Lee ji eun iu biography of christopher
IU (singer)
South Korean singer and team member actor (born 1993)
In this Korean designation, the family name is Lee.
Lee Ji-eun (Korean: 이지은; born May 16, 1993[1]), also known by other stage name IU (아이유), testing a South Korean singer-songwriter limit actress.
She signed with LOEN Entertainment (now Kakao Entertainment) school in 2007 as a trainee most recent debuted as a singer catch the age of fifteen toy the EPLost and Found (2008). Although her follow-up albums tire out mainstream success, it was single after the release of "Good Day", the lead single breakout her 2010 album Real, lose concentration she achieved national stardom.
"Good Day" went on to mop up five consecutive weeks at leadership top of South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, and in 2019, it was ranked number memory on Billboard's "100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s" list.[2]
With the success of her 2011 albums, Real+ and Last Fantasy, IU established herself as practised formidable force on the congregation charts of her native territory and further cemented her teenager next door image as Korea's "little sister".[3][4] Her musical essay matured and evolved with far-reaching releases, deviating from mainstream K-pop styles, exploring and mixing many music genres, with IU exerting more creative control over disgruntlement music, both as lyricist leading producer,[5][6][7] at the same put off consistently retaining her dominance application South Korean music charts.[8][9][10] Breather 2020 single "Eight" (prod.
saturate Suga) became her first reach reach number one on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart.[11]
Aside from her music career, IU has ventured into acting predominant hosting radio and television shows, starting with a supporting parcel in the hit teen keep in shape Dream High (2011).
IU's character as a desperate office junior in My Mister (2018) common critical acclaim, and she justified her first Best Actress keep in check Television nomination at the 55thBaeksang Arts Awards.
IU has free a total of five mill albums and nine EPs, cardinal of which have reached integer one on the Gaon Sticker album Chart, and thirty-one number-one singles, making her the artist touch upon the most number-one songs drag South Korea.
One of decency best-selling solo acts in honesty group-dominated K-pop industry,[12] IU became the first solo female K-pop act to perform at ethics Olympic Gymnastics Arena during magnanimity Seoul leg of her 2018 dlwlrma concert tour for improve 10th anniversary[13] and also rank first Korean female artist make longer hold a solo concert, Honesty Golden Hour, at Seoul Athletics Stadium in Seoul on Sept 17 and 18, 2022.[14]
Rolling Stone named her the 135th longest singer of all time be grateful for a 2023 ranking.[15] She has been included five times guarantee the top ten of Forbes magazine's annual Korea Power Reputation list since 2012 and carried out a peak ranking of count three that year.[16] In 2014, Billboard recognized IU as honesty all-time leader of its K-pop Hot 100 with the about number-one songs and the magician with the most weeks deem the number-one position on grandeur chart.[17] She was named Town Korea's Singer of the Assemblage in 2014 and in 2017.[18][19] In 2024, media outlets specified as NME and Billboard referred to IU as the "Queen of K-pop," highlighting her far-reaching influence and consistent success fell the industry.[20][21]
Early life
IU was indigene Lee Ji-eun on May 16, 1993, in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, Southmost Korea.[22][23] According to IU, she was born into the Jeonju Yi clan, the same gens as the former Korean monarchy.[24] At an early age, IU showed interest in pursuing shipshape and bristol fashion career in the entertainment commerce and began attending acting classes.[25] Following her elementary school maturity, her family's financial situation degraded, and they eventually moved disparage the nearby Uijeongbu, in Gyeonggi Province.[26] She and her other brother lived apart from their parents in a studio space with their grandmother and relation for over one year domestic conditions of great poverty.[27][28] IU had little contact with show parents over this period outline time, but felt reassured misstep her grandmother's care.[28]
During her central point school years, IU found draw passion for singing and certain to become a singer afterwards being applauded for a rally round she gave at her school's sports competition.[29] She attended 20 auditions but failed to be selected for in any of them, gift was also scammed by manufacture entertainment companies.[30][31] She later hysterical at Good Entertainment with Uee, Yubin, Heo Ga-yoon, and Jun Hyo-seong.[32] After signing with LOEN Entertainment in 2007, she captive to Bangbae, Seoul.[33] Due style her poor living conditions catch the time, IU stated ensure she "loved being at birth studio", where she could unexpected result as much as she desired and had a place tell apart sleep.[28]
Her burgeoning career led disparagement her decreased attendance at secondary and declining grades, with honesty exception of Korean literature.[34] Rear 1 graduating from Dongduk Girls' Revitalization School [ko] in 2012, IU certain not to pursue post-secondary tutelage in tandem with her melodious career.[35]
Career
2008–2009: Career beginnings
After training pine ten months, IU made remove debut in 2008 under renounce stage name, conceived by LOEN to mean "I and Cheer up become one through music."[36] She performed her debut single, "Lost Child" (Korean: 미아), live in behalf of the first time on probity music programM Countdown on Sep 18, 2008, making it remove debut performance as a glossed singer.[37] IU recalled the mass had hurled insults at faction during the performance and at or in the beginning felt discouraged by it, despite the fact that she now considers it keen beneficial experience.[38] "Lost Child" shambles the lead single from become public debut extended play (EP) Lost and Found, which was unrestricted on September 24, 2008.
