Few stories can compete in the high-pressure world of K-pop with the tale of the South Korean singer-songwriter IU.
Becoming one of the biggest and most popular soloists in an idol-dominated era, IU's rags-to-riches story is a testament to her talent and strength.
Early life Born as Lee Ji-eun, IU suffered from financial instability at an early age when her family's pet breeding business faced bankruptcy.
Her mother had co-signed a loan for a relative who had then vanished, leaving the debt unpaid and the family impoverished.
With creditors spooking her mother, and the family's life in distress, IU and her younger brother moved into a dingy apartment filled with roaches to live with their grandmother.
In spite of these challenges, and as is characteristic of IU, her resolve never wavered.
She auditioned at entertainment companies, even lying about her age and withstanding rejection and a scam from a fake agency.
Her hard work paid off, though, as she eventually signed with LOEN Entertainment (now known as Kakao M).
IU made her debut in 2009 with "Lost Child", but it was not until 2010 that she gained widespread recognition with the song "Good Day."
The song was an immense success, and she has gone on to become a household name in South Korea.
They continued to ascend to stardom by receiving the nickname "music chart queen" from IU herself.
She solidified her wealth through wise investments, such as purchasing her Gwacheon building, valued at KRW 4.6 billion (approximately USD 4 million) in 2018.
That same year, she bought a countryside retreat in Yangpyeong for her family, valued at approximately ₩3 billion (around $2.6 million).
IU made a famous purchase when she bought a luxury apartment in Cheongdam-dong for a total of KRW 13 billion (approximately USD 11.3 million) in CASH!
IU's rise from rags to riches is a tale not just of business acumen, but also of generosity and grit.
Her tenacity has long captivated fans worldwide, who appreciate her not only for her music but also for her unwavering determination to persevere.
Originally published on Kdrama Stars
