From a Rookie Mocked on Stage to a Sold-Out Superstar

There was a time when this Korean singer faced jeers and insults during her debut performance. But today, she has risen to such stardom that even securing a ticket to her concert is a near-impossible feat.

IU: Korea’s Most Beloved Solo Artist

The artist in question is none other than IU, Korea’s leading solo singer.

In September last year, IU made history with her IU Concert: The Golden Hour at Seoul World Cup Stadium, attracting a staggering 107,000 fans over two days. This set a new record for the largest solo concert by a Korean female artist and cemented IU’s status in the industry. She also became the first female singer ever to hold a concert at the massive Seoul World Cup Stadium, further solidifying her legacy.

Even after 17 years in the industry, every song she releases dominates the top of streaming charts, and her music videos effortlessly garner tens of millions—if not hundreds of millions—of views, reinforcing her illustrious career.

One of IU’s most defining moments came with her 2010 hit Good Day. Upon release, the song remained on Melon’s streaming charts for an incredible 27 consecutive weeks, securing the No. 1 spot for nearly a month. Her later releases, such as Friday (2013) and Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms (2014), also saw unprecedented longevity on the charts, staying on for 95 weeks and 92 weeks, respectively.

IU has since continued to release mega-hits like Twenty-Three, Palette (feat. G-Dragon), Autumn Morning, BBIBBI, Blueming, and LILAC, proving she is not a fleeting star but a consistently beloved icon in the Korean music scene.

IU’s Devastating Debut Experience

Though she now reigns as one of Korea’s top artists, IU’s early years were far from easy. She debuted in 2008 at just 16 years old with her song Lost Child, performing on a music show for the first time—only to be met with complete indifference and even verbal abuse from the audience.

Fans of other artists, eagerly waiting for their favorite groups to perform, saw IU as an unwanted interruption rather than a new talent to support. Some even hurled cruel insults at her, including remarks like “Look at that pig.”

Recalling the painful experience on a later TV appearance, IU admitted, “That three-minute performance felt like an eternity. I lost all hope at that moment. I thought, at the very least, people would listen, but they didn’t even do that.”

The Song That Changed Everything: Good Day

The turning point in IU’s career came in 2010 with Good Day, the title track from her third mini-album Real.

With its upbeat melody, grand instrumentation, and emotionally charged climax, the song resonated with listeners, especially its lyrics about a girl struggling to confess her feelings to her crush. The highlight of the track—IU’s signature three high notes—became an instant sensation, showcasing her exceptional vocal skills and skyrocketing her popularity.

With Good Day, IU was crowned Korea’s “Nation’s Little Sister” and expanded her career beyond music into variety shows, dramas, and films. She also proved her talent as an actress, starring in hit dramas such as Dream High (2011), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), My Mister, and Hotel Del Luna.

Most recently, IU has been preparing for her role in the upcoming Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines with co-star Park Bo-gum, promising to once again showcase a new side of her artistry.