Lee Ji-eun, known professionally as IU, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress who debuted in the late 2000s. Born in Seoul, she began her entertainment career at a young age, enrolling in acting classes and eventually signing with LOEN Entertainment in 2007. Her breakthrough came in 2010 with the chart-topping single "Good Day" from her third EP, Real, leading to continued success with hits like Last Fantasy, Love Poem, and Lilac.
Throughout her career, IU has showcased a diverse musical range, from ballads to light pop, and has ventured into the Japanese and American markets. Her critically acclaimed releases include Modern Times, Palette, and the Suga-produced single "Eight," which marked her first U.S. number one. In 2021, IU released her fifth full-length album, Lilac, which achieved platinum certification and solidified her position as a prominent figure in the Korean music industry.