Personal Details :
- Full Name: Lee Ji‑eun (이지은)
- Stage Name: IU
- Date of Birth: May 16, 1993
- Place of Birth: Songjeong‑dong (Gwangjin District), Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupation: Singer‑songwriter, actress, composer
- Genres: K‑pop, R&B, soul, ballad
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar, piano, drums
- Years Active: 2008–present
- Agency: EDAM Entertainment (formerly LOEN/Kakao)
- Education: Dongduk Girls’ High School, studied at Kyung Hee University (performance arts)
- Height: ~162 cm (5 ft 4 in)
- Weight: ~44–46 kg (97–102 lbs)
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Blood Type: A
- Nicknames: IU, Nation’s Little Sister, Lee Ji‑geum, Bong‑Si, dlwlrma
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @dlwlrma
- YouTube: @dlwlrma (Official Channel)
- Twitter: Not officially active on Twitter
- Facebook: IU (Official)
- Fan Cafe (Daum): IU’s Official Fan Cafe
Career Overview :
Lee Ji‑eun debuted at age 15 in 2008 under LOEN Entertainment with the EP Lost and Found, which did not chart but showcased her vocal promise. Her breakthrough came with the 2010 single “Good Day” from the album Real, which stayed at No. 1 on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart for five consecutive weeks.
She followed with a string of successful albums—Growing Up (2009), Last Fantasy (2011), and Modern Times (2013)—each emphasizing her evolution as a singer-songwriter. By 2013, she was writing and producing tracks like “Friday” and “Through the Night,” displaying creative maturity.
In 2017, IU released Palette, which reflected her growth and featured collaborations with artists like G‑Dragon. The album maintained her presence atop music charts and reinforced her reputation as Korea’s “Digital Queen.”
IU also made a name in acting—debuting in the 2011 drama Dream High. She delivered notable roles in TV series such as The Producers (2015), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), and critically acclaimed works like My Mister (2018) and Hotel del Luna (2019). In 2025, she stars in When Life Gives You Tangerines on Netflix.
Live performances have been central to her career: she launched concert tours including Real Fantasy (2012), Love, Poem (2019), and the record-breaking The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun (2022), which marked the first solo female concert at Seoul Olympic Stadium. In 2024, IU embarked on her first global tour, HEREH World Tour, spanning Asia, Europe, and North America.
Her music style has consistently evolved, exploring K‑pop, R&B, soul, jazz, and ballads. IU’s thoughtful lyrics and emotional depth earned her numerous awards, including Song of the Year (“Good Day”) and Album of the Year. She’s often dubbed “Nation’s Little Sister” and Korea’s “Taylor Swift” due to her talent and cultural influence.
Personal Life & Interests :
IU was born in Seoul but moved to Uijeongbu in Gyeonggi Province after her family’s financial situation declined. She lived separately from her parents for several years and was raised by her grandmother. This upbringing played a major role in shaping her humble and grounded personality.
Despite her fame, IU is known for leading a relatively private and low-key personal life. She is admired for her humility, philanthropy, and strong work ethic. IU has consistently donated to causes including child welfare, education, disaster relief, and medical aid.
In her free time, IU enjoys writing music, playing guitar and piano, reading books, and watching films. She has mentioned her love for quiet, introspective activities and often draws inspiration from her personal experiences for songwriting.
IU has a deep affection for her fans, known as “Uaena.” She often communicates with them via social media, handwritten letters, and surprise online messages, and is known for her emotional connection with audiences during concerts.
Although she keeps her romantic life very private, IU has previously confirmed a relationship with musician Jang Kiha, which ended in 2017. Since then, she has not publicly discussed her dating life.
Net Worth :
As of 2025, IU’s net worth is estimated to be **$40–45 million**, placing her among the wealthiest solo K‑pop idols globally.
Sources of this estimate include:
- ICON Polls lists IU’s net worth as $55 million, highlighting her multi-industry success.
- SimpleBeen and other finance outlets consistently estimate it at $40–45 million.
- India Shorts, NetWorthFigures, and Chateaux Hotels also report figures ranging from $35–45 million.
Main income streams:
- **Music**: Royalties from hit singles like “Good Day” and albums such as *Palette* and *Lilac*, plus earnings from sold-out concerts and world tours (e.g., “HEREH World Tour” in 2024).
- **Acting**: Roles in major dramas like *My Mister*, *Hotel del Luna*, and *When Life Gives You Tangerines* contribute significantly to her earnings.
- **Brand Endorsements**: Contracts with luxury brands like Gucci, New Balance, and Pepsi (“CF Queen” in Korea).
- **Real Estate & Business Investments**: Portfolio includes a multimillion-dollar penthouse in Cheongdam‑dong, among other real estate assets.
- **YouTube & Media**: Profits from her popular YouTube channel (@dlwlrma) which has over 9.9 million subscribers.
Awards & Achievements :
- Melon Music Awards (MMA): Multiple wins including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Songwriter.
- Golden Disc Awards: Won both Digital Daesang and Bonsang for hit tracks like “Good Day” and “Through the Night.”
- Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): Best Female Artist and Best Vocal Performance on several occasions.
- Korean Music Awards: Recognized for her lyrical depth and influence in shaping K-pop.
- Seoul Music Awards: Daesang (Grand Prize) and Best Album for critically acclaimed projects like Palette and LILAC.
- Forbes Korea Power Celebrity List: Consistently ranked among the top influential celebrities in South Korea.
- Guinness World Record: Most No. 1 songs on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart by a solo artist.
- Presidential Commendation: Awarded by the South Korean government for her contributions to culture and charity.
- Top Charting Artist: IU has the most No.1 songs on Korea’s digital charts, surpassing both male and female solo artists.
Fun Facts :
- IU’s stage name stands for “I and You,” symbolizing harmony through music.
- She was rejected by over 20 agencies before being signed by LOEN Entertainment.
- Her breakout hit “Good Day” features a famous 3-octave high note that became her vocal signature.
- IU is known as Korea’s “Nation’s Little Sister,” a title given for her wholesome image and wide appeal.
- She wrote and composed many of her own songs, often pulling from personal experiences.
- IU is one of the few Korean celebrities to own a building in Cheongdam-dong, a high-end district in Seoul.
- She is an avid reader and often recommends books to her fans through social media.
- IU once hosted her own variety-style show on YouTube called “IU’s Palette.”
- Despite her elegant image, she has a quirky and playful personality off stage.
- IU is well-known for her generous philanthropy, regularly donating to children’s welfare, education, and disaster relief.