311] She has been a regular donor since 2018,[312] helping to support tuition for prospective college students among low-income families, single parents, disabled children, and grandparents raising their grandchildren.[313][314][315] She makes regular donations on her birthday, debut anniversary and special occasions to foundations helping not only children, but marginalized groups in society such as unwed mothers, elderly people, cancer patients and the homeless, both under her name and her fandom's.[316] She has been supporting vulnerable social groups inYangpyeong County since 2020, reaching a total of ₩145 million at the end of 2024.[317]
In 2014, 2018 and 2023, she participated in theIce Bucket Challenge, anInternet challenge designed to promoteAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) awareness, and donated ₩60 million.[318] In 2019, after having to learn sign language forMy Mister the year before, IU donated ₩50 million to the Deaf Senior Citizens Support Center.[319] Her philanthropy efforts throughout the year earned her a mention inForbes' "Asia's 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy: Catalysts For Change", being the youngest to have made the list.[320]
DuringCOVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she donated 3,000 pieces of medical protective clothing[321] and about 4,600 cooling vests for nurses.[322] In January 2023, she featured in charity song "One Step" to promote disability awareness,[323] and in April 2023 she held a pizza party for students and teachers at Milal School, a special school for the developmentally disabled, offering rice cakes prepared by her mother.[324]
IU has also supported natural disaster relief efforts, donating ₩100 million to help the victims of floods in August 2020,[325] and ₩100 million for residents affected by the 2022Uljin andSamcheok wildfires and theSouth Korean floods.[326][327] In March 2025, she donated ₩200 million to wildfire relief efforts inNorth andSouth Gyeongsang.[328]
As of December 2024, IU has donated ₩6 billion since her debut,[316] and over ₩1.5 billion in 2022 alone.[329]
IU at a Sony product launching event on September 20, 2017
IU is one of the highest-earning celebrities in South Korea,[330] with endorsements attributing to a proportion of her income.[331] Over the course of her career, she has endorsed various products that ranged from electronics to clothing and cosmetics.[332] Her breakthrough in 2010 earned her the first three endorsement deals she had withCrown Confectionery's MyChew candy, Crown Bakery and clothing brand Y'sb.[332][333] Among her first endorsements that year were also video games.[334] When developerNtreev Soft had chosen IU to endorseMMORPGAlicia: The Story of My Horse and I, they cited her "simple and innocent" image had complemented with the game's vibe,[334] and featured her in the soundtrack.[335] IU announced the player introductions for theGlobal StarCraft II League[334] — she later performed at the finals of the league in 2011.[336]
In April 2022, IU was selected as an advertising model byWoori Financial Group, owner of one of the four largest banks in South Korea, for her influence across various generations.[369] That same month, theMAU (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. Aspokesperson of Woori said that they believed it was an effect of IU's endorsement.[370] Other endorsements includeS-Oil,[371]Homeplus,[372]Nongshim's products,[c] fast-food chain Mexicana Chicken,[375] andJeju Samdasoo[376] and BinggraeBanana Flavored Milk both in mid-2020.[377][378] In November 2014,HiteJinro announced that IU had become the spokesperson forChamisulsoju.[379] They renewed a contract with her in December 2015.[380] In April 2024,Estée Lauder announced IU as its first Korean global brand ambassador.[381]
She was the female model with the most advertising appearances on television in 2024, starring in commercials for 13 different brands.[382]
IU was in a relationship with indie rock singerChang Kiha from 2013 to 2017.[383][384] In 2021,South China Morning Post estimated IU's net worth to be aroundUS$31–45 million, making her the wealthiest female Korean idol singer.[385] In December 2022, IU was confirmed to be in a relationship with actorLee Jong-suk.[386]
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^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. RetrievedJanuary 6, 2016.
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^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 fromthe original on November 25, 2015. RetrievedNovember 25, 2015.
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^abSpecial: 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. RetrievedDecember 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. RetrievedDecember 27, 2015.
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^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. RetrievedDecember 31, 2015.
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^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. RetrievedFebruary 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 (in Korean). JoongAng Media Network. Archived fromthe original on March 3, 2016. RetrievedJanuary 5, 2016.
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^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. RetrievedJanuary 9, 2016.
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^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 fromthe original on March 4, 2016. RetrievedJanuary 10, 2016.
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^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. RetrievedMarch 13, 2022.
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^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. RetrievedOctober 6, 2022.
^아이유, 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. RetrievedJuly 20, 2018.
^Ahn, Byung-gil (March 5, 2022).아이유, 산불 피해 1억원 기부 [IU donates 100 million won for wildfire damage].Sports Trend (in Korean). RetrievedMarch 6, 2022 – viaNaver.
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^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. RetrievedJanuary 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. RetrievedJanuary 30, 2016.
^아이유, '바다를 생각합니다' [IU - 'Stories told by the sea'].Expo 2012 (in Korean). January 10, 2012. Archived fromthe original on January 31, 2016. RetrievedJanuary 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. RetrievedFebruary 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. RetrievedFebruary 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 fromthe original on February 4, 2016. RetrievedJanuary 17, 2016.
^Lee, Jung-hyuk (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. RetrievedJanuary 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. RetrievedJanuary 30, 2016.
^Lee, Jung-hyuk (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. RetrievedJanuary 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. RetrievedFebruary 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. RetrievedJanuary 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 fromthe original on February 5, 2016. RetrievedFebruary 5, 2016.
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^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. RetrievedFebruary 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. RetrievedFebruary 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). RetrievedApril 25, 2022.
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