IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress often crowned as the “Queen of K-pop and K-drama.”
She was born on May 16, 1993 (33 years old), in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
She began her career at just fifteen with the mini album Lost and Found (2008), and shot into national stardom with her chart-topping 2010 single “Good Day,” which held the top of Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart for five straight weeks.
Beyond music, IU has become one of Korea’s most beloved screen stars. She led hit dramas like Dream High (2011), My Mister (2018), Hotel Del Luna (2019), and the 2025 Netflix sensation When Life Gives You Tangerines. She also starred in the film Broker (2022).
She won the Best Actress award at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards for When Life Gives You Tangerines, and topped the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list at number one in 2025.
Quick Facts of IU
| Full Name | Lee Ji-eun |
| Stage Name | IU |
| Nickname | Nation’s Little Sister, Nation’s Sweetheart |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Age | 33 years old |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1993 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea |
| Current Address | Seoul, South Korea |
| Gender | Female |
IU Early Life and Education
IU was born as Lee Ji-eun in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea. She was born into the Jeonju Yi clan, the same clan as the former Korean monarchy.
From a young age, IU took a keen interest in the entertainment world and started attending acting classes early in life. After her family faced financial troubles, they moved to Uijeongbu in Gyeonggi Province.
She and her younger brother lived apart from their parents for over a year, staying in a small studio room with their grandmother and cousin during a period of great poverty. She has often spoken about how her grandmother’s care kept her strong through that time.
She found her love for singing during middle school, after receiving warm applause for a performance at her school’s sports event. She then attended around 20 auditions, all of which she failed, before finally signing with LOEN Entertainment in 2007.
Education
IU attended Dongduk Girls’ High School in Seoul. As her singing career took off, her school attendance dropped and her grades declined, except in Korean literature, which remained her strongest subject.
She graduated from Dongduk Girls’ High School in February 2012. She chose not to pursue higher studies so she could focus fully on her singing career.
| School | Dongduk Girls’ High School |
| Alma Mater | Dongduk Girls’ High School |
| Highest Qualification | High School Graduate |
IU Personal Life
IU is known for keeping her personal life private, but she has always been warm and open about her family, close friends, and current relationship.
Boyfriend
IU is currently in a public relationship with South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk. Their romance was publicly acknowledged in December 2022, and the couple is now in their fourth year together.
Lee Jong-suk is one of South Korea’s most popular actors. He began his career as a runway model in 2005, becoming the youngest male model to walk at Seoul Fashion Week.
He and IU first met in 2012 on SBS’s music show Inkigayo, where both worked as MCs. Their friendship slowly grew into a romance over the years.
Lee Jong-suk has openly written a heartfelt letter about IU, saying she makes him want to become an even better person.
Previous Relationship
Before Lee Jong-suk, IU dated Korean singer, radio DJ, and writer Jang Ki-ha. The couple confirmed their romance in 2013 and ended their relationship in 2017.
Parents
Her father’s name is Lee Jin-kook. Her mother’s name is Kim Mi-sam. She is a homemaker. More details about her parents are yet to be updated.
Her parents were often away for work during her childhood, which led IU and her younger brother to live with their grandmother for a long time.
Siblings
IU has one younger brother named Lee Jong-hoon, born in 1997. He is four years younger than her. He has kept a very private life and, according to IU, has often pretended not to be her brother in public because of the attention around her fame.
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Boyfriend | Lee Jong-suk |
| Ex-Boyfriend | Jang Ki-ha |
| Parents | Father: Lee Jin-kook Mother: Kim Mi-sam |
| Siblings | Brother: Lee Jong-hoon |
IU Career
IU began her journey as a singer at fifteen and slowly rose to become one of South Korea’s most beloved artists, admired for both her music and acting. Her career spans music, television dramas, films, and hosting.
Music Debut and Rise to Fame (2008 to 2010)
IU signed with LOEN Entertainment in 2007 and made her music debut on September 18, 2008, performing her single “Lost Child” on M Countdown. Her debut EP Lost and Found was released the same month.
She released her first studio album Growing Up in 2009 with the lead single “Boo.” Her real breakthrough came in 2010 with the mini album Real, and its lead single “Good Day,” which stayed at the top of South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart for five consecutive weeks.