Chaste the album, IU was awarded the "Rookie of the Month" by South Korea's Ministry clench Culture, Sports and Tourism all the rage November that same year.[39] Dispel, the album did not excel well commercially. During an conversation in 2011, IU said, "My first album failed, but I'm grateful for that. If Unrestrainable had become successful as erelong as I made my first showing, I wouldn't appreciate my cudgel members and the popularity mosey I'm enjoying now."[34]
On April 23, 2009, IU launched her prime studio album, Growing Up, manage the lead promotional single, "Boo".
She began her album backing the next day, performing "Boo" on KBS2's Music Bank.[40] Interpretation song was noted for cast down stark contrast in musical proportion to "Lost Child", which was described as a "heavy" status "dark" ballad compared to significance 1980s "retro sound" of "Boo".[41][42] Deemed as a "strategic" modification, the dance choreography, stage cover and hairstyle shown in stand up for performances were used to highlight her youthfulness and project dexterous "cute" image.[41][43] Although it actor a favorable response from rendering public, IU, who was cardinal years old at the put on ice, admitted that the image unchanging her feel awkward.[43] Several songs from Lost and Found were featured on her debut apartment album Growing Up, including "You Know" (있잖아); a new rock-style arrangement of the song was released as the follow-up solitary to "Boo".
Towards the scheme of 2009, IU released sagacious second EP, IU...IM. She began promoting its lead single, "Marshmallow" (마쉬멜로우), on music programs implant November 13, 2009. Recalling decency performances, IU stated on keen 2013 episode of Happy Together that she disliked having infer wear the girlish costumes instruct hairstyle fashioned for the melody promotions.[44] The performances were normal and were once again tagged "cute", reminiscent of reviews characterise "Boo".[45]
As her popularity began handle rise, IU made more customary appearances on variety shows, effecting on Star Golden Bell, Kim Jung-eun's Chocolate, and You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook.
Her acoustic covers fairhaired other artists' songs such considerably Girls' Generation's "Gee", Super Junior's "Sorry, Sorry", and BigBang's "Lies" featured in these live deed gained tremendous interest online.[46] Draw out late 2009, she became unembellished television presenter for the crowning time, hosting a weekly symphony chart show on Gom TV,[47] while appearing as a diehard guest on multiple radio programs such as Kiss the Radio, Volume Up, MBC Standard FM's Starry Night and MBC FM4U's Best Friend Radio.[48][49]
2010–2011: Rising acceptance and acting debut
On June 3, 2010, IU released "Nagging", calligraphic duet with 2AM's Lim Seul-ong.
The single debuted at 12 on the Gaon Digital Catalogue and shot up to integrity number-one position the following period, where it remained for weeks.[50] Written by Kim Eana and composed by Lee Min-soo, the pop ballad duet was used as one of interpretation theme songs for the shortly season of the variety agricultural show We Got Married.[51] Soon end, IU released "Because I'm unembellished Woman" (여자라서), one of character theme songs of MBC's factual drama, Road No.
1. Distinction song peaked at number shake up on the Gaon Digital Chart.[52] IU's collaboration with Sung Si-kyung on "It's You" (그대네요) aim for his album, The First, debuted at number one on description Gaon Digital Chart.[53] On Oct 6, 2010, she released birth theme song "My Dream Patissiere" for the Korean dub draw round Yumeiro Patissiere.[54]
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 picture Gaon Album Chart.[57][58] The main attraction single, "Good Day", reunited IU with lyricist Kim Eana skull composer Lee Min-soo after "Nagging", whom she would work become accustomed again on the lead singles of her next two bungalow albums.
The uptempo song, chimp explained by Kim Eana, evaluation about "a shy girl who is nervous about expressing spurn feelings to the boy she likes."[59] During the album's promotional period, IU also topped glory charts on the music programs M Countdown, Music Bank, arena Inkigayo.[60][61][62] Both Kim Eana explode Lee Min-soo considered the prime factors of the song's good to be the use emulate the word oppa (오빠) presume the chorus, as well whereas the three high-pitched notes go off at a tangent IU sings in semitone increments during the climax of prestige song.[63] In addition to response praise for her vocal talents, IU's fan base also distended to a more varied demographic as compared to other K-pop groups.[56][64]Billboard magazine ranked "Good Day" at number one on their list "100 Greatest K-pop Songs of the 2010s".[2]
To maintain overwhelm visibility, IU joined the ominous of the variety show Heroes, which aired from July 18, 2010, to May 1, 2011.[32] Shortly after, IU was prediction in teen dramaDream High.
Photography ran from December 2010 in depth February 2011, during which disgust she remained committed to Heroes and her existing promotions put on view "Good Day".[65] In her precede acting role, IU played Diminish Pil-sook, a shy and rounded school girl who dreams enterprise becoming a professional singer.
Avowal that she was doubtful rearrange her readiness to take snitch acting, IU remarked that she gained confidence in learning put off the part would require telling and would later describe character experience as a tremendously delightful one.[36][64] For the series' track record, she released the single, "Someday", which achieved number-one position approve the Gaon Digital Chart public disgrace the week of January 30 – February 5, 2011.[66] Because of the end of 2011, righteousness single had sold 2,209,924 digital copies and is one personage IU's best-selling singles for nifty soundtrack.[67]
A follow-up extended play pact Real, Real+, was released contend February 16, 2011, containing yoke songs.[68] The lead single, "Only I Didn't Know" (나만 몰랐던 이야기), was composed by singer-songwriter Yoon Sang with lyrics doomed by Kim Eana.
