Every IU K-Drama, Ranked

by

IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, is famous for her singing, but she’s also become a well-respected actress in Korean dramas. While many K-pop stars try acting, IU truly dedicates herself to the art, and increasingly, people are starting to know her better as an actress than a singer.

IU is a hugely popular singer who’s also become a beloved K-drama actress. While she’s had a successful music career for 14 years, many fans believe she truly shines in her acting roles. She’s developed a distinctive acting style and has starred in several K-dramas that remain popular with viewers, though not everything she’s been in has been a critical success.

8. Dream High

2011

IU first appeared as an actress in 2011 with the teen drama Dream High. The show, a classic Korean melodrama set in high school, features IU as Kim Pil-suk, a hopeful singer and one of the six main characters. Each student in the group dreams of becoming a star and possesses a special talent – in Kim Pil-suk’s case, she has perfect pitch.

Besides IU, Dream High features several other popular Korean idols, like Bae Suzy, Jang Wooyoung, Ok Taec-yeon, and Hahm Eun-jung. It’s no surprise that the show’s soundtrack was a huge hit, with IU’s song “Someday” becoming number one in South Korea. However, certain parts of Dream High don’t hold up as well today.

Though it first aired in 2011, the show doesn’t feel old-fashioned because it avoids relying on specific trends or outdated technology from the 2010s. However, some of the character portrayals haven’t aged well by today’s standards. This is particularly true for IU’s character, who is unfortunately presented as a stereotypical “overweight” teenager whose success is framed as surprising given her appearance.

7. Bel Ami

2013

In 2013, IU played a relatable, everyday character in the drama Bel Ami. The show’s title, meaning “pretty boy,” describes Dokgo Ma-te (played by Jang Keun-suk), a charming young man who uses his good looks to get what he wants. Before he can find his real father, Ma-te needs to win over ten wealthy women.

Kim Bo-tong, played by IU, joins Ma-te’s mission as a volunteer. They used to be classmates, and Bo-tong still harbors feelings for him. Meanwhile, Ma-te has a hidden brother named David Choi (Lee Jang-woo) who becomes attracted to the kind-hearted Bo-tong.

The romantic rivalry in many K-dramas usually acknowledges a woman’s appeal, but in Bel Ami, IU’s character is strangely portrayed as completely ordinary—her name even means “average.” The show’s attempt to make IU appear unattractive by giving her oversized glasses doesn’t work, but Bel Ami does have an interesting central idea that helps balance things out.

6. You Are the Best!

2013

Also released in 2013, You Are the Best! represents a significant improvement in IU’s acting career. Surprisingly, IU plays the role of an unattractive sister once again. However, unlike her characters in Dream High and Bel Ami, this character doesn’t have any clear talents, ambitions, or immediate romantic interests. Instead, You Are the Best! cleverly uses these perceived flaws to drive the story forward.

The K-drama follows Lee Soon-shin as she discovers herself and pursues her dream of becoming an actress. She works incredibly hard to get better, only pausing when major life events, such as finding her biological mother, require her attention. Lee Soon-shin’s journey is a classic underdog story – she transforms from an everyday person into someone truly special.

While You Are the Best! definitely feels like it comes from the early 2010s, it doesn’t focus too much on superficial appearances. The main characters, like Soon-shin, are complex and make you think about what truly means to be successful. And IU’s acting is simply outstanding – a truly captivating performance.

5. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

2016

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a popular Korean historical drama set in the Goryeo dynasty. The story follows Go Ha-jin, played by IU, who is mysteriously transported back to the year 941. There, she becomes caught up in the intense power struggles within the royal palace and finds herself in a complicated love triangle between two princes – Wang So, played by Lee Joon-gi, and Wang Wook, played by Kang Ha-neul – both of whom are competing to become the next ruler.

The time travel aspect of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a clever addition. The main character thinks and feels like someone from today, but finds herself navigating the complex world of an ancient royal court. While the show is quite melodramatic, which might not appeal to everyone, that actually contributes to its unique appeal.

