K-Pop star once slept in a cockroach-infested room, was rejected by 20 companies. Today she's richer than BTS's Jungkook, Taehyung

Economic Times

19 hours ago

Synopsis
IU, a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress, has risen to international stardom despite a challenging early life marked by poverty and rejection. Starting at 15, she overcame financial hardship and numerous failed auditions to become a dominant figure in K-pop.
Agencies IU's Rise from Struggles to Global Fame (IU pre debut pics) South Korean singer-songwriter and actress IU has established herself as a dominant figure in the international entertainment scene. As reported by Forbes Korea , her achievements include securing a place on its Power Celebrity 40 list, making her red carpet debut at the Cannes Film Festival, and building a fortune valued in the tens of millions. However, her journey to superstardom was far from smooth. In the highly competitive, group-focused K-pop world, IU has stood out as one of the most commercially successful soloists. According to multiple Korean entertainment reports, she became the first female Korean artist to stage a solo concert at the massive Seoul Olympic Stadium in 2022, performing The Golden Hour. Over her career, she has released numerous critically acclaimed studio albums, including Modern Times (2013), Palette (2017), and Lilac (2021). Her acting career, which began in 2011, has seen her headline some of Korea's most popular television dramas and films such as Hotel Del Luna (2019), Broker (2022), Dream (2023), and the anticipated When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025).
IU's journey began at just 15 years old, but her early life was marked by deep poverty, repeated rejection, and personal loss. Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her goals. Born in 1993 in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, she faced financial instability when her parents fell into heavy debt. As per Celebrity Net Worth, Ranker and Just Jared reports, her current estimated wealth of $40–45 million makes her the richest K-pop idol, surpassing notable figures such as BTS's Jungkook ($35 million) and Taehyung ($40 million).Reports from Just Jared and other outlets note that IU built her wealth primarily through music, declining lucrative overseas offers in favor of developing her artistry at home. Alongside music, she earned acclaim in acting through high-profile roles. She also holds multiple credits as a songwriter and producer, crafting not only her own tracks but also songs for other artists. Her commercial partnerships range from luxury fashion and beauty giants like Estée Lauder and Gucci to Korean companies such as Woori Financial Group, Evezary, and Black Yak. She has also worked with technology leaders including Samsung Korea, Sony, and SK Telecom.IU's early years were far from glamorous. When her parents could no longer support her and her younger brother, they went to live with their grandmother in a small, overcrowded home. In a YouTube interview, she recounted living in freezing, cockroach-infested conditions, where food was scarce. Her grandmother sold hair clips at the market to keep the household afloat.During her teenage years, IU chased every audition opportunity she could find, only to be turned down repeatedly. In the same interview, she revealed she sometimes slept in recording studios just to get a proper meal. She also shared with SBS that during this period, she struggled with an eating disorder, describing herself as trapped in cycles of self-loathing, lethargy, and binge eating. On top of this, she endured failed auditions—more than 20 in two years—and even fell victim to scams by fake talent agencies.Her perseverance paid off in 2008 when she signed with Loen Entertainment, now Kakao M. IU's debut single 'Lost Child' premiered on M Countdown on September 18, 2008, and served as the lead track for her first EP Lost and Found, released on September 24. The EP garnered critical appreciation and earned her the 'Rookie of the Month' award from South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in November 2008.In April 2009, IU released her first full-length album Growing Up, which sold about 31,000 copies and produced her first Top 25 hits—'Boo' and 'Hey (Rock Ver.)' on South Korea's Circle Gaon Chart. Around this time, her popularity grew further thanks to her acoustic covers of popular K-pop hits like Super Junior's 'Sorry, Sorry,' Big Bang's 'Lies,' and Girls' Generation's 'Gee.' She appeared on variety shows such as Star Golden Bell, participated in radio programs like Kiss the Radio, and took on television presenting roles.IU's career reached new heights in 2010 when she released 'Someday' for the Dream High drama soundtrack. According to Gaon Digital Chart data, the song reached number one soon after release and went on to sell over 2.2 million digital copies by the end of 2011, becoming one of her top-selling OSTs.
By 2011, IU was dominating the charts with hits such as 'The Red Shoes,' 'My Old Story,' 'Friday,' and 'Last Fantasy.' Her music consistently appeared on both Korean charts and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100.In 2015, IU solidified her position as an independent creative force with the release of her self-directed album Chat-Shire, exercising full control over its musical direction and production. By 2020, she had become one of the most influential artists in Korean entertainment, setting benchmarks for musical excellence and personal branding.IU's career arc—from a young girl in a cramped, cold home to the highest-earning K-pop soloist—stands as a testament to resilience and vision. As documented by entertainment and business outlets alike, her story combines raw talent, relentless effort, and the refusal to give up even in the face of overwhelming obstacles. With continued work in both music and film, as well as strong ties to brands and creative ventures, she remains a leading figure shaping the future of Korean pop culture.