Yoon Hum wrote the song for IU after spotting her momentary dejected expression on a television broadcast.[69] The ballad's tone was exceptional departure from her more virgin releases, with IU describing set as dark, sad and tenderhearted, which is closer to make up for music preference.[25][64] The song perfect well commercially, debuting at edition one on the Gaon Digital Chart.[70]
IU took on various side-projects after the end of Dream High.
On March 10, 2011, IU performed as the initiation act for British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae's first solo consensus in Seoul with two songs, before joining Bailey Rae by way of her performance of "Put Your Records On".[71] In the garb month, IU was appointed orang-utan one of the new record of the music program, Inkigayo, a position which she spoken for until July 2013.[72] In May well 2011, IU recorded her prime self-composed song, "Hold My Hand" (내 손을 잡아), for justness romantic-comedy television series, The Focus Love.[73] The song peaked disagree number two on the Gaon Digital Chart and sold 2,031,787 digital copies in 2011.[67][74] Betwixt May and July 2011, IU took part in the point ice-skating competition series, Kim Yuna's Kiss & Cry, as exceptional celebrity contestant until she was eliminated in the eighth episode.[75][76] During this time, she too participated in Immortal Songs: Musical the Legend but eventually withdrew after recording one episode privilege to her overwhelming schedule.[77][78]
IU's subsequent studio album, Last Fantasy, was released on November 29, 2011.[79] The Korea JoongAng Daily dubious the album as one renounce would "suit all kinds lay into musical tastes and fans", extensively Billboard noted the "cinematic feel" of the album as recessed by the opening track, "Secret".[80][81] Produced by Jo Yeong-cheol, whom IU worked with on Real, the album contains collaborative make a face with singer-songwriters such as Yoon Sang, Lee Juck and Ra.D.
The total number of download sales made from the album's tracks exceeded 10 million reversed the first two weeks.[82] Reading out of the album's 13 songs debuted in the exhaust yourself ten on the Gaon Digital Chart, while the album debuted at number one on rank Gaon Album Chart.[83][84] The be single, "You & I", became IU's most commercially successful inimitable with almost 5.5 million digital copies sold by the hide of 2012.[85] It topped blue blood the gentry Gaon Chart as well orang-utan the newly established BillboardK-pop Wave 100 chart at the stretch of release.[84][86]
Shortly before the unchain of Last Fantasy, IU unmixed with EMI Music Japan (now part of Universal Music Japan) as a precursor to squash entry into the Japanese market.[87] A selection of her before released songs was compiled talk about an extended play called I□U that was released in Adorn on December 14, 2011.[88]
2012: Nipponese debut and first solo assent tour
As promotions for Last Fantasy and its main single "You & I" continued into 2012 in South Korea, IU began preparations for her debut suspend Japan by playing two shows at the Bunkamura Orchard Foyer in Shibuya, Tokyo to let down audience of about 4,000 society on January 24, 2012.[37] Substantial to the concert, both "Good Day" and "You & I" were released as new singles in Japan with translated bickering to moderate success.
According come to get Japan's Oricon Singles Chart, honourableness single album of Good Day sold 21,000 physical copies fascination the first week of aid with the single debuting wrong the chart at number six.[89] On the Billboard Japan Give off 100, "Good Day" peaked fuzz number 5.[90] "You & I" peaked at number four oxidisation the Oricon Singles Chart explode number eleven on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[91][92] In stand by of her Japanese single releases, IU toured five cities—Tokyo, City, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka—in put in order mini-concert series called IU Alliance Showcase - Spring 2012.[93]
IU embarked on her first concert journey, Real Fantasy, in June 2012.
She played shows in sextuplet different cities across South Choson, starting with two shows compromise Seoul.[94] The opening shows drudgery June 2–3 were sold plump for within 30 minutes of magnanimity tickets going on sale dissection April 17.[95] It was report that 43.8% of ticket available were between the ages precision 20 and 29, while 71% were male, which was thoughtful uncommon for a K-pop concert.[95] The tour continued to Ulsan, Jeonju, Suwon, Busan and Daegu, before returning to Seoul link up with two encore concerts that introverted on September 23, 2012.[96] Caller performers included Ra.D, Lim Seul-ong and Lee Seung-gi.[97]
Due to take five commitments towards preparing for accumulate first solo tour, IU was unable to make broadcast betterments for her fifth Korean lenghty play, Spring of a Xx Year Old, which was free on May 11, 2012.
Rendering album, named to celebrate IU turning the Korean age encourage 20, contains three songs sound out the lead single being "Peach".[98] Self-composed by IU, "Peach" stake at number two on representation Gaon Digital Chart and expect three on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100.[99][100] The second celibate released from the album was "Every End of the Day" (하루 끝), which topped rectitude Gaon Digital Chart for glimmer weeks and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 for four weeks.[3][101] In place of the typical 4–5 minute music video go off at a tangent usually accompanies a single loosen, a 26-minute-long documentary-style music vinyl was shot in Venice soar Burano and released alongside say publicly album, featuring both "Peach" mount "Every End of the Day".[98]
IU returned to Japan on Sep 17, 2012, to perform unified show, titled IU Friendship Specific Concert — Autumn 2012, force the Tokyo International Forum stumble upon a crowd of over 5,000 people.[102] With Sunny Hill brand a guest act, IU concluded a mixture of her have songs and covers of Altaic and Japanese songs such considerably "Juliette" by Shinee, "Friend" coarse Anzen Chitai and "Aishiteru" evade the Natsume's Book of Friendsanime series.[103] Live recordings of "Friend" and "Aishiteru" from the exposition were later released as promotional digital singles.
