The Story of IU, Korea's Most Successful Singer Who Used To Live Poor With Cockroaches

Lee Ji Eun, or better known by her stage name IU, is one of the most popular singers in South Korea. IU's
popularity star can even now be said to be at its peak. Apart from being successful with hits such as
'Boo' and 'Marshmallow', the 25-year-old artist has also starred in many popular series titles such as
'The Producers', 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' and 'Pretty Man'. But IU's success didn't happen
overnight. Before becoming a famous artist like now, he had to face many challenges. Maybe not many
people know that IU doesn't come from a wealthy family. This woman who was born in Seoul, South
Korea, is known to have lived in poverty as a child. little IU lives with a family that is struggling with
financial problems and is in debt. In order to pay the debt, IU and her parents have to live separately.
Since childhood, the singer, who is also adept at writing songs, was entrusted to her grandmother with
her younger brother.

IU, her grandmother and sister once lived in a restroom with lots of cockroaches, before they moved
into a house belonging to one of her relatives. Living with another family, IU was verbally bullied. Often
the relatives come home drunk and when they see IU, her sister and grandmother, they swear and
swear.

IU, who has aspired to be an artist since childhood, is even said to never succeed in becoming a singer.
Those words did not dampen IU's enthusiasm, instead she used it as a trigger for her desire to achieve
her dream of becoming a successful singer.

Growing up, IU decided to become a trainee in one of the managements. But things didn't turn out as
smoothly as he had anticipated. While looking for a new artist recruitment audition, IU becomes a victim
of fraud.

An agency manipulated him into transferring a sizable amount of money, arguing that the money was
for training fees and appearing on television programs. But he was never put into orbit, and when he
found out he had been cheated, IU was devastated. The reason is, the money belongs to his
grandmother which he collects little by little from selling accessories.

After many difficulties she faced, IU finally managed to debut as an artist in 2008, under the auspices of
Kakao M aka Fave Entertainment. He debuted after being a trainee for 10 months.
The first single was not a commercial success. But it actually made IU feel more grateful.

"My first album failed, but I'm grateful for it. If I succeed too quickly after debut, I won't be able to
appreciate the staff and the popularity that I enjoy now," said IU in an interview.

After success, IU is not a nut that forgets its skin. In 2009, IU reportedly collected her hard-earned
money and bought a car for her father. He also once spent time with his father on a strawberry farm. No
matter how successful, IU turns out to be a spoiled 'father's child' who loves his family.

Becoming a successful singer seems to have become the focus and goal of IU's life. In order to focus on
her career, IU sacrificed her schooling, including not continuing her studies.

IU is one of the figures who really started her career from the bottom before achieving success as an
artist with a myriad of talents. No wonder many K-Pop idols are inspired by their life journey to success
and call them role models.