South Korean superstar IU has officially topped the 2025 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list, making her the country’s most influential celebrity this year. With a well-rounded career as both a singer and actress, it’s no surprise she earned the top spot.
Forbes Korea revealed that IU raked in an estimated ₩32 billion (around ₱1.25 billion) in total income over the past year. That impressive figure includes revenue from her music, acting projects, concerts, and endorsement deals. On top of her financial success, she also scored high in media exposure, social media impact, and recognition across multiple award-giving bodies.
IU’s recent HEREH World Tour was a major highlight of her year. Kicking off in Seoul on March 2, 2024, and wrapping up back in the same city on September 22, the tour made stops across Asia, North America, and Europe, drawing massive crowds and solidifying her global fanbase.
As a recording artist, IU’s influence continues to shine. While her last album LILAC came out back in March 2021, it still holds strong in public memory and earned platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association—a testament to its enduring popularity.
On the acting front, IU wowed audiences with her performance in the Netflix hit "When Life Gives You Tangerines." She took on the dual role of Ae-sun and Geum-myeong in the romantic period drama, starring alongside Park Bo-gum. In an interview, IU shared how the emotional story and her chance to portray a character at different life stages were what drew her to the project.
She described it as “a beautiful love story,” but also appreciated that the drama went deeper than romance. For IU, the show was about the power of human connection and caring for one another, themes that resonated deeply with her during filming.
With continued success in both music and acting, plus a genuine connection with her fans, IU’s spot at the top of Forbes Korea’s list feels well-earned.
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