IU Marks 16th Debut Anniversary with Generous 200 Million KRW Donation

Singer and actress IU has once again shown her warm heart by making a significant donation to celebrate her 16th debut anniversary.

Her agency, EDAM Entertainment, announced on September 18th that IU donated a total of 200 million KRW (approximately $145,000 USD) under the name of her fan club, 'IU&A' (IU + YooAena).

The generous contribution will be distributed to support various vulnerable groups, including children with rare diseases, individuals with disabilities, youth preparing for independence, and the elderly living alone.

Specifically, 50 million KRW each has been allocated to the Korea Foundation for Persons with Disabilities, Make-A-Wish Korea, the Heart-Heart Foundation, and the Korea Support Foundation for the Elderly Living Alone. These funds will support disability services, fulfill the wishes of critically ill children, aid young adults transitioning to independence, and provide essential supplies to elderly individuals during the Chuseok holiday, respectively.

IU has a consistent history of giving back on meaningful occasions such as her debut anniversary, birthday, and year-end holidays. Previously this year, she donated 200 million KRW for wildfire relief efforts in the Gyeongsang region and to improve conditions for firefighters, 150 million KRW for children and adolescents on Children's Day, and another 200 million KRW for vulnerable populations on her birthday.

Meanwhile, IU recently held her fan meeting '2025 IU FAN MEET-UP [Bye, Summer]' on September 13th and 14th, spending meaningful time with her fans. Her thoughtful gesture of approaching wheelchair-bound fans and interacting with them during the encore stage garnered significant attention, showcasing her signature fan love. Her surprise new song 'Bye, Summer,' released as a gift to fans, has topped charts domestically and internationally and received mention from Forbes. IU is currently operating a pop-up store at The Hyundai Seoul and is actively filming her upcoming drama '21st Century Madam.'

IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, debuted in 2008 and has since become one of South Korea's most beloved solo artists. Beyond her successful music career, she has also garnered critical acclaim for her acting performances in various dramas and films. Her consistent charitable acts have earned her the admiration of fans and the public alike, solidifying her reputation as an artist with a heart of gold.