Acting Debut and Early Roles (2011 to 2013)
IU stepped into acting with the KBS2 musical drama Dream High (2011), where she played Kim Pil-suk. She shared the screen with Bae Suzy, Kim Soo-hyun, Ok Taec-yeon, Hahm Eun-jung, and Jang Woo-young.
In 2013, she took her first leading television role in KBS2’s weekend family drama You’re the Best, opposite Jo Jung-suk. The main cast also included Yoo In-na, Lee Ji-hoon, Go Doo-shim, Lee Mi-sook, Kim Gab-soo, and Son Tae-young.
Later that year, she starred in the KBS2 romantic comedy Bel Ami (also known as Pretty Man) alongside Jang Keun-suk, Lee Jang-woo, and Han Chae-young.
Rising Actress Phase (2015 to 2016)
In 2015, IU joined the KBS2 comedy drama The Producers, playing top singer Cindy. The main cast included Cha Tae-hyun, Gong Hyo-jin, and Kim Soo-hyun.
In 2016, she led SBS’s historical fantasy series Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, playing Hae Soo. Her co-stars included Lee Joon-gi, Kang Ha-neul, Hong Jong-hyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, Byun Baekhyun, Ji Soo, Yoon Sun-woo, and Kang Han-na.
Award Winning Peak (2018 to 2019)
In 2018, IU headlined tvN’s critically acclaimed drama My Mister opposite Lee Sun-kyun. The main cast also included Lee Ji-ah, Park Ho-san, Song Sae-byeok, Go Doo-shim, Jang Ki-yong, Kwon Nara, and Oh Na-ra.
In April 2019, she starred in the Netflix anthology film Persona, sharing scenes with Bae Doona in one of its four short stories.
That summer, she led tvN’s fantasy drama Hotel del Luna as the mysterious CEO Jang Man-wol. Her co-stars included Yeo Jin-goo, Shin Jung-keun, Bae Hae-sun, P.O, Lee Do-hyun, Kang Mi-na, and Cho Hyun-chul.
Film Career Expansion (2021 to 2023)
In 2021, IU made her feature film debut in Shades of the Heart, sharing the screen with Yeon Woo-jin.
In 2022, she starred in the film Broker, playing single mother So-young. Her co-stars in the film were Song Kang-ho, Bae Doona, and Gang Dong-won. The film premiered at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.
In 2023, she starred in the sports comedy film Dream, playing a documentary director. Her co-stars included Park Seo-joon, Lee Hyun-woo, and Go Chang-seok.
Return to K-drama Success and Recent Work (2025 to 2026)
In March 2025, IU returned to television with Netflix’s slice of life drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. She played Oh Ae-sun and Yang Geum-myeong opposite Park Bo-gum. The main cast also included Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon, with supporting roles by Yeom Hye-ran, Choi Dae-hoon, and Oh Min-ae.
The show earned her the Best Actress award at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards.
In April 2026, IU headlined MBC’s romantic comedy Perfect Crown (formerly titled Wife of a 21st Century Prince) as chaebol heiress Seong Hee-joo. Her co-stars included Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun (Steve Noh), Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Su-bin, Lee Yeon, and Chae Seo-an.
The series achieved strong domestic ratings, peaking at 13.8% nationwide, and became Disney+’s most-watched South Korean series globally with over 43 million viewing hours.
IU’s next acting projects are yet to be updated.
IU Awards and Achievements
IU has received a remarkable number of awards throughout her music and acting career. She is a two-time Grand Prize winner at the Golden Disc Awards, one of the most decorated K-pop soloists, and now a Blue Dragon Series Awards Best Actress winner for her role in When Life Gives You Tangerines.
She has also been honored by the South Korean government with the Prime Minister’s Commendation and has been named in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list multiple times, reaching number one in 2025.
Her Major Wins
- Melon Music Awards (2011): Won Song of the Year (Daesang) for “Good Day,” and Top 10 Artist.
- Mnet Asian Music Awards (2011): Won Best Solo Vocal Performance for “Good Day.”
- Seoul Music Awards (2011): Won Record of the Year (Digital) for “Good Day.”
- Korean Music Awards (2012): Won Song of the Year (Daesang), Best Korean Pop Song, and Female Musician of the Year for “Good Day.”
