IU, Our Real-Life K-Drama Angel! 😇 Donates ₩200 Million Under ‘IUaena’ Name, Warming Hearts Globally 💖
Hello Korea Fam! It’s your Drama & Cinema Analyst, Hannah Choi, here at “Hello Korea,” and we’re kicking off the new year with some truly heartwarming news from one of K-entertainment’s most beloved stars. Just as 2025 drew to a close, multi-talented singer and actress IU once again proved why she’s consistently dubbed the industry’s “Donation Angel,” making a significant contribution that has left us all in awe.
On December 31, 2025, EDAM Entertainment confirmed that IU (born Lee Ji-eun) donated a total of ₩200 million KRW (approximately $150,000 USD) under the special name of ‘IUaena,’ a beautiful combination of her own name and her devoted fandom, Uaena. This isn’t just about the hefty sum; it’s the thoughtful intent behind it, reaching out to those in the most vulnerable corners of society, that truly shines.
The substantial donation was meticulously distributed among four key organizations, each receiving ₩50 million KRW. This careful allocation reflects IU‘s deep understanding of various societal needs. The beneficiaries include the Korean Association for Unwed Mothers, the Child Rights Guarantee Agency, Sarangui Dalpaengi (Love’s Snail), and the Wooyang Foundation.
Speaking of impact, the funds are earmarked for specific, critical initiatives:
- 💖 Supporting the self-reliance and independence of single-parent families.
- 🌱 Providing essential initial costs for children transitioning out of institutional care as they take their first steps into society.
- 👂 Funding cochlear implant surgeries and hearing aid support for individuals with hearing impairments.
- 🍲 Supplying much-needed groceries and food assistance for elderly individuals at risk of malnutrition during the harsh winter months.
In fact, this isn’t an isolated act of kindness. IU has consistently demonstrated her philanthropic spirit, making donations under the ‘IUaena‘ name on significant occasions like her debut anniversary, birthday, and various national holidays each year. Her unwavering commitment to giving back, even amidst her packed schedule, is a testament to her genuine character. This warmth from our beloved Unnie is truly enough to melt the coldest winter chill!
Hannah Choi’s Take 🎬: As a Drama & Cinema Analyst, I constantly observe how an artist’s real-life persona influences their on-screen presence. IU, with her captivating performances in dramas like “Hotel Del Luna” and “My Mister,” often embodies characters with deep empathy and strength. Her continuous, thoughtful philanthropy only amplifies this ‘angelic’ image, making her not just a phenomenal actress and singer, but a true role model whose actions resonate as deeply as her most moving scenes. It’s a beautiful synergy that elevates her status far beyond celebrity.
From all of us here at “Hello Korea,” we celebrate IU‘s incredible generosity and hope her actions inspire more good deeds across the globe. What an inspiring way to embrace the new year!
Editor: Hannah Choi 🎬
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