Latest news with #FlowerBookmark
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Korean actor IU on her global fanbase: I had no idea I was popular in India
"One Fine, Ordinary Day,' IU says, would be the title if a film were ever made about her life. But there's nothing ordinary about IU. A genre-bending force in both music and drama, South Korean superstar IU continues to blur boundaries with ease and elegance. IU's evocative dual performance in the critically acclaimed series When Life Gives You Tangerines has left an enduring impression on audiences as she enters yet another transformative chapter in her career. "I feel like I'm busier than ever, but I'm enjoying life. Recently, I've begun filming for a new drama called Wife of a 21st Century Prince (working title), and I have a feeling that 2025 will be a packed and fulfilling year. I'm very happy and grateful for all the love and interest that people have shown for When Life Gives You Tangerines, Flower Bookmark, and the next project," she tells us. When asked about the success of her series, When Life Gives You Tangerines, IU shares, "When I was first given the script, it was only for the first six episodes, but my heart raced as I read through it. From that moment, I was already someone who was wholeheartedly rooting for Ae-sun's life more than anyone." We further quizzed her about her approach towards portraying the mother-daughter duo, and the 32-year-old actress shares, "It was clear in the script that Ae-sun and Geum-myeong both had shared aspects and stark differences. From my perspective, Ae-sun felt like a character whose sacrificial spirit was greatly influenced by her inherently kind nature and the era she lived in." IU also praised her co-star Park Bo-gum, who plays the role of Yang Gwan-sik in the series, saying, "He is a very trustworthy partner and friend. Sometimes we would be in perfect sync even without discussing things in advance, as if we had already rehearsed them together. I believe it was thanks to Bo-gum's kind and cheerful personality that we were able to build such great chemistry." Since making her acting debut with KBS drama Dream High, IU has worked with several directors. "I've been very fortunate to have had many opportunities to work with truly amazing writers and directors. The writers have always crafted the scripts in a way that allowed me to immerse myself in the story from the moment I read them, and once on set, the directors gave me clear feedback to help me act and speak in the character's voice." With a filmography that boasts diverse projects like "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," "Hotel Del Luna," "My Mister," and others, IU's evolution as an actor is evident. "I don't really choose roles with a specific story in mind," IU revealed. "It's more like fate — somehow, certain projects appear in front of me almost magically at the right time, and I end up taking them on," she says. She adds that while working with renowned writers or directors is a consideration, her decision ultimately comes down to the story resonating with her in the moment. "I think I clearly land on a decision when it's a story that I want to tell right now in this moment of my life," shares IU. Adding to her stream of thoughts, IU shares the kind of roles she aims to do now: "Something that steps away from the dopamine-rush settings, revenge and death, heart-wrenching emotions, fiery romances, dramatic lines, life lessons — a story that deals with simple, everyday feelings." When asked about striking a balance between her dual career, she says, "When I'm a musician, it feels like the world exists inside of me, and when I'm an actor, it feels like the world exists outside of me. With music, I enjoy digging deep introspectively and having a conversation with my inner self, while with acting, I find joy in being part of a team, the sense of belonging, and being all in it together to accomplish a shared goal." With the rise in K-pop culture in India, IU enjoys a great fan base. "I had no idea I was popular in India, but I did hear that my show 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' received a lot of love in India. I've been enjoying learning about India's beautiful landscapes, watching Indian films filled with dance and music that brings joy to its audience, and reading books about the country," says IU. Ask her how does she manage her immense popularity and public presence and maintain a balance between private and public life and she replies, 'To be honest, I don't feel a huge sense of pressure or feel overwhelmed. On the contrary, I don't feel like I'm immensely popular. All of this feels like it's mine, but also not entirely mine at the same time. I think I'm also somewhat prepared to pack up and move on if at some point my popularity fades, and life says, 'It's time to check out of the celebrity life!' I'm genuinely and deeply grateful to the fans who have been sending me so much love and support, but to receive a question like this, it makes me wonder if I truly am living that much of a glamorous life. If I think about it, it feels pretty surreal. I'm just working hard and living my life! We're all special, but also ordinary, aren't we? I'm just another person who's both special and ordinary.'
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
IU to drop first remake album in 8 years
Singer-actor IU will release the third part of her "Flower Bookmark" remake album series this month, her agency said Thursday. The album "Flower Bookmark 3" will come out on May 27 at 6 p.m., according to Edam Entertainment. IU began the "Flower Bookmark" remake album project in 2014 to offer her own fresh interpretations of beloved K-pop classics. The upcoming release will mark her first remake album in about eight years since "Flower Bookmark 2," released in 2017. The cover image of the new album released by the agency features IU leaning against an old public phone, gazing at the camera. The album's tracklist will be unveiled later, according to the agency. IU has been actively working as both a singer and actress, holding a solo concert at the Seoul World Cup Stadium last year and appearing in the hit Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines." (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
IU to return to the music world with signature cover album
Singer-actor to release third album of 'Flower Bookmark' series Singer-actor IU is making a comeback with her third cover album, "Flower Bookmark 3," set for release May 27. IU's agency Edam Entertainment confirmed that the album continues her signature "Flower Bookmark" cover series nearly eight years after its last installment. The "Flower Bookmark" albums, which launched in 2014 and continued with a second release in 2017, are known for IU's lyrical interpretations of classic Korean songs. With her delicate emotional delivery and refined vocal tone, she reimagines timeless tracks in a way that both honors the originals and infuses them with her own artistic identity. The upcoming release not only revives this nostalgic project but also marks her first return to music in about a year and three months, following the release of her sixth EP "The Winning" in February 2024. The cover image for the new album, which evokes the look of faded film photography, hints at a warm and sentimental atmosphere. Her previous "Flower Bookmark" albums included reinterpretations of songs such as 'Autumn Morning,' 'The Meaning of You' and 'Sleepless Rainy Night,' all of which earned praise for blending nostalgia with IU's signature sincerity and charm. It was recently revealed that actor and K-pop star Cha Eun-woo will make a special cameo in IU's new music video. IU remains one of South Korea's most celebrated solo artists, both as a musician and as an actor. Her world tour "Hereh," held from March to September last year, set a remarkable record as the most-attended world tour by a Korean female soloist, drawing 520,000 fans across Asia, Europe and North America. Most recently, she earned acclaim for her dual role in Netflix's hit series "When Life Gives You Tangerines."