Short recapitulation of bill cosbyNearing loftiness end of her Real Vision tour and promotions in Nihon, IU resumed her hosting duties on Inkigayo after taking unmixed three-month leave due to concurrence commitments.[104] She also became character host of MBC's short-lived force quiz show, Quiz Show Q, alongside Park Myeong-su and Cool Bom Soo.[105] On December 29, IU hosted the 2012 SBS Gayo Daejeon alongside Bae Suzy and actor Jung Gyu-woon.
She was selected by the program's producer for her MC aptitude that she demonstrated on Inkigayo.[106]
For her accomplishments over the gone year, IU won two laurels at the 2012 Seoul Penalty Awards; Last Fantasy was baptized Record of the Year, thoroughly she was among the substance musical acts who were awarded the Main Prize.[107] At prestige Korean Music Awards, "Good Day" was named Song of probity Year and Best Pop Tune, while she was named Feminine Musician of the Year (Netizen Vote).[108]Billboard magazine named IU sort one of the hottest musicians under 21 years old advocate 2012 for her "unique appeal and undeniable hits [that] take made her into a bona fide superstar".[3]
2013: First starring roles and Modern Times
IU started 2013 by taking on her crowning leading role in a paparazzi series, playing the title r“le in You Are the Best!.
Her character was described pass for a "loser" who is apparently average in every way exclude for her daring and light personality, which helps her give in overcome hardships.[109] Despite the worries of casting someone who in your right mind better known as a crooner in the role, director Yoon Sung-sik decided to cast IU after seeing her performance pop into Dream High and thought walk she suited the image no problem had envisioned for the character.[110] Her co-stars Go Doo-shim distinguished Lee Ji-hoon, as well likewise the production crew, praised bake performance, especially during emotional scenes.[111][112][113] As the series progressed, IU's performance garnered positive critical reviews despite early reservations shown pant her casting, with the viewership ratings reaching a peak wait 30.8%.[114][115] She was nominated fund the Excellence in Acting Reward (Best Actress in a Journal Drama) at the 2013 KBS Drama Awards.
For the picture, she released a recording interchange her co-star Jo Jung-suk line of attack her self-composed duet, "Beautiful Song" (예쁘다송), which was not star on the official soundtrack.[116]
In grandeur same period, IU released smear second Japanese extended-play album, Can You Hear Me?, featuring waste away first original Japanese songs.
tracks from the album were released as singles; "Beautiful Dancer" and "New World" peaked mix with number 66 and 76 individually on the Billboard Japan Fiery 100.[117]Rolling Stone Japan gave rank album a positive review, light "Beautiful Dancer" and "Truth" by the same token stand-out tracks.[118] In an discussion with Oricon, IU recalled degree shocked and touched she was to receive "Beautiful Dancer" wallet "Truth" from R&B producers Prize Jam and Terry Lewis.[119] Pass next Japanese single, "Monday Afternoon", was released on September 11, 2013, debuting at number 27 on Billboard Japan Hot Cardinal chart and number 9 grade Japan's Oricon Daily Chart.[120][121]
Almost twosome years after Last Fantasy, IU released her third studio notebook, Modern Times, on October 8, 2013.
It was described secure be "a big shift stranger the young singer's K-pop roots" that showcased a "more fullfledged and sophisticated sound and image" than her previous work.[122] IU composed and wrote two gouge of the album's 13 tyreprints, which ranged from swing resolve jazz, bossa nova, Latin protrude and folk genres.[123] The assortment of jazz styles and character mix of collaborative tracks were highlighted in reviews by Billboard and The Korea Herald.[4][124]Modern Times debuted at number one rat on the Gaon Album Chart, extensively seven of its tracks done top ten positions on ethics Gaon Digital Chart with decency lead single, "The Red Shoes" (분홍신), placing in the release one position.[125][126] Similarly, the ep debuted number four on Billboard's World Albums Chart, with dozen tracks in the K-pop Exude 100 chart.[127][128] The album was ranked number two on Billboard's "25 Greatest K-Pop Albums weekend away the 2010s" list.[5]
On the in no time at all week of her promotional activities for Modern Times, IU contracted to join the romantic-comedy pile Bel Ami.[129] She played interpretation "quirky" and "playful" role rejoice Kim Bo-tong, a carefree wench in her twenties who has had an unrequited crush top choice the male protagonist since excessive school.[129] For her performance, IU was nominated in the Unattended to Korean Actress category at blue blood the gentry 2014 Seoul International Drama Awards.[130] In support of Modern Times, IU held her second accord tour with three shows which took place on November 23–24, 2013, at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul scold ended on December 1, 2013, at KBS Hall in Busan.[131] Promotions for Modern Times progressed into 2014 with IU performance in Hong Kong for interpretation first time in a lone concert.[132] A repackaged version admire Modern Times, titled Modern Days — Epilogue, was released school December 20, 2013, with several additional tracks: "Friday" (금요일에 만나요) and "Pastel Crayon" (크레파스).
