IU Marks 15th Debut Anniversary with Generous $200 Million Donation

K-pop superstar IU has once again touched hearts by donating 200 million Korean Won to celebrate her 15th debut anniversary.

Her agency, EDAM Entertainment, announced on September 18th that the donation was made under the name 'IUaena,' a combination of IU and her fandom's name, Uaena. The significant contribution is earmarked to support various vulnerable groups, including children with rare diseases, individuals with disabilities, young adults preparing for independent living, and the elderly living alone.

The funds will be distributed equally, 50 million Won each, to the Korea Foundation for persons with disabilities, Make-A-Wish Korea, Heart-Heart Foundation, and the Korea Association for the Support of the Elderly. These donations will aid in providing support for people with disabilities, fulfilling the wishes of children battling serious illnesses, assisting young adults in their transition to independence, and supplying essential goods to elderly individuals during the Chuseok holiday.

IU has a consistent history of giving back on meaningful occasions like her birthday, year-end holidays, and debut anniversaries. This year alone, she donated 200 million Won for wildfire relief and firefighter support in March, 150 million Won for children and adolescents on Children's Day, and another 200 million Won for vulnerable communities on her birthday.

Meanwhile, IU recently concluded her fan meeting '2025 IU FAN MEET-UP [Bye, Summer],' creating memorable moments with her fans. Her warm interaction with wheelchair-bound fans during an encore performance garnered significant attention, showcasing her signature fan love. Her surprise new song 'Bye, Summer,' released as a gift to fans, topped charts both domestically and internationally and even received a mention from Forbes in the US. Currently, her pop-up store 'Found at Eight' is open at The Hyundai Seoul, and IU is actively filming her upcoming drama, '21st Century Girl-in-Law.'

IU, born Lee Ji-eun, debuted on September 18, 2008, with the song 'Lost Child' on Mnet's 'You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook'. She has established herself as a top solo artist with her unique musicality and emotional depth, earning the moniker 'Trustworthy and Listenable IU'. Beyond music, she has also proven her acting prowess in various acclaimed dramas and films.