South Korean singer-songwriter and actress IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, has recently expressed her desire to live a long and fulfilling life.
In an interview on Salon Drip 2, which was released on the YouTube channel TEO on Tuesday, the singer was asked how long she wanted to live.
"I want to live until I'm 80," she responded. "I promised my fans that I would be a singer who would fill stadiums until I was 70."
In addition, IU shared that she has no plans to inherit her parents' wealth. Sheer mother and father to divide the inheritance among her three siblings instead as she was, as she is financially independent.
"I'm financially independent now," she said. "So I said, 'It's okay for me. I'll just drop out, so divide it into thirds including my share."
IU's career has been marked by significant success. She has become one of South Korea's most celebrated artists, known for her powerful voice and versatile acting skills. Her music has garnered numerous awards, including Song of the Year for her hit single "Good Day" at both the Melon Music Awards and the Korean Music Awards in 2014.
Her philanthropic efforts have also been recognized, earning her a spot on Forbes' "Asia's 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy" list for her charitable contributions. IU's philanthropy extends beyond financial donations. She has actively participated in awareness campaigns, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS awareness and supporting natural disaster relief efforts. In 2020, she donated medical protective clothing and cooling vests for nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2023, she contributed to a charity song promoting disability awareness.
IU has several acting projects lined up this year, including Netflix's When Life Gives You Tangerines and Wife of a 21st-Century Prince. However, it is unclear when she will release new music.
