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IU (singer) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth16 May 1993

Age30 Years

BirthplaceSongjeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea

ProfessionMusician, Actress

NationalitySouth Korean

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyFather - Lee Jinkook; Mother - Kim Misam; Brother - Lee Jong-hoon

Net worth$35-$40 million

IU (singer) Biography

South Korean singer-songwriter and actress Lee Ji-eun, known professionally as IU, built a celebrated career as a solo artist and performer. Debuting in 2

Early life and background

Lee Ji-eun was born on 16 May 1993 in Songjeong-dong, Seoul. She grew up in a household with limited means; at times she and her younger brother lived with their grandmother and a cousin. From an early age she showed an interest in performing, attending acting classes as a child and participating in school events where her singing drew attention. Her school years included attendance at several primary and middle schools in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi region, and she graduated from Dongduk Girls’ High School in 2012.

Career

IU launched her recording career in 2008 with the song "Lost Child" from the EP Lost and Found. She expanded into television acting with a role in the 2011 KBS drama Dream High, playing the character Kim Pil-sook, and moved into film with a credited role as So-young in the 2022 movie Broker.

Across music and acting she has accumulated extensive recognition. Her music awards span many major Korean and regional ceremonies: early honors include a rookie award from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2008 and Best Collaboration at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards. Breakout singles and albums earned her multiple accolades over the following decade, including Bonsang and Daesang-level awards, songwriting honors, and recognition at events such as the Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Gaon Chart Music Awards, and others. Notable music milestones include Album of the Year for Palette and Best Songwriter at the Melon Music Awards in 2017, and multiple Artist and Song awards across 2020–2022.

IU’s acting has been similarly celebrated. She won Best New Actress at the 2013 KBS Drama Awards for her television work, and later received major television acting prizes for My Mister, including Best Actress – Television at the Baeksang Arts Awards. Her performance in Broker brought film awards and popularity prizes at ceremonies such as the Blue Dragon Film Awards, the Chunsa Film Art Awards, and the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards, and she was named Most Popular Actress for Broker at the 2023 Baeksang Arts Awards.

Public profile

Over time IU has been given a number of affectionate nicknames and public monikers that reflect her prominence in South Korean pop culture, including titles that translate to Nation’s Little Sister and Nation’s Sweetheart. She is recognized for her songwriting and musical versatility as well as for acting roles across television and film.

Her public recognitions extend beyond entertainment awards. She has received government and civic honors such as the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards and a Presidential Commendation from the National Tax Service. Forbes has repeatedly listed her among influential Korean celebrities and included her on Asia-focused lists; Rolling Stone placed her on a list of notable singers in 2023.

Personal life

Lee Ji-eun is South Korean and her hometown is Seoul. She is unmarried. Her parents are named Lee Jinkook and Kim Misam, and she has a younger brother, Lee Jong-hoon. Her zodiac sign is Taurus and she is reported to have blood type O. Known personal interests include diary writing, journaling, and computer games. Her musical tastes and influences include artists such as Gummy and Taeyang, and she has cited films, books, and other creative works among her favorites. She has owned luxury vehicles and several properties reported in various years, and public profiles note a listed net worth for 2023.

Controversies

IU has experienced public controversies over her career. In 2018 a song she released drew criticism for its lyrical content referencing a character from a children’s novel; she subsequently issued an apology for unintended offense. Earlier in her career she faced allegations of similarity between some of her songs and other works; those accusations were publicly denied and her agency commented on the situation. In 2023 false and defamatory flyers circulated by an extremist group alleged politically sensitive ties; those claims were not factual.

Latest updates

Recent highlights include her film role in Broker (2022) and continued recognition at awards ceremonies through 2023, including a Visionary Award in 2023 and placement on Rolling Stone’s 2023 list of notable singers. She remains active as both a recording artist and actress, and continues to receive industry and civic honors.
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Recent Work

Broker

Played the role of So-young in the 2022 South Korean film Broker.

2022
Dream High

Portrayed Kim Pil-sook in the 2011 KBS television series Dream High.

2011
Lost and Found (EP)

Debuted with the song "Lost Child" from the EP Lost and Found in 2008.

2008
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Career Highlights

  1. Debut single "Lost Child" (2008) and debut EP Lost and Found
  2. Television role in Dream High (2011) as Kim Pil-sook
  3. Album of the Year for Palette and Best Songwriter at the Melon Music Awards (2017)
  4. Multiple major music and acting awards including Baeksang, Melon, Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Blue Dragon Film Awards
  5. Film role in Broker (2022) earning several acting awards and popularity prizes
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Net Worth

$35-$40 million

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was IU (singer) born?

16 May 1993

What is IU (singer) known for?

Musician, Actress

What is IU (singer)’s marital status?

Unmarried

What is IU (singer)’s net worth?

$35-$40 million