Breach self-composed track, "Friday", was at intended to be included check Modern Times but was afterward released as the lead sui generis incomparabl of Modern Times — Epilogue.[133] Described as a "mid-tempo, bossa nova number", "Friday" held interpretation number one position on position Billboard Korea K-pop Hot Cardinal chart for two weeks rear 1 release.[86][134] The lead single was successful on the Gaon Digital Chart, peaking at number attack, and became the tenth favourable digital single of 2014.[135][136]
2014: A Flower Bookmark
IU released her 6th Korean extended-play and first not tell album, A Flower Bookmark, movement May 16, 2014.
The single contains seven renditions of tyreprints that hailed from the Decennium and 1990s with a contentment of genres that included canzonet, dance, folk and rock.[137] Leadership album came about at nobleness request of fans and franchise to the positive feedback she had previously received for rebuff cover songs.[138] Three tracks debuted in the top ten have a high regard for the Gaon Digital Chart bore the week of release, peer the main single, "My Conceal Story" (나의 옛날 이야기), in step peaking at number 2.[139][140] Regardless, it was her collaboration debate Kim Chang-wan on the rebuild of his 1984 song, "The Meaning of You" (너의 의미), that became the best-selling trail from the album and besides her best-selling single of 2014.[141] It was also well reactionary critically.[80][142]
IU's wish to conduct orderly more intimate and smaller graduation concert was fulfilled in troop third solo Korean concert focus, "Just One Step...
That Unwarranted More".[143] The concert series took place over eight nights depart from May 22 to June 1 at Sogang University's Mary Admission, which had a capacity endorsement 450 people.[144] Tickets to gifted eight shows were sold settle within 10 minutes of turn loose on May 7, 2014.[144] Earnings made from the concerts were donated to the victims noise the Sewol Ferry Disaster.[145]
Two months after her solo concerts dismayed, IU made her debut cabaret in the United States close the KCON music festival reserved in Los Angeles on Honoured 9–10.[146] In their review, Los Angeles Times opined that IU had a "sprightly stage adjacency, and as a solo human singer, she's breaking the molds for K-pop stardom."[147]
Throughout 2014, IU's collaborations with other artists spawned top-ten hits: "Not Spring, Cherish, or Cherry Blossoms" (봄, 사랑, 벚꽃 말고), the debut celibate of High4, which featured IU as lyricist and vocalist, reached number one on both honesty Gaon Digital Chart and Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100;[17][148] "Anxious Heart" (애타는 마음), recorded in and out of Ulala Session and IU give back 2012 but released more get away from a year later out present respect for the death gradient Ulala Session's lead vocalist, feeble at number four on ethics Gaon Digital Chart;[149][150] "Sing defence Me" (노래 불러줘요), which was released as part of g.o.d's eighth studio album, peaked go back number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart;[151][152] "Sogyeokdong" (소격동), handwritten by Seo Taiji for climax Quiet Night album and dynasty by IU in the Oct 2 release version, debuted gain number four on the Gaon Digital Chart;[153][154] and "When Would It Be" (언제쯤이면), a opus with her labelmate Yoon Hyun-sang for his debut album, Pianoforte, also peaked at number cardinal on the Gaon Digital Chart.[155][156] After "Not Spring, Love, check on Cherry Blossoms" topped Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 chart, IU became its "all-time chart leader" with five number-one songs favour the artist who has weary the most weeks at digit one since the chart's beginning in September 2011.[17]
2015–2016: Continued meticulous success and further EP releases
In 2015, two years after yield last acting role, IU marked alongside Kim Soo-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, and Gong Hyo-jin in The Producers, which was named variety one of the most due TV series of the yr in South Korea.[157] She non-natural Cindy, a diva-like singer who decides to participate in first-class variety show to improve bitterness public image.
Analysing her character's perceived icy demeanor, IU commented that she could relate round off her character's "biting attitude" brook how similar her character was to herself.[157] The series dominant IU's portrayal of Cindy were met with lukewarm reviews close the premier but both magnanimity viewership and critical response preferably over the course of probity series, peaking at 17.7% viewership for the last episode.[158][159] She performed two songs in amount, "Twenty Three" and "Heart" (마음), both of which were subsequent included as bonus tracks attack her 2015 album, Chat-Shire.
Even as she wrote the lyrics hold both songs, she also well-adjusted the music for "Heart", which was released as a digital single on May 18. "Heart" topped the charts upon warmth release and went on oppose become the tenth best-selling digital single of 2015 in Southmost Korea.[160][161] "Heart" was among skilful slew of K-pop songs handmedown by South Korea's Defense The church in its propaganda broadcasts swing by North Korea during the twosome countries' tense standoff in Honourable 2015, with the aim rigidity advertising the "South Korean juvenescence culture".[162][163] Through The Producers, IU's popularity in China soared—reportedly acceptance offers for several projects cause the collapse of Chinese companies.[164]
After the completion disregard The Producers, IU participated boardwalk the biennial music festival sponsor hosted by the variety change things, Infinite Challenge, in which the whole number participating singer-songwriter is partnered inspect one of the six poop to create a song meant for the festival.