- Mnet Asian Music Awards (2012): Won Record of the Year (Album) and Best Female Artist for Last Fantasy and “You & I.”
- KBS Drama Awards (2013): Won Best New Actress for You’re the Best, Lee Soon-shin and Bel Ami. Also won Best Couple Award with Jo Jung-suk for You’re the Best, Lee Soon-shin.
- Melon Music Awards (2014): Won Artist of the Year (Daesang) and Top 10 Artist.
- Prime Minister’s Commendation (2015): Honored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for her contribution to music.
- Melon Music Awards (2017): Won Album of the Year (Daesang) for Palette, Best Songwriter, and Top 10 Artist.
- Golden Disc Awards (2018): Won Digital Daesang (Song of the Year) and Digital Bonsang for “Through the Night.”
- Korean Music Awards (2018): Won Best Pop Album for Palette.
- Asia Artist Awards (2018): Won Artist of the Year (Television/Film), Asia Hot Artist, Best Actor Award, and Popularity Award (Actress).
- APAN Star Awards (2018): Won Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries for My Mister.
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2019): Won Most Popular Actress (TV) for My Mister.
- Golden Disc Awards (2021): Won Digital Daesang and Digital Bonsang for “Blueming,” making her the first female soloist to win two Grand Prizes in the award show’s history.
- Mnet Asian Music Awards (2020): Won Best Female Artist, Best Vocal Performance (Solo) for “Blueming,” and Best Collaboration with Suga for “Eight.”
- Golden Disc Awards (2022): Won Album Bonsang for Lilac and Digital Bonsang for “Celebrity.”
- Korean Music Awards (2022): Won Best Pop Album for Lilac.
- Chunsa Film Art Awards (2022): Won Best New Actress for Broker.
- Korean Association of Film Critics Awards (2022): Won Best New Actress for Broker.
- Golden Cinematography Awards (2022): Won Best New Actress for Broker.
- Blue Dragon Film Awards (2022): Won Popular Star Award for Broker.
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2023): Won Most Popular Actress and the TikTok Popularity Award (Female).
- Golden Disc Awards (2025): Won Digital Song Bonsang for “Love Wins All.”
- Blue Dragon Series Awards (2025): Won Best Actress and Popular Star Award for When Life Gives You Tangerines.
- APAN Star Awards (2025): Won Grand Prize (Daesang) for When Life Gives You Tangerines.
- Asia Artist Awards (2025): Won Artist of the Year (Actor) Daesang, Best Artist (Actor), Best Couple with Park Bo-gum, Hot Trend Award, Fabulous Award, and AAA 10 Legendary Female Solo.
- Fundex Awards (2025): Won Best Actress of OTT Original Drama for When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Her Key Nominations
- KBS Drama Awards (2011): Nominated for Best New Actress and Best Couple Award with Jang Wooyoung for Dream High.
- Golden Disc Awards (2014): Nominated for Digital Daesang for “The Red Shoes” and Disc Daesang for Modern Times.
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2019): Nominated for Best Actress (Television) for My Mister.
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2020): Nominated for Best Actress (Television) for Hotel del Luna.
- Asian Film Awards (2022): Nominated for Best Newcomer for Broker.
- Grand Bell Awards (2022): Nominated for Best New Actress for Broker.
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2023): Nominated for Best New Actress (Film) for Broker.
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Actress (Television) for When Life Gives You Tangerines.
- Korean Music Awards (2025): Nominated for “Love Wins All.”
IU Controversies
IU has largely maintained a clean image throughout her career, but she has faced a few public controversies over the years. Most were tied to her work or misunderstandings, and she has openly addressed them when needed.
Eunhyuk photo incident (November 2012): IU accidentally uploaded a private photo on Twitter that showed her in pajamas with Super Junior’s Eunhyuk sitting beside her without a shirt. Her label LOEN Entertainment clarified that Eunhyuk had visited her while she was sick, and IU later publicly apologized for the mistake on SBS’s Incarnation.
Chat-Shire and Zeze controversy (2015): Her mini album Chat-Shire faced criticism over the song “Zeze,” inspired by the character from the novel My Sweet Orange Tree. Many accused the lyrics of sexualising a child. The book’s publisher publicly objected, and IU later issued an apology while explaining her artistic interpretation.
