IU Faces Controversy Over Netflix Series Pay Rumors
Recently, IU found herself embroiled in a pay controversy regarding her role in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines. According to reports from Vibrance, allegations emerged online claiming that IU was compensated ₩500 million (about $345,000) for each episode of the show.
The speculation originated from an anonymous post on a community platform. In response, Pan Entertainment, the production company for the series, promptly denied these claims. On March 18 KST, a spokesperson addressed the rumors in comments made to various media outlets, stating:
“The claim that IU received ₩500 million per episode is completely false.”
IU, whose full name is Lee Ji-eun, boasts an estimated net worth of $15 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. She is celebrated not only for her music, particularly her hit single Good Day, but also for her work as an actress.
IU’s Multifaceted Career: Music and Acting
Lee Ji-eun, or IU, began her journey in the entertainment industry under LOEN Entertainment with the vision of bridging the gap between artists and fans through music. She made her debut on September 18, 2008, with the single Lost Child from her EP Lost and Found, which was featured on M Countdown.
Despite early challenges, she garnered recognition when the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism awarded her the Rookie of the Month Award. Nevertheless, her debut EP struggled to gain traction in sales.
In April 2009, IU released her first full-length album, Growing Up. Later that year, she broadened her reach by hosting music programs on Bom TV and participating in numerous radio shows, including Kiss The Radio and Volume Up.
IU’s breakthrough came in 2010 with the popular duet Nagging, featuring Lim Seul-ong, which dominated the Gaon Digital Chart for three weeks. Its popularity surged after being showcased on the variety show We Got Married. Following this, she released Because I’m a Woman, which reached sixth place on the charts and was featured in the drama Road No. 1.
Her third album, Real, launched in December 2010, charted at number four on the Gaon Album Chart. The single Good Day achieved international acclaim and was hailed by Billboard as one of the century’s top K-pop songs.
In 2011, IU continued her momentum with the Real+ EP, featuring Only I Didn’t Know, which topped the Gaon Digital Chart. She opened for British artist Corinne Bailey Rae in Seoul, became a host on Inkigayo, and contributed the song Hold My Hand for the drama The Greatest Love, which sold over two million copies.
By signing with EMI Music Japan and releasing the album Last Fantasy in late 2011, she solidified her status, as it debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart and won Record of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards. That year, she was honored as Female Musician of the Year.
IU’s career continued to flourish with her first concert tour, Real Fantasy, in 2012. The succeeding year saw the release of Modern Times, which topped the Gaon Album Chart.
Further notable albums include the cover album A Flower Bookmark in 2014, Chat-shire in 2015, and Palette in 2017, all of which received critical acclaim. Her 2021 studio album, Lilac, and the latest EP The Winning released in 2024, bolster her impressive discography.
Apart from her musical endeavors, IU has also made significant strides as an actress. She debuted in Heroes in 2010, gaining major acclaim for her portrayal of Kim Pil-sook in Dream High. This role won her multiple accolades, including the Hallyu Award and global recognition at the Rose d’Or Awards. The series was later adapted into a stage musical and aired on Netflix in 2022.
In 2013, IU starred in You Are the Best!, earning an Excellence in Acting Award at the KBS Drama Awards. Her acting portfolio expanded with notable roles in Bel Ami and The Producers in 2015, and she starred in the prominent series Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo in 2016.
A Closer Look at When Life Gives You Tangerines
Set in the picturesque 1950s Jeju Island, When Life Gives You Tangerines unfolds as a poignant tale of youthful love and growth. The narrative follows two diverse characters: Ae Soon, an ambitious young woman, and Gwan Shik, a diligent and reserved man, as their lives converge amidst the joys and challenges of growing up.
Premiering on Netflix on March 7, 2025, the series unfolds over four parts, each containing four episodes released weekly on March 7, 14, 21, and 28.
Portrayed as a heartfelt homage to past generations, the series encapsulates the essence of a mother’s first love, a father’s youthful escapades, a grandmother’s rebellious spirit, and a grandfather’s romantic nostalgia.
Ae Soon, brimming with dreams, aims to become a poet despite lacking formal education. Her inherent rebelliousness is countered by vulnerability, as she learns to navigate a world filled with challenges. In contrast, Gwan Shik embodies sincerity; he struggles to express his emotions but remains steadfastly devoted to Ae Soon, providing silent support in her times of need.
For more insights on IU and her career, you can also check out her music and performances here and here.
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