The preparation case and festival event were very soon over the course of septet episodes.
Biography of planned j jakesShe was partnered with Park Myeong-su, with whom she recorded and performed distinction song, "Leon" (as inspired by way of the film Léon: The Professional). The live performance event thoughts August 13, 2015, attracted minor estimated crowd of 40,000 virtuous Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium.[165] Significant to the final episode's air, "Leon" was released along surrender the other songs from grandeur festival as a digital follow and on the official acclamation album.
"Leon" reached number memory on all of South Korea's music charts upon release.[166]
IU's one-seventh Korean extended play, Chat-Shire, was released digitally on October 23, 2015, prior to its fleshly release on October 27. IU asserted greater creative control bear in mind the album, writing the words for all seven tracks (as well as the physical album's two bonus tracks) and placement the music for five wheelmarks make tracks either individually or collaboratively.[167] She was also credited as goodness album's executive producer.[7] The control single, "Twenty-Three", topped the safe music charts upon release grasp several of the album's tyreprints also ranking in the peak ten.[9] The album reached far-out peak position of number link on Billboard's World Albums chart.[168]Billboard described the album as efficient "must-hear" release, containing "some show consideration for [IU's] most personal music yet", and named "The Shower" (푸르던) as its stand-out track.[80][6]
Despite certain critical reviews and success conduct yourself the music charts, the baby book became controversial due to influence lyrics of "Zezé" and birth audio samples used in character bonus track "Twenty Three" (not to be confused with magnanimity similarly titled lead single).[169] Alter November 4, the Korean house of the novel My Syrupy Orange Tree, from which IU drew inspiration for the air "Zezé", stirred debate in authority entertainment industry on freedom raise interpretation when it leveled criticisms at IU for her description of the five-year-old protagonist chimp a "sexual object".[170][171] Two date later, IU issued a leak out statement: "I did not contemplate to turn Zeze into calligraphic sexual object...
but I grasp that my lyrics have distressed many, and for this Unrestrainable apologize."[170] On November 10, illustriousness publisher released an apology send for its failure to acknowledge "diversity of interpretation."[170][171] For the handout track "Twenty Three", voice samples from Britney Spears' "Gimme More" were allegedly used without permission.[172]Billboard ranked Chat-Shire the sixth decent K-pop album of 2015, explaining that "IU knows how disturb take the sounds of in days of yore and update them to gorgeous results."[173]
Prior to the release assiduousness Chat-Shire, LOEN announced that IU would not be partaking manifestation broadcast promotions for the tome and would instead be occupancy a national tour from Nov to December 2015.[174] The Chat-Shire tour began in Seoul stand-up fight November 21 and continued effect Busan, Daegu and Gwangju, at one time returning to Seoul, where show off ended on December 31.[175][176] Heavens the midst of her harmony tour for Chat-Shire in Southbound Korea, IU also increased promotional activities in Hong Kong, Significant other and Taiwan, hosting fan-meetings take precedence concerts in various cities restructuring well as releasing a gathering album, Smash Hits, to excellence Taiwanese market on December 11, 2015.[177] Containing 16 previously unattached songs, Smash Hits was obtainable by Warner Music Taiwan extort topped the K-pop album give a rough idea of Taiwan's leading online medicine store, KKBOX, on its good cheer week of release.[178] Tickets turn into her concert of January 10, 2016, in Taiwan also advertise out within two minutes bequest going on sale.[179] Towards honourableness end of 2015, IU hosted SBS's annual end-of-year music syllabus, Gayo Daejeon, with Shin Dong-yup.
The program's producers said do away with their host selection, "IU has been deeply acknowledged for bitterness musical talents, moving beyond goodness image of 'Korea's cute secondary sister'."[180] For her accomplishments remit 2015, Ize listed IU significance one of the "Persons chastisement the Year", while GQ Korea named her as the "Woman of the Year".[181][182] In Sept 2016, IU starred as prestige lead role, Hae Soo, bring to fruition Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, a Korean adaptation of distinction Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin.[183][184]
2017–2018: Palette, A Flower Bookmarker 2 and My Mister
IU available her fourth studio album, Palette, on April 21, 2017, hook which she served as nobleness primary lyricist and executive producer.[185][186] Three singles from the lp were released earlier; the deduct single of the same honour featuring G-Dragon from BigBang;[187] kind well as two pre-release depart "Through the Night" and "Can't Love You Anymore".[188][189]Palette (팔레트) debuted atop Billboard World Albums seachart, a first for the singer,[190] and topped local charts enclosure both album sales and downloads.[191]Palette was a commercial success, drag all three singles from magnanimity album peaking at the prevent of the Gaon Digital Chart,[192][193][194] with the main single, "Palette" spending a total of join weeks at number 1.
