Lee Ji-eun (born May 16, 1993) was born in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea. She is a South Korean singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She is professionally known as IU. She started her career in the entertainment industry in 2008 when she signed with LOEN Entertainment as a trainee.
IU made her debut as a singer in 2008 with the single "Lost Child." Her breakthrough came in 2010 with her hit single "Good Day," which topped various charts and won multiple awards. Since then, she has released numerous hit songs and albums, including "Palette," "Love Poem," and "LILAC."
In addition to her successful music career, IU has also made a name for herself as an actress, appearing in popular Korean dramas such as "Hotel del Luna," "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," and "My Mister." She has also hosted several TV shows and variety programs.
IU has had a highly decorated career since her debut in 2008, with over 200 award nominations and more than 100 wins. Her impressive list of accolades includes 21 Melon Music Awards, 16 Gaon Chart Music Awards, 5 Korean Music Awards, 11 Mnet Asian Music Awards, 7 Seoul Music Awards, and 8 Golden Disc Awards. She has also been recognized for her acting skills, winning the "Best New Actress" award at the 2014 KBS Drama Awards for her role in You're the Best, Lee Soon-shin.
IU has been awarded ten Daesang (grand prize) awards from various award shows, with five of them coming from the Melon Music Awards and three from the Golden Disc Awards. Her influence and impact on the South Korean entertainment industry has also been recognized by Forbes Korea, which named her to their Power Celebrity list in 2012 and several times thereafter. In 2015, she was honored at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards for her contributions to the music industry.
In 2022, IU was awarded the Visionary Award by CJ ENM, which is given to individuals from the Korean film and television industry who have made significant contributions to "leading trends and spearheading innovations." This award is a testament to IU's ongoing impact on the entertainment industry and her ability to push boundaries and innovate in her work.
IU is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential artists in the South Korean music industry. She has also been praised for her versatility as an actress and her philanthropic work, including her support for various charities and her donation of a portion of her concert proceeds to help children in need.
