Portrait · TV10 / CC BY 3.0

IU

Singer, songwriter and actress

Born 1993

IU is the professional name of Lee Ji-eun, a South Korean singer, songwriter and actress born in Seoul. Childhood singing led to auditions, LOEN training and her debut in 2008. Her early recordings include Lost and Found, Growing Up and Good Day. By Last Fantasy, collaborators sought her recording input; she approached its varied tracks through different vocal interpretations. She developed her own writing and production voice through Chat-Shire and Palette. The A Flower Bookmark releases revisited older Korean songs. LILAC received Melon’s 2021 Album of the Year honor. Later releases include The Winning and A Flower Bookmark 3. Unknown Planet arrived in September 2026 with two self-written lead tracks. A September fan message described a full album planned for 2027 without a fixed release date. Broker placed her in Hirokazu Kore-eda’s ensemble, followed by Dream. She played both mother and daughter in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines. In 2026, she played Seong Hui-ju in Perfect Crown. She described My Mister as a turning point and rehearsing with Moon So-ri to coordinate their Tangerines portrayals. She has connected acting’s repeated experimentation with working in a recording studio. September 2026 reporting records a debut-anniversary donation made with her fan community’s name. Dream High introduced her to television drama. Hotel Del Luna later featured her as Jang Man-wol.

Verified identityCore facts checked against named sources.

Keep exploring

Connected people

ConnectionHirokazu Kore-edaDirector of Broker.

ConnectionPark Bo-gumCo-star in When Life Gives You Tangerines.

ConnectionKim Won-sukDirector of My Mister and When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Official records · wins and honours

Awards & Honours

Selected recognition linked to the awarding organisation or primary record.

2025
MAMA AwardsCompetitive win
Fans’ Choice Female Top 10
IU
Official record
2025
Blue Dragon Series AwardsCompetitive win
Best Actress
When Life Gives You Tangerines
Official record
2025
Blue Dragon Series AwardsCompetitive win
Popular Star Award
IU
Official record
2021
Melon Music AwardsCompetitive win
Artist of the Year
IU
Official record
2021
Melon Music AwardsCompetitive win
Album of the Year
LILAC
Official record
2021
Melon Music AwardsCompetitive win
Best Female Solo
IU
Official record
2021
Melon Music AwardsCompetitive win
Songwriter Award
IU
Official record
2021
Melon Music AwardsCompetitive win
Top 10
IU
Official record
2013
KBS Drama AwardsCompetitive win
Best New Actress
Bel Ami
Official record

Fans’ Choice Female Top 10

Best Actress

Popular Star Award

Artist of the Year

Album of the Year

Best Female Solo

Songwriter Award

Top 10

Best New Actress