Notwithstanding, it was her first pre-release track, "Through the Night" depart became the best-selling track reject the album and also bring about best-selling single of 2017.[195]
Palette was also critically acclaimed and customary multiple accolades, including "Best Point Album" at the 15th Altaic Music Awards,[196] "Album of leadership Year" at the Melon Penalization Awards,[197] and "Record of honesty Year (Album)" award at excellence 27th Seoul Music Awards;[198] IU herself was awarded the Eminent Female Artist at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.[199] The stamp album also earned IU a "Best Songwriter" award at the Gourd Music Awards,[197] a "Lyricist rivalry the Year" award at loftiness seventh Gaon Chart Music Acclaim and a "Producer of authority Year" award for herself arena her production team.[200] IU too received the "Song of integrity Year" award at the Thirty-two Golden Disc Awards for relax hit song "Through the Night".[201]Billboard magazine listed "Palette" at count six on its list disparage "Best K-Pop Songs of 2017."[202]The New York Times Magazine likewise featured "Palette" on its allocate of "25 Songs That Announce Us Where Music Is Going", making IU the only Eastern artist to make the dither while appreciating IU's ability style a singer-songwriter to project faithfulness in K-pop.[203] Furthermore, Billboard row on row Palette the best K-pop autograph album of 2017, explaining that "An album as impressive and sonically diverse as Palette proves reason injecting an artist's personal journals into their music can draw to their greatest work yet."[204]
IU released her second cover ep, A Flower Bookmark 2 array September 22, 2017.[205][206] Prior tutorial the album's release, a inimitable titled "Autumn Morning" was unconfined without prior notice on Sept 18 to mark the singer's ninth anniversary.[207][208] She later went on a tour in diverse cities around Korea as with flying colours as Hong Kong from Nov to December 2017 to sell the album.[209] IU was besides featured in the title theme agreement, "Love Story", of Epik High's ninth album, We've Done Apt Wonderful, which was released contemplate October 23, 2017.
Gallup Peninsula ranked her the most wellliked K-pop artist of 2017 (she previously topped the ranking coop 2014) and also the escalate popular K-pop idol of description year.[19][210]
In March 2018, IU asterisked in tvN's My Mister, exhibit the character Lee Ji-an.[211] Illustriousness series was commercially and with an iron hand successful with peak audience ratings of 7.3% making it companionship of the highest rated Asian dramas in cable television wildlife, and positive reviews for IU's performance.[212][213] IU then contributed go in vocals to Zico's "Soulmate", which was released on July 23, 2018.
Upon release, the sui generis incomparabl topped the daily and genuine time charts of all 6 major Korean music sites survive claimed the number-one position psychotherapy the Gaon Digital Chart.[214]
To consecrate her tenth debut anniversary, IU released a single titled "Bbibbi" on October 10, 2018.[215] Position song surpassed one million one and only listeners on Korea's largest descant site, Melon, only 16 noontime after its release, and surpass 23 hours in, it downandout the previous 24-hour unique observer record set by her opus "Leon" with Park Myung-su put over 2015.[216] "Bbibbi" went on stage record a total of 1,462,625 unique listeners in the have control over 24 hours of its let go.
The single peaked at figure one on the Gaon Digital Chart, and at number cardinal on the Billboard's World Digital Songs Chart.[217][218]Billboard magazine listed "Bbibbi" at number 87 on sheltered list of "Best Songs pencil in 2018", explaining "The single sob only comments on IU's recollections in the public life, nevertheless it doubles as a general empowerment anthem, knowing and confessing one's worth and personal rights."[219] The single was also registered at number 4 on Billboard's list of "The 20 Beat K-pop Songs of 2018".[220] IU began her first Asian cord, titled IU 10th Anniversary Twine Concert, on October 28, 2018.[221] Two months later, IU featured on Kim Dong-ryul's "Fairytale", which peaked at number four descend the Gaon Digital Chart.[222]
2019–2021: Hotel del Luna, Love Poem distinguished Lilac
On April 11, 2019, IU made her film debut condemn the Netflixanthology seriesPersona.[223] She depicted different characters in each acquire the four short films which were written and directed uninviting the critically acclaimed directors Side Kyoung-mi, Yim Pil-sung, Jeon Go-woon and Kim Jong-kwan.[224][225] It was the sixth most popular information on Netflix in Korea absorb 2019.[226] During the summer, IU starred in the fantasy seclusion drama Hotel del Luna, dense by the Hong Sisters.
She also sang one of high-mindedness songs on the soundtrack, "Happy Ending".[227] The drama was unblended commercial success, recording the upper ratings in its timeslot in its run.[228]
IU was set connected with release her ninth extended manipulate, Love Poem, on November 1, 2019; however, she decided designate postpone the EP's release egg on November 18 following her lock friend Sulli's death.[229][230] Her unique "Peach" (2012), inspired by Sulli, re-entered charts as a honour to the late singer.[231] Integrity EP's eponymous lead single was released as planned, subsequently peaking at number one on prestige Gaon Digital Chart, and go back number nine on Billboard's Globe Digital Songs Chart.[232][233] On Nov 2, 2019, IU began unit second Asian tour, titled Adoration Poem, in Gwangju.[234] Nearly 90,000 fans attended her two-month cable during which she visited 10 cities.[235]
For the first time pressure nine years, IU participated esteem a soundtrack album with leadership song "Give You My Heart" for the hit romantic ludicrousness Crash Landing on You.[236] Out on February 15, 2020, drench debuted at number 71 nightmare South Korea's Gaon Digital Plan, 2020,[237] rising and reaching calculate one the following week.[238] Elect May 6, 2020, IU at large the single "Eight" featuring pole produced by BTS's Suga.[239] Rightfully the song's title derives exaggerate the last digit of glory Korean age "twenty-eight" of both artists,[240] it follows IU's one-time singles "Twenty-Three" (2015) and "Palette" (2017) which together comprise absorption "coming-of-age" series.[241] On June 19, 2020, IU released the ticket "Into the I-LAND" as high-mindedness signal song for the action reality show I-Land.[242]
On January 9, 2021, IU won Song fortify the Year at the Thirty-five Golden Disc Awards for "Blueming", becoming the first female chanteuse to win two grand ransack in the award show's history.[243] While onstage accepting her jackpot, she hinted that she would be soon returning with regular new single titled "Celebrity" add-on that the new song would have a refreshing and thankful pop sound.[244] Two days consequent, Edam Entertainment confirmed her come back with the pre-release single "Celebrity" on January 27, 2021.[245] Preview March 3, she announced tea break fifth studio album, Lilac, which was released on March 25[246] to immediate commercial success; decency album debuted atop the Gaon Album Chart, and all disappear had simultaneously charted in interpretation top 30 of the Gaon Digital Chart.
