Billboard Chooses This Artist as the Sole Korean Representative, Excluding Lim Young Woong, BTS, and NewJeans

IU: A Multifaceted Talent Dominating the Entertainment Scene

Billboard has aptly characterized IU as an “irreplaceable presence.” The publication highlighted her unique ability to excel across various entertainment dimensions, stating, “While many individuals shine in singular areas—such as popular idols, accomplished musicians, talented actors, and adept broadcasters—there exists only one artist who masterfully thrives in all these realms simultaneously: IU.”

Remarkable Chart Performance

In addition to her diverse talents, Billboard noted IU’s impressive achievements in chart performance and her global tour this year. Her hit single “Love Wins All” has shown remarkable success, achieving:

#1 on Korea’s Melon Top 100 chart within the first hour of its release
Four consecutive weeks at the top of the weekly chart
#1 on the monthly chart
339 Perfect All-Kills on iChart

Record-Breaking World Tour

This year, IU attracted an astounding audience of approximately 500,000 fans during her 31 concerts across 12 countries. This accomplishment has established her as the artist with the largest world tour for a Korean female solo singer. Furthermore, she made history as the first female performer in Korea to host concerts solely in large stadiums—a significant milestone in her career.

Reflections on Success

In a recent interview with Billboard, IU expressed her feelings about her achievements, stating, “Global, Billboard, No.1. These words feel unfamiliar yet bring me joy and honor.”

Upcoming Projects for 2024

As she continues to make headlines, IU is poised to unveil exciting new projects next year. On December 2, Kakao Entertainment announced her casting alongside Byeon Woo-seok in the upcoming MBC drama “Wife of a 21st Century Prince” (working title).

About the Upcoming Drama

Set against the backdrop of a contemporary constitutional monarchy in Korea, the drama explores a love story that transcends social barriers. IU will portray Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of a wealthy conglomerate family. Although gifted with beauty and intelligence, her commoner status poses challenges, leading her to encounter Crown Prince Lee An.

Byeon Woo-seok is cast as Lee An, the king’s second son, who, despite his royal lineage, faces a predetermined fate of insignificance. His interactions with Hee-joo promise significant personal transformations.

Looking Ahead

MBC’s “Wife of a 21st Century Prince” is anticipated to air in the latter half of next year, further solidifying IU’s role as a leading figure in Korean entertainment.

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