Singer-actress IU reveals release schedule for album 'LILAC'

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• IU celebrates 18th debut anniversary with another generous donation Courtesy of EDAM Entertainment SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - Singer and actress IU has donated 200 million won (US$145,00) to mark the 18th anniversary of her debut, her agency said on Friday. According to EDAM Entertainment, IU donated 50 million won each to four nonprofit organizations, including Korea Welfare Services, Habitat for Humanity Korea, Seoul Rehabilitation Center and Heart to Heart Foundation. The donated money will be used to support young patients from low-income families, war veterans and others recognized for their service and sacrifice for the country. Since making her debut with an album in 2008, the versatile star has regularly made donations on special occasions including her debut anniversary and birthday, as well as to support various causes. IU released a new album last week, offering fans a more mature message about love, imperfections and farewells. She is also meeting fans at special screenings of her concert films at a theater in Yongsan this weekend. AJP Takeaways - IU donated 200 million won to mark the 18th anniversary of her debut, with 50 million won going to each of four nonprofit organizations. - The donations will support vulnerable groups, including young patients from low-income families, war veterans and others recognized for their service to South Korea. - IU continues her charitable activities alongside her music career, following the release of a new album and special screenings of her concert films in Yongsan.
• Controversy Erupts Over '21st Century Great Lady' Historical Distortion; IU Vows Greater Responsibility '21st Century Great Lady' MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Great Lady' concluded on May 16 amid controversy over historical distortion. Following an apology and commitment to revisions from the production team, lead actress IU expressed her intention to take greater responsibility in front of fans. The upcoming script book is also expected to include some revised expressions.On the show's final day, IU held a group viewing event at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, where she celebrated her birthday with fans while watching the last episode. After the screening, she addressed the recent controversy, saying, "I've been thinking a lot lately. I could have done better. As someone who receives your love, I will strive to do better and show a more responsible side of myself, making sure not to waste a moment of time."She added, "I believe that everything you say has a reason, and I should accept it. If there are areas where I fall short, please let me know, scold me, and push me so that I can work hard to become a better person."While IU did not directly mention '21st Century Great Lady,' her comments were interpreted as a reflection on the recent historical distortion controversy, especially given the timing of her remarks right after the final episode.Set in a constitutional monarchy in 21st-century South Korea, '21st Century Great Lady' is a romantic alternate history drama. The controversy erupted following the broadcast of the 11th episode on May 15, which featured a scene where courtiers shouted 'Cheonse' instead of 'Manse' during the coronation of the character Lee An-dae-gun, who wore a Goryeo-style crown instead of a Joseon-style one. This led some viewers to accuse the show of historical distortion.In response, the production team stated, "We take seriously the viewers' concerns that the scene with the king wearing a 'Goryeo crown' and the courtiers shouting 'Cheonse' undermines our country's sovereignty." They issued an apology, acknowledging that they had not carefully examined how Joseon customs evolved throughout history.They further explained, "While '21st Century Great Lady' is a romance and an alternate history drama, it required careful and profound consideration of the intersection between the fictional world and historical context. We recognize that we fell short in refining the worldview and paying closer attention to these aspects."The production team committed to promptly correcting the audio and subtitles in replays, video-on-demand (VOD), and online streaming services.The controversy also extended to the script book. Ahead of its release on May 18, publisher Open House Studio Audrie announced on May 16 via official social media that they are in discussions with the production team regarding the planned revisions of certain ceremonial expressions related to the drama.The publisher stated, "We take this matter seriously" and will provide a separate notice to pre-order customers, indicating that the revised expressions will be reflected in future editions. For books that have already been produced and shipped, they plan to send corrected PDF files and physical correction stickers.Despite the historical distortion controversy, '21st Century Great Lady' ended with its highest viewership ratings, recording 13.8% nationwide according to Nielsen Korea. While the drama concluded with high ratings, the historical accuracy debate and the production team's subsequent actions remain significant points of discussion.* This article has been translated by AI.
• IU Says Switching From Netflix Hit to MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ Feels Easier Actor IU speaks at a production presentation for MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul’s Gangnam district, April 6, 2026. 2026.04.06 Singer and actor IU is returning with a new role after the popularity of the Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ MBC held a production presentation on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul for its drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ written by Yoo Ji-won and directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin and Lee Yeon attended. IU previously drew global attention for her performances as Ae-soon and Geum-myeong in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ In the new drama, she plays Seong Hee-joo, described as having a prickly personality. “Because ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ received so much love, and it was a character I filmed for a long time and immersed myself in, choosing something very different actually felt easier,” IU said. She added, “I do feel pressure about ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ but I don’t feel pressure about showing a different kind of project and character from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ If anything, I feel more at ease.” ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner, and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they pursue romance while trying to break through class barriers. The series will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.* This article has been translated by AI.