IU in 'Hotel de Luna' K Drama
Cover IU in 'Hotel de Luna' K Drama

If you live anywhere in Korea, it is impossible to miss the bright star that is IU. Besides being eye candy, the celebrity is also known and respected for her acting skills and talent in music

She has landed on the covers of South Korea's most prominent magazines, performed for a large crowd, and was included in the cast of notable K-Dramas. At this point, it is arguably safe to say that actress and musician IU already reached a level of success that most celebrities only dream about.

In case you missed it: IU: The Star's Most Fashionable Looks On- And Off-Screen

In this write-up, Tatler shares interesting things that you may not know about IU:

1. Discovered her love for performing at age 14

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'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The young IU (Photo: Koreaboo)
Photo 2 of 2 The young IU (Photo: Koreaboo)

At the tender age of 14, IU performed in front of a large crowd for her school's sports competition. As she sang on stage, the young star felt happy when the audience applauded and recognised her talent. 

Since then, IU started joining different auditions. After years of failing and being scammed by fake entertainment companies, she finally made her debut in 2008 with M Net M! Countdown. In the same year, she was able to produce her first single Lost Child

 

2. Her ideal guy is Taeyang from BIGBANG

Tatler Asia
HONG KONG, CHINA - JULY 27:  Singer and songwriter Taeyang of Big Bang promotes Fendi For Young Bae collection on the first day of sale on July 27, 2017 in Hong Kong, China.  (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)
Above HONG KONG, CHINA - JULY 27: Singer and songwriter Taeyang of Big Bang promotes Fendi For Young Bae collection on the first day of sale on July 27, 2017 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)

IU has always been vocal about her celebrity crushes and if you've been following her for a long time now, then you know that she was once head over heels for Taeyang from BIGBANG. During an SBS Hero Girls live aired in 2010, IU phoned the latter live on television and said "Recently, I have been watching your activities. I really want to see [you,] Oppa."

To which, Taeyung replied, "you have grown prettier and you sing well too." 

Related: 6 K-Drama Product Placements That Are Impossible to Miss

3. Over 44 Endorsements since 2010

Because of her pleasing personality, sweet demeanour, and well-respected image, IU has gained the trust of more than 44 endorsers including big brands like Samsung Galaxy, Cable TV, Sony MDR, New Balance, and SK Telecomm. 

More from Tatler: 7 of the Best Smartphones for Gaming: Huawei, Samsung, and More

4. Her first album was titled 'Growing Up'

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IU released her first album 'Growing Up' on April 16, 2009
Above IU released her first album 'Growing Up' on April 16, 2009

On April 16, 2009, the star released her first ever album Growing Up, with the lead promotional single Boo. Three weeks after its release, the song went number one in SBS' weekly music broadcast Inkigayo.

5. She swears by her three-step skincare routine

Tatler Asia
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JULY 08: IU attends tvN drama 'Hotel del Luna' press conference at Imperial Palace Hotel on July 08, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by THE FACT/Imazins via Getty Images)
Above SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JULY 08: IU attends tvN drama 'Hotel del Luna' press conference at Imperial Palace Hotel on July 08, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by THE FACT/Imazins via Getty Images)

How many products do you need to have a smooth and glowing face? For IU, three is enough. In an interview, the star revealed the skincare products her skin relies on; these include sunscreen, toner, and a facial oil/moisturiser. 

Sunscreens have always been regarded as the best anti-ageing beauty item. They protect the skin from harmful free radicals, therefore preventing wrinkles and unwanted dark spots. Toners, on the other hand, help soothe inflammations, red spots, and even shrinks the pores with regular use. 

Lastly, facial oils and moisturisers help the skin recover from dryness. According to IU, two drops of facial oil will make her face look radiant in no time. 

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