Metro.Style Most Beautiful Korean Actresses: IU And Her Career Highlights
Honestly, what's not to love about this top K-Pop idol, sought-after actress, in-demand brand endorser, and inspiring philanthropist?
There's no denying it. Lee Ji-eun, more famously known as IU, has done more in her career than most celebrities her age.
Beginning her life in the limelight at 15 years old, she started out as an idol hopeful until she became one of the top K-Pop stars today. She transitioned to acting and ruled the world of endorsements. She also deserves her title as a heroine of philanthropy, and maintains her status as a beauty icon. There's really only one thing to ask about the 27-year-old superstar: is there anything she can't do?
Throughout her 12-year career, her popularity just kept soaring. It's no surprise she was among those who were nominated in Metro.Style's Most Beautiful Korean Actresses campaign that celebrates the stunning women in the K-Drama and Korean film scene.
And when it comes to IU, there are so many things to celebrate, the best of which we rounded up right here.
See what makes her so deserving of her superstar status in the gallery below!

Get to know K-pop idol and actress Iu!
Get to know K-pop idol and actress Iu!
By Metro.StyleDecember 09 2023, 9:56 PM
What can we say? IU's career is every bit ideal for anyone who's ever hoped to make a name for themselves in Korean show business. Born with the looks, the talent, and the drive, IU made her singing debut in 2007 at 15 years old after undergoing a rigorous 10-month training in Korea's (often notorious) dog-eat-dog world K-Idol camps. Within the same year, she released her first album "Lost and Found," which earned her an award as the "Rookie of the Month" from South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Photo Credit: J.Estina
IU continued to seek the right formula of musical style and personal branding for the next three years to find her way into the mainstream. Her efforts didn't go unnoticed as her sophomore album, 2008's "Growing Up," peaked at Top 6 in Korea while her third album, 2009's "IU...IM," proved to be the big break she was waiting for.
Photo Credit: @dlwlrma
Her rising popularity made her fourth album, "Real," released in 2010, a soaring success. The record won nine out of the 10 awards it was nominated for that year, and despite having just seven tracks, it's lead single "Good Day" went on to become one of the most beloved K-Pop songs of the decade. Arguably, the song is also what helped IU gain international fame; for the first time in her career, Western audiences took notice of her songs even before the decade's Hallyu wave began. Billboard, for one, gave "Good Day" the top spot in its 100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s list.
Photo Credit: @dlwlrma
Post-"Real" success, IU released five more studio albums, namely "Last Fantasy," "Modern Times," and "Palette," all of which were massive hits on their own. Aside from her establishment as one of Korea's most famous solo artists, it was also during this time when IU embraced the edgier, unconventional, and individualized look her fans adore her for today. Shedding her girl next door image and finding confidence to establish her own identity, IU grew into a style icon and helped pave the way for other K-Pop idols to do away with the cookie-cutter approach to branding.
Photo Credit: @dlwlrma
To date, IU has 13 albums to her name, including both studio and extended play albums, and more than 20 number one singles. Seeing her success grow exponentially over the years, the singer took advantage of her pop culture phenomenon-status and ventured out into acting in 2011 via K-Drama "Dream High," three years after she debuted as a singer. Her crossover to acting, however, was not as smooth sailing as her singing career's beginnings. Given that IU had no acting experience, directors and producers had many doubts about casting her, but in the end, she proved them wrong!
Photo Credit: J.Estina
Her first lead role were in K-Dramas "You're the Best, Lee Soon-shin" and "Dream High," and like her first albums, her performances were definitely well-received! More offers for leading roles in television came pouring in, much to the surprise of IU herself who never envisioned herself as an actress. She turned out to be a great choice for dramatic roles, a newly discovered talent that landed her solid spots in big hits like "Bel Ami," "The Producers," "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," "My Mister," and "Persona." Her last TV project, "Hotel Del Luna," was especially popular among Filipino viewers.
Photo Credit: ISOI
All of IU's career achievements (and really, there are too many to fit in a single article!) haven't only culminated in her personal gains. She's a hero of philanthropy, too, and she continues to participate in charitable events and initiates her own efforts in helping vulnerable groups. She's especially known for helping out students in need; she's given scholarships, made annual donations to her high school, and started anti-bullying campaigns, to say the least. With the COVID-19 crisis, IU has been a leading force in Korean show business, offering both financial assistance and purchasing critical medical supplies and gear for front liners.
Photo Credit: Image from ISOI
As for her status as a beauty icon, this is her most recent feat. Just as the world paid more and more attention to Korean beauty, IU stepped up to the plate and showed everyone the perks of intensive skincare! She's a sun screen plus toner kind of girl, and on a regular basis, likes to keep her skin fresh and makeup sheer. She barely looks 27, and we predict she'll look forever young with the kind of TLC she gives her skin.
Photo Credit: @dlwlrma
Also worth highlighting is the dizzying array of endorsements IU has gained over the years. It's a status symbol to have brands partner with you, and for IU, it wasn't a struggle to get brands to notice her, but to cut down on endorsements and just pick the best ones! Fashion, beauty, food, gaming, and tech have all sought her out, all of which have resulted in partnerships with Samsung, Guess, The Saem, J.Estina, and even Gucci. It's even earned her a nickname: "CF Queen" or Queen of Commercials.
Photo Credit: @dlwlrma
You may still vote for Lee Ji-eun (IU) in Metro.Style's Most Beautiful Korean Actresses poll. Click here to vote! Voting is until September 29, Tuesday, 11:59 p.m.
Lead photos from J. Estina
Check out this video on the notable K-Drama roles of the nominees in Metro.Style's Most Beautiful Korean Actresses poll:
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