A Stalkers Guide: Lee Ji Eun (IU)

Birth Name: Lee Ji Eun

 Stage Name: IU

Nickname: Nation’s Little Sister

Birthday: May 16, 1993

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Height: 162 cm (5 ft 3¾ in)

Weight: 47 kg (103 lbs)

Blood Type: A

IU was born in Seoul, South Korea and is the older sister of one younger brother. Her parents were really poor and ended up moving to Uijeongbu. So her and her brother ended up staying with their grandparents and cousins. Once IU got in to middle school she decided to dive in to the entertainment industry. She auditioned 20 times, including JYP, and finally got signed to Loen Entertainment. She first made her debut in 2008 as a solo artist. Then, in 2011 she stars in her first drama you might have heard of, Dream High. I could go on all day about her beautiful singing and well written lyrics but let's take a look at her flourishing acting career.   

Dream High

Her first role she got was in Dream High as Kim Pil-Sook, who is at first an overweight girl but a natural born singer.  She immediately falls in love with another character named Jason but he didnt like her because of her weight. So she promised to lose weight within 200 days so that he would consider dating her.

Even though it was a supporting role, she got quite a bit of screen time. Her acting skills in this drama were pretty good. To me, it didn't actually feel like she was acting because she was basically playing herself in the drama. A quirky, funny, kind hearted person who loves to sing. Overall, if you haven't seen the drama you definitely need to go watch it. It has a really good soundtrack with great dancing and romance that will tug at your heart strings. 

You are the Best

One of my favorite dramas she has done, also the first drama where she is the Lead role. This drama will not be for everyone though. It is longer (40 Episodes), and some parts do drag on a little bit. But if you have nothing to watch and can handle a longer drama, I do recommend it if you're into romance.

IU plays a middle child named Lee Soon Shin in this drama. Lee Soon Shin is seen as the most average or even below average girl you can be. She has bad grades, is not pretty, short and has no special talents. She takes a few years off from college to recollect and find out what she wants to do in her life. She starts acting and finds out that she is naturally talented and people seem to love it.

Bel Ami

Probably my least favorite IU drama. Not because of her acting but because of the writing. If it wasn't for the acting i would not have been able to finish this drama. The story and character development was minimal at best and dull.

IU plays Kim Bo Tong is capable, talented, creative and strong girl from a  poor background. She has a crush on Dokgo Ma Te. She has a very lively and outgoing personality and does what she can to get him to like her back.

The Producers

This drama was a nice change of pace when it came out. IU costars with Kim Soo Hyun, which they were both together in Dream High.  IU displayed really good acting in this drama as well. Her crying scene broke my heart into pieces. 

It was very different directing wise, almost like the american TV show, The Office if you're familiar with that. Producers is a comedy drama about the lives of variety show producers. The story involves two veteran variety show producers. If you're looking for a unique type of drama definitely check this one out.

Moon Lovers

This drama is the one that challenged IU's acting the most in my opinion. She got VERY harsh comments and criticism on her acting here. It was mainly due to the fact that this Drama is a remake from the very popular Chinese version. Also, the fact that she is acting alongside other big stars who are established actors and fans thought IU was bringing her costars' acting level down. In my opinion she didn't do that bad, it was awkward at some points but overall it was a pretty good drama to watch. If you like historical dramas, I recommend watching this. So, go check this drama out and let me know what you think. 

IU plays Hae Soo, who travels back in time to the Goryeo era when a total eclipse of the sun took place. There, she falls in love with Wang So, (Lee Joon Gi), who tends to make others fear him.

My Ahjussi

While I am writing this the drama is still airing but I can already tell that this is my FAVORITE drama she has played and also maybe my favorite drama ever. IU almost didn't take the role because she has been recently under fire by fans and news outlets for scandalous Lolita pictures. Due to the past controversy, IU felt that starring in the drama would not be a good idea because her character is in a "relationship" with a much older man.

In this drama you can definitely see the improvement she has made in acting since starting and how much depth in terms of characters she can play. This is a very deep and depressing drama but don't let that scare you away from it. The plot, story, directing, angles, lighting, EVERYTHING. It's just so great. Truly a masterpiece. If you don't check the other ones out PLEASE do yourself a favor and watch this one.

IU plays a character named Lee Ji An who is working in a Construction company as a temporary employee along with Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun Kyun). She is living a hard life with a lot of debts and taking care of her grandmother who is old and bedridden. While Dong Hoon who is also working in that company is also a pitiful character with difficulties in his marriage and life in general. Both of them help each other and comfort each other.

Random Facts

1. IU only wanted to join JYP because she was a fan of Kim Tae Woo.
2. She is best friends with Suzy and Jiyeon from T-ARA.
3. The company gave her name IU, which has the meaning ‘You’ and ‘I’ will become one through music.
4. IU bought G-Dragon a fridge full of Soju bottles for featuring on one of her songs.
5.  IU was only a trainee for 10 months before she debuted.
6. When she was a part of Good Entertainment, she was supposed to debut in a girl group with G.NA, After School’s Uee, Wonder Girl’s Yubin, 4 Minute’s Heo Gayoon, and Secret’s Hyosung.
7. IU’s parents were against the kissing scene on Dream High so IU had to follow what they said.