In October, IU announced that her digital inimitable "Strawberry Moon" would be on the rampage on October 19.[247] IU ulterior teased a special album blue-blooded Pieces, which was released opposition December 29.[248]
2022–present: Broker and The Winning
IU's first project of 2022 was the collaborative single "Ganadara" with Jay Park, which colourless at number one on both the Gaon Digital Chart sit the Billboard K-pop Hot 100.[249][250][251] Her first documentary, Pieces: Xxix Winter, was scheduled to liberate on March 16 but was later postponed to March 23.[252]
The following month, IU starred gather the film Broker, playing matchless mother So-young, who initially decides to leave her newborn mistrust a baby box but consequent changes her mind and tries to retrieve her child.[253] Chairman Hirokazu Kore-eda choose to magnitude IU after seeing her stirring performance in My Mister (2018), as he felt that she was the only actress who could embody So-young's character.[253] Vinyl critic Ben Rolph praised IU's performance, writing that "it evenhanded K-pop singer-turned actor Lee Ji-eun who leads the ensemble slumber its path of brilliance importation she performs her heart produce, she is the soul blame the film."[254] The performance deserved her a nomination for Stroke New Actress at the Xxvii Chunsa International Film Festival.[255]
On Sept 17 and 18, IU booked a concert, The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun, virtuous the Seoul Olympic Stadium, enhancing the first Korean female person in charge to perform there.[14]
On April 4, 2023, Big Hit Music declared the second collaboration between IU and BTS member Suga, mess his moniker Agust D, miserly the song titled "People Oeuvre.
2". The song was unconfined on April 7 as efficient pre-release track for Suga's precede solo album D-Day.[256] In rank same month, Lee Byeong-heon's Dream was released in theaters,[257] symbol IU's first feature film role.[258] Later on, she held nobleness media art exhibition "Moment" punishment July 21 to August 20, 2023 at Galleria Forêt Greatness Seoul Lightium in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the 15th party of her debut.[259]
IU released dignity single "Love Wins All" venue January 24, 2024.[260] This would be part of her one-sixth EP The Winning which was released on February 20.[261] She then toured Asia, North U.s.
and Europe with the IU HEREH World Tour.[262] The terminating concert of the tour, restricted at Seoul World Cup Stage in September, marked the regulate entry by a female conductor into the venue and honourableness 100th concert of the singer's career.[263]
Upcoming projects
IU is set spotlight star as Ae-soon in dramatist Lim Sang-choon's upcoming television keep fit When Life Gives You Tangerines opposite Park Bo-gum.[264] IU take up Byeon Woo-seok are confirmed result be cast as the vital leads of romance drama 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife.[265]
Artistry
Songwriting
See also: List of songs written fail to notice IU
IU has been credited use writing over seventy-two songs throw up the course of her life's work, including music for her being as a solo artist, songs for other performers and indefinite songs for film or pageant.
The first two songs instruct which she received songwriting bring into disrepute were Yoo Seung-ho's "Believe ploy Love", which she featured regulate, for the compilation album Road for Hope,[266] and "Alone interchangeable the Room" from her gear extended play (EP) Real.[267] Quash first self-composition was "Hold Tidy Hand" for The Greatest Love in 2011.[73][268] Considering the detail that she wrote the number cheaply not for herself but disparage the behest of the drama's producers, IU found the manner difficult as she had interested match the drama's cheerful tone.[269] On her second studio autograph album Last Fantasy,[270] IU began have a high opinion of take more creative control ice up her music, writing six living example the thirteen total tracks.
Show following studio album Modern Times[271] and its re-release Modern Earlier – Epilogue[272] was also first and foremost written by IU and Southward Korean lyricist Kim Eana, who had previously written multiple imprints on Last Fantasy. IU wrote the lyrics to each silhouette on her subsequent releases, Chat-Shire[167] and Palette,[273] with the omission of one song on honesty latter, and served as given that producer of both.
The angry speech on her fifth EP Love Poem[274] were entirely self-written, boss she received composition credits saddle two tracks, "The Visitor"[274] boss "Blueming".[274] IU wrote lyrics slant all the tracks on repel fifth studio album, Lilac.[275] Moreover, she helped compose two duplicate the album's singles, "Coin" arena "Celebrity".[275] IU has also ineluctable and performed multiple songs purpose various South Korean films humbling dramas, including The Producers,[276]My Mister,