IU Family Tree: The Story Behind Korea's Sweetheart Singer

Lee Ji-eun, known as IU, born 16 May 1993 in Seoul, South Korea, is one of South Korea's most-influential singer-songwriters and actresses — solo debut 2008; songs "Good Day" (2010), "Through the Night" (2017), "Eight" (2020), "Celebrity" (2021), "Love wins all" (2024). Acting: Moon Lovers (2016), My Mister (2018), Hotel del Luna (2019), Dream (2023).

The Family's Roots: A Seoul Family

The Lee family is from Seoul, South Korea. Family struggled financially; IU lived with her grandmother for some years.

Her Sister

One younger sister (private).

Her Brother

One younger brother (private).

Her Boyfriend: Lee Jong-suk

Lee Jong-suk (b. 14 September 1989) — Korean actor. Confirmed dating IU in December 2022.

The Lee Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Mr. Lee — Seoul.

Mother: Mrs. Lee.

Siblings: Two younger.

Boyfriend: Lee Jong-suk (b. 14 September 1989) — Korean actor.

IU:

  • Born 16 May 1993, Seoul
  • Dongduk Women's University (Business Communication)
  • Debut single: Lost and Found (2008)
  • Studio albums: Last Fantasy (2011), Modern Times (2013), Chat-Shire (2015), Palette (2017), LILAC (2021), The Winning (2024)
  • Acting: Dream High (2011), Pretty Man (2013), Producer (2015), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), My Mister (2018), Hotel del Luna (2019), Dream (2023 — Park Seo-joon co-star), Lovely Runner OST (2024)
  • Forbes Korea Power Celebrity #1 (2012, 2014, 2017, 2020)
  • 2024 World Tour, the first Korean female soloist to sell out Seoul Olympic Stadium

What the Lee Family Story Teaches Us

A Seoul family that struggled financially. Two younger siblings. A grandmother-raised childhood. A boyfriend who is one of Korean drama's top leading men. A 17-year career as Korea's most-influential female soloist.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the IU story carries the same lesson. Some careers cross from financial hardship to selling out Seoul Olympic Stadium.

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