IU donates $146,000 on her debut anniversary

IU donates on her debut anniversary

Some artists mark anniversaries with parties and posts; IU marks hers by giving.

To celebrate the day she first debuted, the singer–actor donated 200 million won (about $146,000) — and, true to form, she did it in both her own name and her fandom’s, “IUaena.”

It’s her way of saying the good she does is something she does with her fans, not just for them.

According to Korean Times, her agency, EDAM Entertainment, said the funds will support children with rare diseases, people with disabilities, young adults preparing to live independently (including care-leavers), and elderly people living alone. In short, the money is headed exactly where a little help can mean a lot.

This isn’t a one-off. IU has turned giving into a gentle ritual — on her debut anniversary, birthday, and at year’s end.

Back in March, she donated another 200 million won to help wildfire victims in Korea’s southeast and to improve working conditions for firefighters, keeping one eye on immediate aid and the other on the people who provide it.

Her bond with fans isn’t just about charts and queues; it shows in the small, human moments. At her recent two-day fan meet, “Bye, Summer,” IU went over to the wheelchair seating during the encore, sang to audience members and held their hands — a simple, thoughtful gesture that earned a swell of love online.

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And because she knows how to turn a thank-you into a memory, she also surprise-released a new single, “Bye, Summer,” the morning of the event. The track quickly climbed domestic and international charts, and even caught the attention of Forbes, which highlighted her growing global presence.

Put it all together and you get a clear picture: IU’s milestones aren’t just about looking back on success; they’re about paying it forward — and bringing her fans along for the good they can do together.