Billboard described IU as a “irreplaceable presence“, explaining their choice by stating: “While there are many individuals who excel in specific fields – popular idols, skilled musicians, talented actors, and good hosts in the field of broadcasting and entertainment – there is only one person who succeeds in all of these areas at once: IU.“
Billboard also talked about IU’s chart success and world tour this year. He noted that his single “Love Wins All” showed overwhelming dominance, achieving: #1 on the Korean Melon Top 100 chart within an hour of release, 4 consecutive weeks at the top of the weekly chart, #1 on the monthly chart , 339 Perfect All-Kills on iChart.
Additionally, IU attracted audiences of approximately 500,000 people at 31 concerts in 12 countries, setting the record for the largest world tour by a Korean solo singer. She also became the first female singer to perform exclusively in major Korean stadiums, a feat described as unprecedented.
In an interview with Billboard, IU shared her thoughts: “Global, Billboard, No.1. These words seem unknown to me, but they give me joy and honor.”
Meanwhile, IU is set to make headlines again next year with new projects.
On December 2, Kakao Entertainment announced that IU and Byeon Woo-seok would be confirmed as the cast of MBC’s “Wife of a 21st Century Prince” (working title).
The drama is set in the 21st century Korean constitutional monarchy and tells a love story that transcends social status. IU will play Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of a conglomerate family that ranks first in terms of wealth. Born with a silver spoon, Hee-joo is gifted with intelligence and extraordinary beauty, but finds her status as a commoner an obstacle in life, leading her to cross paths with Crown Prince Lee An.
Byeon Woo-seok will play Lee An, the king’s second son, who was born into the royal family but is destined to have nothing else. Meeting Hee-joo brings profound changes to his life.
MBC’s “Wife of a 21st Century Prince” is scheduled to air in the second half of next year.
