In December 2023, images featuring staff members receiving gifts from IU went viral in online communities, sparking much excitement.
The images showcased luxurious items like AirPods Max, New Balance sneakers, and bookmarks, with the AirPods Max being particularly notable due to its high price tag of 760,000 won, highlighting the generosity of IU’s gifts.
The staff conveyed their thanks through various social media posts, expressing sentiments such as “Santa. Shock. Is this for real?” and “Hello, I’m an Uaena (IU’s fan club)…”
A heartfelt message included with the gifts read, “We spent all four seasons together, and our bond seems destined. Thank you. Merry Christmas.”
At the end of the letter, IU shared her endearment by signing with her real name alongside her character’s name from the drama, “Ae-soon.”
IU’s thoughtful gifts were directed to her drama’s production team, which comprised at least 100 individuals. The online community responded enthusiastically, with comments praising IU’s kindness, such as “IU’s heart is so beautiful,” “You’d become a fan just by working with her,” and “Such a kind queen…”
On August 5, 2024, a post on an online platform gained traction, revealing that IU had provided business-class tickets for her entire crew returning to Korea after a concert tour in the U.S.
This post also shared photos from the Instagram accounts of tour members, illustrating their appreciation for IU. One crew member noted that IU paid for the tickets because she recognized their hard work leading up to the performance. The touring crew included over 100 people, comprising 30 backup dancers, the band, management team, production staff, security, and others.
During the tour, IU additionally treated her team to tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles. Reports also surfaced that during a concert in Japan, she organized a gourmet food truck for her staff.
Community members showered IU with compliments, calling her supportive and generous with those around her. Some humorously inquired about how one could work for her.
A staff member recalled that during a concert in Sangam in 2011, IU treated all staff to rice cakes, varying the types and stickers each day.
A part-time staffer chimed in the comments, saying, “That’s right! I was also a part-time staff member during the March concert. I received rice cakes too – I’ve never seen an artist who cares even about part-time workers like IU does…”
Since entering the entertainment scene in 2008, IU formed a partnership with Loen Entertainment (now Kakao M) and worked with them for a decade, evolving from a budding artist to a K-pop sensation. Upon her contract’s expiration, she chose to extend her agreement with Loen.
In a heartfelt moment, IU’s only condition for renewing her contract was not for better facilities or higher earnings; she simply requested improved compensation for her team. “I want to continue working with the staff I view as family. Please ensure they receive a raise,” was her sole request.
Source: Insight
Leave a Reply