IU
Under EDAM Entertainment
Profile
- Birth name
- Lee Ji Eun
- Birthday
- May 16, 1993
- Height
- 162 cm
- Age
- 33
- Zodiac
- Taurus
- Nationality
- South Korean
- MBTI
- INFJ
- Blood type
- O
Dramas & Roles1 title
About
Short bio
U (아이유) is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress known for Hotel Del Luna, My Mister, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, When Life Gives You Tangerines, and hit songs like "Good Day" and "Love Poem." Learn about her age, height, career, dramas, and fun facts.
Background
Lee Ji Eun, better known as IU, was born on May 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea. Her stage name, "IU," comes from the phrase "I and You," symbolizing the idea that people can become one through music. Despite becoming one of Korea's most successful entertainers, her childhood was marked by financial hardship. At one point, her family lived in a small one-room apartment, and she spent time living apart from her parents while they struggled financially. Those experiences would later influence many of her songs and contribute to the empathy and authenticity fans often associate with her.
IU began pursuing music seriously while in middle school and joined LOEN Entertainment as a trainee in 2007 after being rejected by several agencies, including JYP Entertainment. She debuted in 2008 with "Lost Child" before achieving national stardom through songs such as Good Day, You & I, Palette, Blueming, Celebrity, and Love Wins All. Beyond music, IU successfully transitioned into acting through acclaimed projects including Dream High, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, My Mister, Hotel Del Luna, and When Life Gives You Tangerines. Today, she is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in South Korean entertainment.
Personality & Image
Fans love IU because she represents a rare combination of extraordinary talent, authenticity, and kindness. As a singer-songwriter, she writes deeply personal lyrics that often explore loneliness, growth, healing, and self-reflection. Her music has connected with listeners across multiple generations, earning her the nickname "Nation's Little Sister" before she eventually evolved into one of Korea's most respected artists.
Beyond her artistic achievements, IU is known for her generosity and humility. She has quietly donated millions of dollars to charities supporting children, low-income families, disaster relief efforts, and medical causes. Fans also appreciate how candid she has been about her struggles with self-confidence, mental health, and eating disorders. Her willingness to share both successes and vulnerabilities has made her one of the most beloved celebrities in South Korea.
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FAQ
- How tall is IU?
- IU is 162 cm tall.
- How old is IU?
- IU is 33 years old.
- Where is IU from?
- IU is from South Korean.
- What is IU's MBTI?
- IU's MBTI type is INFJ.
- What is IU's real name?
- IU's birth name is Lee Ji Eun.
Latest Official Videos
Visit YouTube Channel →Fun facts
IU was born as Lee Ji Eun (이지은) on May 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea. Source: EDAM Entertainment / KProfiles
Her stage name "IU" comes from the phrase "I and You," symbolizing the connection between artists and listeners through music. Source: EDAM Entertainment
She has a younger brother and grew up in a financially struggling household. Source: KProfiles
At one point during childhood, her family lived in a small one-room apartment due to financial difficulties. Source: KProfiles
IU decided she wanted to become a singer while she was in seventh grade. Source: KProfiles
Before debuting, she failed auditions at several entertainment agencies, including JYP Entertainment. Source: KProfiles
J.Y. Park later joked that he wanted to fire the person who rejected IU's audition. Source: KProfiles
She joined LOEN Entertainment as a trainee in 2007 and debuted the following year. Source: KProfiles
IU officially debuted on September 18, 2008, with the song "Lost Child." Source: EDAM Entertainment
Her first album, Lost and Found, was released on September 24, 2008. Source: KProfiles
She made her acting debut in the drama Dream High in 2011. Source: MyDramaList
IU is widely considered one of the most successful solo artists in Korean music history. Source: Korean Music Industry Records
She is known for being exceptionally kind and generous toward fans. Source: Fan Community Reports
She has been a devoted fan of the legendary group :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} since she was nine years old. Source: IU's Palette
IU is close friends with actress :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} and has described her as a muse and source of inspiration. Source: Hyori's Homestay / IU Concerts
She is also close friends with :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} and :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Source: KProfiles
IU revealed that she wrote the song "Peach" while thinking about :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} from a male perspective. Source: Me2Day Chat Session
She was appointed an honorary ambassador for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. Source: Expo 2012
Her hobbies include reading books, listening to music, and browsing the internet. Source: KProfiles
IU has openly discussed her past struggles with bulimia before becoming a major star. Source: Healing Camp
She prefers spending time alone and has said she sometimes feels dizzy in crowded places. Source: KProfiles
She can play guitar, piano, recorder, and drums. Source: KProfiles
Her favorite color is purple. Source: Dingo Interview
Her favorite foods include raw fish and sweet potatoes. Source: KProfiles
Her favorite number is 8. Source: KProfiles
IU enjoys cool weather more than hot weather. Source: KProfiles
For most of her life, she believed her blood type was A, only discovering during a medical checkup in 2020 that it was actually O. Source: IU TV (2020)
She has said that "Dear Name" is the most difficult song in her catalog to perform live. Source: IU Interviews
IU appeared on the reality show Hyori's Bed & Breakfast alongside :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} and :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Source: JTBC
She signed with EDAM Entertainment on January 6, 2020, where she continues her music and acting career. Source: EDAM Entertainment
IU is currently in a public relationship with actor :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}, with both agencies confirming the relationship. Source: EDAM Entertainment / HighZium Studio
