Singer IU has been selected as Korea’s representative by Billboard in the United States. Recently, Billboard announced the ‘Global No. 1 Artist Series,’ choosing IU. They remarked that “IU is an irreplaceable artist.”
They further praised her, stating “Many individuals stand out in fields such as idols, musicians, actors, broadcasters, and entertainers. The only person who excels in all these areas concurrently is IU.” It’s evident that she is the representative of Korea.
They introduced her saying that “The love K-pop fans and Korean music fans have for IU is absolute,” and “It spans generations from the younger to the older audience.” Billboard emphasized, “IU’s musical achievements and performances highlight her even more clearly.” They stressed that she is an artist loved not just in Korea but globally.
They also analyzed her achievements this year, stating, “She demonstrated an overwhelming presence on the 2024 chart. ‘Love Wins All’ reached number 1 on the Melon Top 100 just an hour after its release.”
They detailed her accomplishments further by saying, “It maintained the number 1 position on the weekly chart for four consecutive weeks and topped the February monthly chart. She achieved an amazing 339 perfect all-kills on the iChart.” Her world tour was also mentioned: “IU attracted around 500,000 spectators with 31 performances in 12 countries.
She held the largest world tour ever by a Korean female solo artist.” That’s not all. “She became the first female singer to perform at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and the first female singer to perform at all major stadiums in Korea,” they added. IU expressed her thoughts on being selected as Billboard’s ‘Number One Artist’: “Global, Billboard, Number One.
These titles feel unfamiliar yet delightful and honorable,” she remarked. Meanwhile, IU is set to appear in the upcoming Netflix series ‘You Have Done Well’ and is simultaneously working on the new MBC-TV drama ’21st Century Queen Consort’ (tentative title) as well as her music projects.
<Photo courtesy of EDAM Entertainment>
