Why K-pop star IU is more than just a pretty face who can sing
The singer-songwriter, who celebrates her 26th birthday on May 16, is known for her niche indie music style, success as an actress and Samsung and HiteJinro brand endorsements
Lee Ji-eun, better known by her stage name IU, is a force to be reckoned with.
Born on May 16, 1993, the singer is already an accomplished singer-songwriter and a veteran in the fast-moving K-pop scene.
During her 11-year (and counting) career, IU has paved her own way with her own brand of niche indie music style that goes against the mass-produced, commercial K-pop genre.
Keep on reading to learn more about IU.
She wasn’t always a commercial success
Her first single, Maya (which had “Lost Child” as its English name), released in 2008, but it wasn’t a commercial hit.
While the song showed off her potential and talent, it wasn’t until her pop-y and girlie song, Marshmallow, was released the next year that she received commercial recognition.
She is a successful actress
IU made her silver screen debut in the massively popular television drama, Dream High, in 2011, playing the role of Kim Pil-suk.