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IU’s big 2019 “Love Poem” concert in Manila is a few days around the corner but before we get too excited, let’s warm ourselves up and go a little off track by talking about her acting skills thru some of her dramas.
Lee Ji Eun, better known as IU to her fans, is one of the most sought-after South Korean stars of today. She debuted as a singer in 2008 but it was only after her single “Good Day” (2010) from her third album “Real” did she find her way to stardom, increasing her fan base to a wider scope; of which she also earned the title Korea’s “Nation’s Little Sister”. A few months after, she was cast in her first drama “Dream High”.
In all seven dramas from 2011 to date casting her in main roles, she has lived up to being a real star in her own universe. Not only is she the “three-high-pitched notes” singer, but we have seen her take on acting like it is her main craft. So to prepare us with the IU fever hang-over after Friday, we shall be counting down her top five dramas.
5/ Dream High (2011)
An all-star cast drama, although at that time the cast may not yet be the A-list stars we know them by today. Dream High encapsulates living the big Korean pop star dream and believing that dreams have a way of coming true. It may not always be a path of golden bushes but wanting something and working hard to achieve it can make the seemingly impossible happen. IU plays a shy overweight girl alongside Suzy Bae, Taec-yeon, and Kim Soo Hyun.
>>> See more: DREAM HIGH Cast After 9 Years: Not Everyone Achieves Success
4/ The Producers (2015)
This drama stars big names in Korean showbiz namely Cha Tae Hyun, Gong Hyo Jin, Kim Soo Hyun and IU. The story revolves around the lives of producers working in the variety show department of one of the biggest South Korean TV show networks, KBS. Topping viewership ratings, the drama gained popularity not only in South Korea, but internationally, as well. This is the 2nd time IU and Kim Soo Hyun collaborated for a TV drama after Dream High. Though this drama may have highlighted the acting skills of Kim Soo Hyun, it also proved to be one of IU’s bests. Working with a line-up of top-stars in Korean TV and the big screen alike, she showed another side of her acting playing Cindy, a nonchalant famous singer.
3/ Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Another one of those dramas with a must-see ensemble, IU stars alongside Lee Joon Gi, Kang Ha Neul, Baekhyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Jo Min Ki, among others. Locally, the show received criticisms for several reasons, but just like The Producers, it did perform very well overseas.
The series is based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin featuring a 25-year-old modern century lady who was transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. Here, we see a love triangle between the kind and soft-hearted 8th prince (Kang Ha Neul) and the misunderstood cruel 4th prince (Lee Joon Gi) of the reigning Wang family.
Though somehow bittersweet at the end, the drama however is a mix of tear-jerking and heart-fluttering moments. Did I mention eye-candy princes? Binge-worthy, I must say!
>>> See more: Here Are 6 Adorable And Quirky Habits IU Does Subconsciously
2/ My Mister (2018)
Not your ordinary boy-meets-girl-and-they-lived-happily-ever-after story, this drama is about three middle-aged brothers going through hardships in life and having each other as best friends. IU’s role Lee Ji An gets involved in a peculiar way with Park Dong Hoon (Lee Sun Kyun), being colleagues at work. Like Dong-hoon and his brothers, Ji-an is no stranger to the struggles of life. She is solely taking care of her old and sick grandmother and paying off his late father’s debt.
Critically-acclaimed for its screenplay, direction, and cast performances, in this drama IU yet again showcased her acting abilities.
The plot may be a little too dark for many but this offbeat drama has charm in its own way.
The drama features some of the most intense soundtracks you could ask. It’s a given, IU drama equals great OSTs. My personal favorites are “Adult” by Sondia and “There is a Rainbow” by O.When. Just like how the soundtracks pinch your heart, the drama leaves you crying with every single character and scene but at the same time gives a sense of relief that you are not alone in battling with your demons in this lowly life.
>>> See more: Top 8 Korean Historical Dramas Worth Watching
1/ Hotel del Luna (2019)
This recently concluded drama stars IU and Yeo Jin Goo. Hotel Del Luna is a hotel with ghosts as clients. After escaping from her captors, Jang Man-wol, IU’s character, begins to search for the “Guest House of the Moon”. During her search, she encounters a deity and gives her a drink which then turns her into the owner of the hotel. She has since been running the establishment for over 1000 years. In the present day, Koo Chan Sung (Yeo Jin-goo) meets Man Wol and becomes the new human manager who can see ghosts. Love blossoms between the two but because of their ill-fated circumstances, Man Wol leaves for the after-life and the hotel closes down. Here, IU takes on a unique role by portraying the character of a fickle-minded boss, not exactly the usual sweet little sister character that she is popular for.
The OST “All About You” by Taeyeon recapitulates the overall theme of the drama. You’d only have to hear the first few notes to know that that’s it!
Love and mystery is what this series is all about. So if you are looking to escape from reality, fall in love the not so ordinary way, and are brave enough to see ghosts popping on your TV screen, this is one good choice
Whether one is a die-hard UAENA or just one of those silent admirers, it’s undeniable that this multi-talented little sister has made an impression by way of her versatile acting and/or her angelic singing. This concert has been a long time coming and a series of reschedules but finally it is happening!
