Lee Ji-eun, popularly known by her stage name “IU,” is a multi-talented Korean superstar, actress, and host. Starting her career at the very young age of 15, IU kept compounding her efforts, skills, and experience in the entertainment industry with IU movies and songs. Today, she holds a massive name parallel to none – and all that for a good reason! If you haven’t already seen her work (including IU TV shows), get ready to be amazed when you do.
Who is IU?
Well, the short and sweet answer is: she is an expensive gem in the entertainment world. The longer version? Lee Ji-eun was born on May 16, 1993, in Seoul and made her first debut at the age of 15 with her EP, “Lost and Found”.
She started to draw attention in 2010 with her hit song, “Good Day” which ruled the charts for five whole weeks. Along with the musical success, she also starred in popular shows as the lead character and won many hearts.
But all of it wasn’t without challenges. She grew up with financial setbacks and, for a long time, lived in a studio room. Now, she’s a name recognised on Forbes’ Korea Power Celebrity list several times.
IU Movies and TV Shows
Let’s now discover IU movies, IU TV shows, and her most popular songs that brought her to fame:
Movies
| Year | Title | Character |
| 2012 | A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s Escape from Paradise | Korean Dub |
| 2017 | Real | awards ceremony guide (cameo) |
| 2019 | Shades Of The Heart | Mi-Young |
| 2022 | Broker | So-Young |
| 2023 | Dream | Lee So-Min |
Television series
| Year | Title | Character |
| 2011 | Dream High | Kim Pil-suk |
| 2012 | Salamander Guru and The Shadows | Pickpocket Jieun |
| 2012 | Dream High 2 | Kim Pil-suk |
| 2013 | You Are the Best! | Lee Soon-shin |
| Bel Ami | Kim Bo-tong | |
| 2015 | The Producers | Cindy |
| 2016 | Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | Go Ha-jin / Hae Soo |
| 2018 | My Mister | Lee Ji-an |
| 2019 | Hotel del Luna | Jang Man-wol |
Web series
| Year | Title | Character |
| 2019 | Persona | Various |
| 2024 | When Life Gives You Tangerines | Ae-soon |
Television shows
| Year | Title | Character |
| 2010–2011 | Heroes | Cast member |
| 2011 | Welcome to the Show | Herself |
| Kim Yuna’s Kiss & Cry | Contestant | |
| 2017 | Hyori’s Homestay (Season 1) | Cast member |
Hosting
| Year | Title |
| 2009 | IU Star Nutrition |
| 2009–2010 | Gomtv Music Chart Show (GMC) |
| 2010 | 28th MBC Creative Synchronicity Festival |
| 2011 | 50 years TV entertainment |
| 2011–2013 | Inkigayo |
| 2012 | Quiz Show Q |
| SBS Gayo Daejeon | |
| 2014 | Tray Relay Song |
| 2015 – 2017 | SBS Gayo Daejeon |
Top Songs
| Year | Title |
| 2018 | BBIBBI – 2018 |
| 2010 | Good Day |
| 2021 | Lilac |
| 2019 | Love Poem |
| 2013 | Modern Times |
| 2014 | My Old Story |
| 2017 | Palette |
| 2014 | Pierrot Smiles at Us |
| 2019 | The Visitor |
| 2015 | Zezé |
Which Song got IU Famous?
IU rose to fame through the release of “Good Day,” the lead single from her 2010 album Real, which took her to national stardom. The song was a huge success and was held five consecutive weeks at the top of South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart. Later, she further solidified her position with more song releases and her active participation in IU TV shows.
Upcoming TV Shows of IU
When Life Gives You Tangerines is the next and most recent project of IU. The show revolves around Ae Soon and Gwan Shik who fall in love but are unable to express their feelings. It is going to be a fun Netflix romance release!
IU Net Worth
IU is one of the richest K-pop idols, with an estimated net worth of USD 45 million – ahead of other big names like Jungkook, Lisa, Jennie, and Kim Taehyung. Each year, she earns about $15 million. IU’s wealth comes from her successful career in music and through IU K-drama roles and endorsements in South Korea.
IU Relationship Status
IU has a confirmed public relationship with actor Lee Jong-Suk. They first met back in 2012 on the show “Inkigayo” and announced their relationship in December 2023. They are happily still together.
FAQ’s
- How old is IU?
IU was born on May 16, 1993, making her 31 years old as of 2024.
- What is IU’s height?
IU is approximately 162 cm (5 feet 3 inches) tall.
- What is IU’s net worth?
IU’s net worth is estimated at around USD 45 million, making her one of the wealthiest K-pop idols.
- Who is IU’s husband/wife/ rumoured partner?
IU is currently dating actor Lee Jong-Suk, and they publicly announced their relationship in December 2023.
Also Read: All Lee Min-ho TV Shows and Movies (+ surprising insights)
