5 Times IU Shared Profound Life Lessons Through Her On-screen Characters

The multifaceted star IU, also known as Lee Ji Eun, turns 32 today! A supremely gifted singer, accomplished actress, and versatile performer, IU's inspiring rags-to-riches journey has made her a beloved figure in the Korean entertainment industry. Having begun her career at a young age, she has steadily risen to become one of the most respected and influential artists of her generation. Affectionately dubbed the "Nation's Little Sister" for her sweet visuals, humble demeanor, and embodiment of Korean values, IU’s success across music, television, and film has become a blueprint for aspiring entertainers. To celebrate her birthday, we revisit five of her most memorable on-screen characters—and the profound life lessons they’ve taught us.

1. Oh Ae Sun and Yang Geum Myeong – When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)

   
   

   

   
   

   Across generations, women have had to confront the deep-rooted injustices of patriarchy, and sadly, that struggle continues even today. Through both Ae Sun and Geum Yeong, IU portrayed women who met life’s challenges with unspoken grace, quiet strength, unwavering dignity, and uncompromising pride.

   
   

   Life Lesson: Be your own role model. Set an example that future generations can look up to. Choose a partner who loves, respects, and treats you as an equal—someone who will stand by you through every storm.

   
   
   
   

   2. Jang Man Wol – Hotel Del Luna (2019)

   
   

   

   In this dark fantasy meets tragicomedy gem, IU embodied the fierce and unforgettable Jang Man Wol, the stylish and sharp-tongued owner of Hotel Del Luna—a place where souls of the dead find rest. Bound to the hotel for over a millennium due to a past sin, Man Wol carries her curse with attitude, elegance, and unapologetic flair.

   
   

   Life Lesson: Women are often judged for indulging in luxury, but why not celebrate what you’ve earned? Wear your diamonds, drive that dream car, sip fine champagne, and own every inch of your power. You only live once—so live boldly, live beautifully.

   
   
   
   

   3. Lee Ji An – My Mister (2018)

   
   

   

   
   

   One of IU’s most powerful and nuanced performances, My Mister remains an underrated gem that explores grief, trauma, and the slow, quiet process of healing. As Lee Ji An, IU portrays a young woman burdened by crushing debt, an ailing grandmother, and a life that has shown her little mercy. Yet, through her unlikely bond with Park Dong Hoon (the late Lee Sun Kyun), she begins a journey toward emotional renewal and human connection.

   
   

   Life Lesson: Life can be unbearably heavy at times, but don’t shut yourself off from the possibility of love, friendship, and healing. Even in the darkest moments, there’s a quiet beauty in simply choosing to live fully and hopefully.

   
   
   
   

   4. Go Ha Jin and Hae Soo – Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

   
   

   

   Long before Twenty-Five Twenty-One tugged at the heartstrings of K-drama fans, Moon Lovers left a lasting imprint with its emotionally charged storytelling and unforgettable performances, particularly the heartbreaking chemistry between IU and Lee Joon Gi. As Go Ha Jin, a modern woman who time-travels to the Goryeo Dynasty and becomes Hae Soo, IU navigates palace intrigue, political chaos, and a tragic yet passionate romance with Prince Wang So (Lee Joong Gi).

   
   

   Life Lesson: Many of us grow up dreaming of a perfect Prince Charming—but sometimes, love arrives in a form we never imagined. The right person may not fit the fantasy, but they’ll give you something far more real: a love that is selfless, honest, and soul-deep. When you find it, cherish it.

   
   
   
   

   5.  Kim Pil Sook – Dream High (2011)

   
   

   

   IU’s television drama debut, Dream High, introduced us to Kim Pil Sook—a shy, overweight, but incredibly gifted singer and performer. In many ways, Pil Sook mirrors IU’s own beginnings as Lee Ji Eun: an underconfident yet passionate girl with big dreams. Through the trials and triumphs at Kirin Art School, Pil Sook learns to embrace her identity, overcome insecurities, and grow into the artist she was always meant to be.

   
   

   Life Lesson: Pil Sook’s journey is the message we’d all love to send to our 15-year-old selves: Never let anyone or anything stop you from dreaming big. Just like IU, you’re meant for the stars. Shine on. Dream on. You’re pitch perfect—both literally and figuratively.

   
   

   *Bonus IU News!

   
   

   Exciting news for IU and Cha Eun Woo fans! IU’s agency has officially confirmed that she is gearing up for a comeback this month with an untitled album, set to be released as a special birthday gift for her beloved UAENAs (IU’s fandom). This marks her first comeback in a year and three months, following the release of The Winning in February 2024. Adding to the excitement, her agency also revealed that Cha Eun Woo will be making a cameo appearance in her upcoming music video—a heartfelt surprise for fans ahead of his expected military enlistment in the coming months. This much-anticipated collaboration between two of Korea’s most adored stars has fans buzzing with anticipation.

   
   

   Are you excited for IU and Cha Eun Woo’s long-awaited team-up? Let us know in the comments below!

   
   

   #IU #LeeJiEun #ChaEunWoo #UAENAs #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines #KimSeonHo #ParkBoGum #HotelDelLuna #DreamHigh #MyMister #MoonLoversScarletHeartRyeo