On April 6, 2025, IU, the renowned South Korean singer-songwriter and actress, achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 10 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, ‘이지금 [IU Official]’. Since its launch on February 13, 2017, the channel has served as a window into her creative endeavors and personal journey, fostering a deeper connection between IU and her fans.
This significant subscriber count reflects her immense popularity, which was evident when the channel reached 1 million subscribers by May 2019 and later surged past 5 million by January 2021. Fans took to social media to express their excitement over her latest triumph, celebrating her incredible journey.
“Congratulations! You deserve it. Thank you very much for all the effort”
The enthusiasm from her supporters was palpable as they flooded various platforms to share their pride in IU’s accomplishments. Comments highlighted not only her artistic talents but also her dedication amidst a hectic schedule.
“With the amount of crazy schedules she has, girlie has 10+ jobs, she must’ve spent more time in her car than in her house,”a fan wrote.
“Dear IU and Uaena, our world just got bigger! congratulations,”another fan wrote.
“Congratulations, another blessing & milestone to our best girl,”another fan added.
Fans have also lauded IU for her talents as a singer, actress, and vlogger, showcasing her ability to balance multiple roles successfully.
“There is really no one like you in this world… imagine slaying as a singer, actress, mc, vlogger all at the same time!!!”a fan remarked.
“She’s the cutest please. Good good, get all the achievements possible IU, more will come this year,”another fan commented.
“I still remember when she hit 1M subscriber, that was HDL era, now exactly after 5 years she hit 10M subscriber, and this time it’s WLGYT era. Congrats dlwrlma!”another fan wrote.
When Life Gives You Tangerines – A Journey Through Love and Heritage
Amid her successes, IU stars in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines, which has garnered global attention for its captivating storytelling. The show features IU alongside Park Bo-gum and unfolds a heartfelt romance set in the stunning landscapes of Jeju Island.
Set in the 1960s, the narrative follows Ae-sun (played by IU), a determined young woman aspiring to be a poet, despite facing societal and personal challenges. Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), her steadfast admirer since childhood, provides a backdrop of enduring love as their lives intertwine over fifty years.
The series poignantly portrays the evolution of their relationship against a backdrop of societal change and personal hardships, emphasizing themes of perseverance and devotion. Ae-sun’s pursuit of her dreams serves as an inspiring metaphor for overcoming societal expectations.
As the title suggests, When Life Gives You Tangerines symbolizes the sweet and sour moments of life. The tangerine, a beloved fruit of Jeju Island, captures the essence of the characters’ journeys through joy and sorrow.
The show also intricately weaves in cultural elements unique to Jeju Island, including the tradition of the haenyeo, female divers known for their seafood harvesting skills, a practice that has thrived for centuries.
Furthermore, the utilization of the Jeju dialect and local customs enhances the authenticity of the narrative. The Korean title, “폭싹 속았수다,”meaning “Thank you for your hard work,”aligns with the broader themes of gratitude and resilience depicted throughout the series.
IU’s performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines showcases her remarkable range as she also plays Ae-sun’s daughter, Geum-myeong. The series features seasoned actors like Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon, who beautifully portray the older versions of the main characters, adding depth and richness to the storyline. Spanning 16 episodes, the series is available for streaming on Netflix.