IU's popularity was discussed in a thread by Uaenas, who delved into how the top soloist became one of the greatest artists in the music scene.

Here's what they revealed!

IU's Meteoric Rise to Stardom: Uaenas Explore the Magic Behind Soloist's Ascension in Music Industry

K-pop fans know how much IU has made a significant influence in the Korean music industry. Through her grounded personality, she has produced songs that capture her raw emotions and personal experiences. This led both fans and idols alike to love IU along the way.

Aside from her recognition from the general public, success in the charts, and impact with her acting skills, IU has also gained the moniker of the "Nation's Little Sister," due to her sweet and innocent image, along with her level-headedness and positive demeanor.

On December 28, netizens established a forum discussing IU's popularity and the reasons why she rose to fame. The post title asked whether IU became popular because of her gorgeous visuals or her singing talent, and most netters agreed that it was both.

"What do you think contributed more?" OP inquired.

Here's what Uaenas commented:

•  "IU blew up with 'Good Day,' so I'd say it's singing."
•  "It's because she has both and she's super popular."
•  "Her songs also played a huge role."
•  "She has both. Her face and her singing."
•  "I think that a big part of it was also her good personality."
•  "Her looks are so cute and pretty. IU's the type that would get a lot of fans and she's even talented."
•  "Both played a big role, so I can't choose."

One fan stated that IU's popularity can't be defined by two factors, as there were many reasons why she became successful. The fan shared:

"IU was already singing since middle school, and when she got better, she got even more popular."

"When 'Good Day' became a hit, she also improved as a writer and composer, so her popularity can't simply be explained with these two factors alone."

International fans also joined in, saying that IU also gained traction when she made her acting debut in the 2011 drama "Dream High" with Bae Suzy and Kim Soo Hyun.

They also elaborated on IU's inspiring journey from growing up in poverty to becoming one of Korea's most loved and successful artists.

"It was her singing. Plus, she starred in 'Dream High' with Suzy and Kim Soo Hyun, and we all know how well it turned out for them."

"I'd say it was a combination of being talented in singing, having likeable songs, a well-curated public image, and being a baseline good entertainer in variety and acting."

"Coming from a poor family, you could tell she had that hunger a lot of celebrities from rich families don't. I really don't think it was visuals. If people remember, she was seen as cuter with a chubby face than a beauty.

Then IU had a glow-up when she got paler and lost a lot of weight, which happened around the time she started writing her own music and had creative control over her projects. That's when the deal was definitely sealed about her place in the music industry."

Which songs or dramas from IU are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by Riely Miller