Plagiarism accusations against six songs (2023 to 2024): A member of the public filed a police complaint accusing IU of plagiarising six of her hit songs, including “Good Day,” “The Red Shoes,” and “Celebrity.” The police dismissed the case in August 2023, and in December 2024, the Seoul Central District Court ordered the accuser to pay 30 million won (around $21,000) in damages to IU.
Perfect Crown historical distortion issue (May 2026): Her drama Perfect Crown faced backlash after episode 11 for its royal coronation scene, which viewers said used elements resembling Chinese tributary state protocol instead of independent Korean monarchy tradition. A public petition was filed on the National Assembly’s electronic petition system and passed the 50,000 signature threshold. MBC edited the scenes, and IU, Byeon Woo-seok, the writer, and the director all issued public apologies.
IU Net Worth
IU’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. Because of this, most figures reported online are based on industry estimates and audit reports.
Her net worth is estimated to be between $15 million (₹125 crore) and $45 million (₹375 crore), with recent reports suggesting the higher figure due to her music royalties, concert earnings, acting fees, and brand endorsements.
For her role in When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025), industry sources report she earned around ₩300 million ($222,000, ₹1.85 crore) per episode, though earlier rumours of ₩500 million per episode were denied by her production company Pan Entertainment.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $15 million to $45 million (₹125 crore to ₹375 crore) |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₩300 million (approx. $222,000 / ₹1.85 crore) per episode |
IU Height, Weight and Physical Stats
| Height | In centimetres: 162 cm In meters: 1.62 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 3¾ inches |
| Weight | In kg: 47 kg In lbs: 103 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 32-23-33 inches |
| Hair Color | Black (often dyed brown) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
IU Social media
 @dlwlrma | |
| X |  @_IUofficial |
 @iu.loen | |
| YouTube |  @dlwlrma |
Interesting Facts about IU
- Her stage name “IU” was created by her agency LOEN Entertainment and comes from the phrase “I and You,” symbolising that people can become one through music.
- Her Instagram handle @dlwlrma comes from typing her name “Lee Ji-eum” on a QWERTY keyboard while set to Korean input.
- She trained at Good Entertainment before joining LOEN, alongside fellow future K-pop stars Uee, Yubin, Heo Ga-yoon, and Jun Hyo-seong.
- She hosts her own YouTube web talk show called IU’s Palette, where she interviews fellow K-pop artists, actors, and celebrities in a cosy at-home style setting.
- She was named as Gucci’s global brand ambassador in March 2022, and in April 2024, Estée Lauder announced her as its first-ever Korean global brand ambassador.
- In September 2022, she became the first Korean female artist to hold a solo concert at Seoul Olympic Stadium with her “The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun” concert.
- IU is known as one of Korea’s biggest philanthropists. She has donated to children’s foundations, hearing-impaired seniors, ALS awareness campaigns, and low-income students. In 2019, she became the youngest person featured on Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list.
- She shares a very close friendship with actress Yoo In-na, whom she met on the 2010 variety show Heroes. The two share the nickname “IU In Na” and often travel together.
FAQs
What is IU’s age?
IU is 33 years old. She was born on May 16, 1993, in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
What is IU’s real name?
Her real name is Lee Ji-eun. Her stage name “IU” comes from the phrase “I and You,” meaning becoming one through music.
Who is IU dating?
IU is currently in a relationship with South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk. Their relationship was publicly confirmed in December 2022.
What is IU famous for?
She is known as one of South Korea’s top singer-songwriters and actresses. She rose to fame with her 2010 hit “Good Day” and is loved for dramas like My Mister, Hotel del Luna, and When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Does IU have any siblings?
Yes, she has one younger brother named Lee Jong-hoon, who has largely stayed away from the public eye.
Is IU married?
No. IU is not married as of 2026. She is currently in a public relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk.
What are IU’s most famous songs?
Some of her biggest hits include “Good Day,” “You and I,” “Through the Night,” “Palette,” “Blueming,” “Celebrity,” “Lilac,” and “Love Wins All.”
What awards has IU won?
IU has won the Golden Disc Song of the Year twice (a first for a female soloist), the Blue Dragon Series Awards Best Actress for When Life Gives You Tangerines, the Baeksang Most Popular Actress awards, and more.
