IU (Lee Ji-eun), often called the "Nation's Sweetheart" of South Korea, is a multi-talented superstar known for her angelic vocals, acting prowess, and songwriting skills. From her humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential celebrities in Asia, IU's journey is nothing short of inspiring.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about IU—from her early struggles, family, and education to her record-breaking music career, acting roles, net worth, and 2025 updates. Whether you're a UAENA (IU's fanbase) or new to K-pop, this article has all the details!
Table of Contents
Early Life & Education
Age & Physical Stats (Height, Weight)
Family & Siblings (Parents, Brother, Sister)
Career & Rise to Fame
Music Career (Top Songs, Albums, Records)
Acting Career (Dramas & Movies)
Net Worth & Brand Endorsements (2025)
Relationships (Dating, Rumors, Husband, Kids)
Friends & Social Circle
Lifestyle (House, Cars, Fashion, Hobbies)
Controversies & Rumors
Recent News (2025)
FAQs About IU
1. Early Life & Education
Full Name: Lee Ji-eun (이지은)
Stage Name: IU (아이유)
Birth Date: May 16, 1993
Age (2025): 32 years old
Birthplace: Songjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea
IU grew up in financial hardship, living in small studios with her family. She attended Dongduk Women's High School and later Global Cyber University (majoring in Broadcasting & Entertainment).
How IU Became a Trainee
Auditioned for JYP Entertainment (failed)
Later joined LOEN Entertainment (now Kakao M) in 2007
Trained for 2 years before debut
2. Age & Physical Stats
Height: 5'3" (161 cm)
Weight: 46 kg (101 lbs)
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Blood Type: A
Nationality: South Korean
IU is known for her petite frame, doll-like visuals, and expressive voice.
3. Family & Siblings
IU is very private about her family but has mentioned:
Parents: Divorced when she was young
Father: Name undisclosed (rarely seen)
Mother: Name undisclosed (appeared on TV briefly)
Brother: Lee Jung-hoon (older, rarely mentioned)
No sister
She lived with her grandmother and brother during tough times.
4. Career & Rise to Fame
Debut & Early Struggles
Debuted at 15 with "Lost and Found" (2008) – commercial failure
Breakthrough with "Good Day" (2010) – topped charts for 5 weeks
Musical Evolution
From cute concepts ("You & I") to mature themes ("Palette", "LILAC"), IU has reinvented herself multiple times.
5. Music Career (Top Songs, Albums, Records)
Best-Selling Albums
| Album | Year | Sales (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| "Palette" | 2017 | 500K+ |
| "LILAC" | 2021 | 700K+ |
| "The Winning" | 2024 | 1M+ |
Most-Viewed MVs (2025)
| Song | Year | YouTube Views |
|---|---|---|
| "Good Day" | 2010 | 120M+ |
| "BBIBBI" | 2018 | 350M+ |
| "Celebrity" | 2021 | 280M+ |
Awards & Achievements
First female soloist to win Daesang at Melon Music Awards
Over 100 music show wins
6. Acting Career (Dramas & Movies)
Notable Works
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| "Dream High" | 2011 | Kim Pil-sook |
| "Hotel Del Luna" | 2019 | Jang Man-wol |
| "Broker" (movie) | 2022 | So-young |
IU is praised for her versatile acting, especially in "Hotel Del Luna".
7. Net Worth & Brand Endorsements (2025)
IU’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $80 million, earned through:
Music sales & tours
Acting gigs
Brand deals (Gucci, Jeju Air, Samsung)
Major Brand Endorsements
| Brand | Role | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Gucci | Global Ambassador | 2021 |
| Jeju Air | Face of campaigns | 2020 |
| Samsung | Ambassador | 2023 |
8. Relationships (Dating, Rumors, Husband, Kids)
IU has been linked to several celebrities but rarely confirms relationships.
Rumored Partners
Jang Ki-yong (actor) – Never confirmed
Lee Jong-suk (actor) – Rumored in 2022 (denied)
As of 2025, IU is single with no husband or kids.
9. Friends & Social Circle
IU is close to:
Yoo In-na (actress, best friend)
Park Seo-joon (actor)
BTS’s Suga (collaborated on "Eight")
10. Lifestyle (House, Cars, Fashion, Hobbies)
Luxury Assets
House: Penthouse in Seoul’s Hannam-dong (~$10M)
Cars: Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Hobbies & Passion
Songwriting & producing
Reading books
Collecting perfumes
11. Controversies & Rumors
"Zeze" lyrics controversy (2015) – Accused of sexualizing a child character
Plagiarism accusations – Some songs faced scrutiny
Dating rumors – Mostly debunked
12. Recent News (2025)
Upcoming album (Late 2025)
New drama with Park Bo-gum (rumored)
Gucci Fashion Week appearance (September 2025)
13. FAQs About IU
1. Is IU dating anyone in 2025?
No, she is currently single.
2. What is IU’s net worth?
Around $80 million (2025).
3. Does IU have siblings?
Yes, an older brother.
4. What languages does IU speak?
Korean, basic English & Japanese.
5. When did IU debut?
September 18, 2008.
Conclusion
IU is a once-in-a-generation artist – from her record-breaking music to her award-winning acting. Her journey from poverty to superstardom inspires millions worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on IU’s music, acting, and fashion ventures in 2025!
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