IU has once again ruled over audiences with her stunning performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Starring alongside Park Bo Gum, the drama has gone viral for its heartwarming story and emotional depth. Fans are praising IU’s mesmerizing acting, which brings out the raw emotions of her character.
Set in Jeju Island in the 1960s, the drama follows Ae Sun, played by IU, a rebellious yet warm-hearted girl who dreams of becoming a poet despite being unable to attend school. She is full of positivity but struggles with nervousness when acting out.
Gwan Sik played by Park Bo Gum, is a quiet and diligent young man, who silently loves Ae Sun with all his heart. Though he lacks confidence in romance, his devotion never wavers as he stands by her side through every moment of joy and sorrow.
If When Life Gives You Tangerines left you craving more, there are several IU dramas worth watching. This article lists some of her best works that highlight her acting skills and emotional depth!
1. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Hidden in the heart of Seoul, Hotel del Luna is no ordinary lodging, it's a mystical place catering exclusively to spirits. Jang Man Wol, its immortal owner, has been bound to the hotel for centuries as punishment for her past sins. Her only path to freedom lies in overcoming her deep resentment and finding love, but her stubborn nature makes it nearly impossible.
Goo Chan Sung, a meticulous hotelier, is forced into managing the ghostly establishment due to a deal made by his father years ago. While he struggles to balance the eerie world of the dead with his rational mindset, he may hold the key to breaking Man Wol’s curse. As their lives intertwine, secrets unravel, and both must confront their pasts to move forward.
Aired: Jul 13, 2019 - Sep 1, 2019
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: IU, Yeo Jin Goo
Streaming Platform: Netflix
2. Persona (2019)
Persona is an anthology series featuring four unique short films, each starring IU in a different role. Directed by renowned filmmakers, each segment explores varying themes and emotions. In Love Set (Lee Kyung Mi), a heated tennis match between two women carries unexpected personal stakes. Collector (Yim Pil Sung) follows Eun, an enigmatic woman who entices men into her world of seduction and manipulation.
Kiss Burn (Jeon Go Woon) portrays two schoolgirls plotting revenge against an oppressive father, leading to unpredictable consequences. Lastly, Walking at Night (Kim Jong Kwan) is a poetic black-and-white tale of former lovers reconnecting in a dream, speaking unspoken words before fading away.
Aired: Apr 11, 2019
No. of Episodes: 4
Cast: IU
Streaming Platform: Netflix
3. My Mister (2018)
Park Dong Hun is a middle-aged engineer burdened by the weight of his struggling family. His two unemployed brothers rely on him, while his marriage to attorney Kang Yoon Hui is on the brink of collapse due to her secret affair with his boss, Do Jun Yeong. Despite his hardships, he remains steadfast, unaware of the storm brewing within his personal and professional life.
Lee Ji An, a young part-timer drowning in debt, witnesses Dong Hun receiving an unexpected bribe. Desperate and stuck caring for her ailing grandmother, she is coerced into spying on him for Jun Yeong. As their lives intertwine, Ji An and Dong Hun form an unlikely bond, both finding solace in each other’s silent struggles amid corporate power struggles and personal betrayals.
Aired: Mar 21, 2018 - May 17, 2018
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Lee Sun Kyun, IU
Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
During a solar eclipse, Go Ha Jin is transported from modern-day Korea to the Goryeo Dynasty, waking up in the body of Hae Soo, a noblewoman living among the royal princes. Initially drawn to the kind and gentle 8th Prince Wang Wook, her life takes a turbulent turn when she encounters the feared and masked 4th Prince Wang So.
Despite her efforts to stay uninvolved in the palace’s deadly succession battle, she becomes entangled in a power struggle that threatens both love and loyalty. As she navigates court politics, shifting alliances, and tragic destinies, Hae Soo finds herself torn between love and survival in a ruthless era where trust is a dangerous game.
Aired: Aug 29, 2016 - Nov 1, 2016
No. of Episodes: 20
Cast: Lee Joon Gi, IU, Kang Ha Neul
Streaming Platform: Viki
5. The Producers (2015)
Set in the fast-paced world of television production, The Producers follows the lives of those working behind the scenes in variety shows. Ra Jun Mo, a veteran PD, struggles to establish his legacy despite a decade in the industry. Tak Ye Jin, a sharp-tongued music show PD, has grown hardened by competition and the pressure to succeed.
Baek Seung Chan, a rookie PD, leaves a promising legal career for broadcasting, driven by unrequited love. Meanwhile, Cindy, a top celebrity with an icy persona, grapples with past betrayals and loneliness. As their paths cross, friendships, rivalries, and unexpected romance unfold, revealing the harsh realities and heartfelt moments of the entertainment world.
Aired: May 15, 2015 - Jun 20, 2015
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Cha Tae Hyun, Gong Hyo Jin, Kim Soo Hyun, IU
Streaming Platform: Viki
6. Bel Ami (2013-2014)
Dokgo Ma Te is a man who uses his extraordinary looks as a means to climb the social ladder. Determined to secure wealth and status, he sets out to seduce ten of Korea’s most powerful women, each possessing knowledge he believes will help him achieve success.
However, his plans take an unexpected turn when Kim Bo Tong, a quirky and ordinary woman who has adored him for years, enters his life. As she persistently stays by his side, Ma Te begins to question whether love and ambition can coexist, leading to an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Aired: Nov 20, 2013 - Jan 9, 2014
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Jang Keun Suk, IU
Streaming Platform: Viki
7. You Are the Best (2013)
Lee Soon Shin’s life takes a devastating turn after the sudden death of her father, leaving her family struggling to rebuild. As the youngest in a family of accomplished individuals, she feels overshadowed and directionless. However, despite her setbacks, she remains bright and resilient, determined to carve out her own path.
Her life changes when she crosses paths with Shin Joon Ho, a cold and ambitious entertainment agency CEO. Initially dismissive of her, he later sees her potential and offers her an opportunity that could redefine her future. As she navigates the entertainment industry, Soon Shin embarks on a journey of self-growth, love, and proving her worth.
Aired: Mar 9, 2013 - Aug 25, 2013
No. of Episodes: 50
Cast: IU, Jo Jung Suk
Streaming Platform: Viki
8. Dream High Season 1 (2011)
At Kirin Art High School, six students chase their dreams of becoming K-pop stars, facing intense competition and personal struggles along the way. Go Hye Mi, once a classical music prodigy, is forced to enter the school to pay off her father’s debts. To secure admission, she must convince two other students—naïve country boy Song Sam Dong and rebellious dancer Jin Guk — to join her.
Meanwhile, Yoon Baek Hee, once Hye Mi’s loyal friend, turns into her fiercest rival. As they train under harsh conditions, friendships, rivalries, and romance blossom. With passion and perseverance, these young hopefuls push beyond their limits to prove they have what it takes to succeed in the fiercely competitive music industry
Aired: Jan 3, 2011 - Feb 28, 2011
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Suzy, Kim Soo Hyun, Ok Taec Yeon, Ham Eun Jung, IU
Streaming Platform: Viki
IU’s Ever-Growing Legacy in K-Dramas
IU has built an impressive acting career, taking on diverse roles that showcase her talent. Whether you love fantasy, melodrama, or romance, there’s an IU drama for everyone.
Her ability to connect with audiences through powerful performances makes each of her works unforgettable.
Which of these IU dramas have you watched? Do you have a favorite, or is there one you’re excited to start?
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