KEY POINTS

  • Lee Ji-eun (IU) donated about $86,000 on her 12th debut anniversary
  • IU made the donation under the name "IUAENA" and thanked fans for their endless support
  • "This is a day for Uaena, who have been by my side watching over me for 12 years. Congratulations and thank you so much," she said

K-pop singer IU celebrated her 12th debut anniversary on Sept. 18 by making a generous donation. The singer also shared updates on her upcoming plans, new album, drama, and more.

Lee Ji-eun, popularly known by her stage name IU, donated a total of 100 million won (approximately $86,000) to two organizations under the name IUAENA on her 12th debut anniversary. IUAENA is a combination of her stage name IU and the name of her official fan club which is known as "UAENA."

IU’s management agency, EDAM Entertainment, took to Instagram to share the news. The 27-year-old singer donated 50 million South Korean won (approximately $43,000) to the "Snail of Love" foundation which helps provide cochlear implants and hearing aids to those in need, and another 50 million won to the Korean Unwed Mothers’ Families Association.

"Just like how violets are more beautiful when they bloom together, it’s better to shine together than alone. IU and UAENA shine the most when we are together. With our fragile but silently sparkling hearts, I made a warm donation in our name to worthy causes. Thank you, and I love you, UAENA," mentioned IU through her agency, according to Allkpop.

IU also held a special live broadcast on Sept. 18 during which she talked about a lot of things including her current activities and future plans.

She revealed that she had worked extremely hard on filming for "Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook," a South Korean music program.

"It’s a show that ‘Sketchbook’ and the IU team spent over 10 hours of hard work at KBS to create. Please look forward to watching it," she said while adding that she had an extremely difficult time with the shooting as it was very tiring and exhausting.

She also talked about her character in the upcoming film titled "Dream."

"We’ve done a lot of filming for the movie. I’m not sure how far we’ve gotten," she added, according to Soompi.

IU also expressed her love for her fans and thanked them for their support.

"I hope that I can do a fan meeting next year around this time. More so than that, the most important thing is that we reunite in good health after getting through this difficult time."

"This is a day for Uaena, who have been by my side watching over me for 12 years. Congratulations and thank you so much," she added.

South Korean Singer IU
South Korean actress and singer IU attends the photocall for SONY Korea - Premium Blue Tooth Audio Launch on May 27, 2015 in Seoul, South Korea. Han Myung-Gu/WireImage