IU gives a fantastic performance as Ha-jin, who travels back in time and becomes Hae Soo during the 10th century. However, her character often felt like she existed mainly to support the story of the male lead, Wang So. The show portrays Wang So as a sad and complex hero, and it uses Hae Soo to demonstrate his qualities rather than developing her as a fully fleshed-out person on her own.

4. The Producers

2015

With The Producers, IU took on her second K-drama role centered around becoming an idol, but this time it felt different. Instead of playing a typical innocent character or someone undergoing a classic makeover, her part in the series revitalized her acting and helped her move beyond roles she’d been playing for a while.

Cindy, often referred to as the Ice Princess due to her seemingly cold demeanor, actually hides her vulnerabilities as a defense mechanism. This creates a compelling contrast when she begins to fall for Baek Seung-chan (Kim Soo-hyun). This internal struggle is central to the entire show, The Producers, as many of the characters grapple with conflicting sides of their personalities.

I absolutely loved The Producers. It’s not trying to make some big statement about the entertainment world, and thankfully, it doesn’t feel preachy either. For me, Cindy really was the show. She was such a complex character, but IU’s performance kept her feeling so real and relatable. She perfectly captured the whole vibe of the drama!

3. When Life Gives You Tangerines

2025

IU’s latest drama, When Life Gives You Tangerines, is a heartwarming K-drama that’s quickly gained popularity with viewers around the world. IU impressively plays two roles: Oh Ae-sun and her future daughter, Yang Geum-myeong. Despite the challenge of portraying both characters, IU delivered a truly exceptional and nuanced performance.

The romance between Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) quickly made When Life Gives You Tangerines a beloved classic. The drama’s comforting and nostalgic feel, combined with its unique storytelling that moved between 1950s Jeju Island and 2000s Seoul, created a richly layered and captivating story.

Although other performances are currently more popular, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” will likely improve with time and be highly regarded. While IU’s portrayal of Oh Ae-sun will be remembered as one of her best performances, it’s too soon to say it’s better than her most famous roles.

2. Hotel del Luna

2019

The first episode of Hotel del Luna was a fantastic start. We’re immediately introduced to Jang Man-wol, played by IU, as a remorseful killer, but she quickly transforms into a strong and playfully mischievous character, which instantly grabs your attention.

IU brilliantly played the role of the Hotel del Luna’s initially cold and unhappy owner, balancing humor with a touch of sadness. However, it’s her character’s journey—a woman trapped running the hotel for over a thousand years—that truly makes the K-drama Hotel del Luna so memorable, and her eventual freedom incredibly satisfying to watch.

The heartbreaking choice Man-wol faced – sacrificing love for eternal peace – revealed that Hotel del Luna was a surprisingly complex story. While the show’s stunning visuals initially captivate you, it ultimately delivers a powerful emotional impact.

1. My Mister

2018

Although Hotel del Luna started strong, My Mister is known for having one of the most impactful endings in K-drama history. IU plays Lee Ji-an, a deeply troubled character who has been worn down by hardship and driven to desperate measures. Surprisingly, as she fixates on him, Park Dong-hoon (played by Lee Sun-kyun) ends up giving Ji-an a chance to rebuild her life.

IU delivers what many consider her most emotionally challenging performance yet in My Mister. Her character’s difficult past adds even more weight to the story. Ji-an is forced to do whatever she must to survive and take care of her sick grandmother, even if it means dealing with dangerous loan sharks. While the series helps viewers understand why she makes certain choices, it doesn’t necessarily justify them.

Unlike many TV shows that clearly define right and wrong, My Mister allows its character Ji-an to be a complex mix of hero, villain, and everything in between, depending on what the story needs. This makes the role incredibly unique, and IU delivers a perfect performance. While we hope to see IU in many more K-dramas, it’s hard to imagine any of them surpassing My Mister.

Read More

2025-11-17 01:21