Lee Ji-Eun (IU): Biography, Career, and Filmography

Lee Ji-Eun (Korean: 이지은), widely known by her stage name IU, is a prominent South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress. Born on May 16, 1993, in South Korea, her stage name combines the phrases "I" and "You" to symbolize the connection formed between people through music.

Promotional photograph of singer and actress IU

Musical Career Beginnings

IU launched her career in the South Korean music industry with the release of her debut mini-album, Lost and Found, on September 24, 2008. Her first broadcast appearance occurred on Mnet's M Countdown on September 18, 2008, performing the track "Miya," followed by a television performance on MBC's Music Core on September 20, 2008.

She released her first full-length album, Growing Up, on April 23, 2009. Later that year, she issued her second mini-album, IU...IM, featuring the popular track "Marshmallow." In June 2010, IU released the digital single "Jansori" ("Nag"), which earned top awards on music programs such as SBS's Ingi Gayo and KBS's Music Bank.

Her commercial breakthrough expanded with the release of her third mini-album, Real, in December 2010. The lead track, "Jongeun Nal" ("Good Day"), topped major South Korean music charts and achieved widespread popularity. She followed this success with the single release REAL+ in February 2011, featuring the track "Naman Molratdeon Iyagi" ("The Story I Didn't Know").

Acting Career and Television Dramas

Transitioning into television and film acting, IU secured her breakout television acting role in the teen drama Dream High (2011) as Kim Pil-Suk. She subsequently appeared in various television series, taking on both supporting and leading roles.

Dream High (KBS2, 2011) - Kim Pil-Suk
Dream High 2 (KBS2, 2012) - Kim Pil-Suk (ep. 1)
Salamander Guru and The Shadow Operation Team (SBS, 2012) - Pickpocket Ji-Eun (ep. 6)
You Are The Best! (KBS2, 2013) - Lee Soon-Shin
Bel Ami (KBS2, 2013-2014) - Kim Bo-Tong
The Producers (KBS2, 2015) - Cindy
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (SBS, 2016) - Hae-Soo
My Mister (tvN, 2018) - Lee Ji-An
Hotel Del Luna (tvN, 2019) - Jang Man-Wol
When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix, 2025) - Oh Ae-Sun / Yang Geum-Myeong
Perfect Crown (MBC, 2026) - Seong Hui-Ju

Film Appearances

In addition to television dramas, IU has appeared in feature films and anthology projects:

Real (2017) - Awards ceremony guide (cameo)
Persona (2019) - Anthology film series
Shades Of The Heart (2021) - Mi-Young
Broker (2022) - So-Young
Dream (2023) - Lee So-Min

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career in entertainment, IU has received numerous accolades for her acting and contributions to television. Notable recognition includes:

2013 KBS Drama Awards: Best New Actress and Best Couple Award (You Are The Best!)
2016 SBS Drama Awards: Best Couple Award (Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo)
55th BaekSang Arts Awards (2019): Most Popular Actress
43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards (2022): Popularity Award
59th BaekSang Arts Awards (2023): Most Popular Actress
4th Blue Dragon Series Awards (2025): Best Actress and Popularity Award (When Life Gives You Tangerines)