South Korean actress and musician Lee Ji-eun, famously known as IU, enjoys a huge fanbase worldwide. Currently garnering praises from all over the world for her dual portrayals of Oh Ae-sun, and her grown-up daughter Yang Geum-myeong in the Netflix show When Life Gives You Tangerines, the internet is busy showering her with love and appreciation. Being the main face of such a huge successful show and having an extraordinary musical career, have you ever wondered how much she earned last year?
As per a News18 report, the figures have been revealed and they are truly staggering. According to an audit report released on March 28, 2025, EDAM Entertainment paid ₩33.6 billion KRW (approximately $22.9 million USD) in artist fees from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Since she is the only active artist, in the agency, as WOODZ is currently on military hiatus, her estimated earnings amount ot around ₩30.0 billion KRW (roughly $20.4 million USD).
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The report states that artist fees are classified under cost of sales, which encompasses everything from appearance fees to settlement payments in the entertainment world. It also reportedly includes other costs which are associated with performers. While breakdown of the same differs from agency to agency, it is understood that the majority of such fees are allocated as settlement payments to artists themselves.
Quoting a report by Koreaboo, the media publication reports that her earnings aren’t only limited to her earnings as a performer, since she is also a significant shareholder in EDAM Entertainment. With Kakao Entertainment holding the largest stake at 52.5%, the 31-year-old actress comes in third with 22.5% ownership. Since the agency also revolves around her career, her actual earnings might extend beyond the estimated settlement fees.
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A media report stated that EDAM Entertainment categorised the Hotel del Luna actress’ income under “fees paid” or settlement fees. As per the information available, her settlement payments alone were estimated at $20.4 million USD. It is to be noted that the term “fees paid” refers to all types of payments which are made to artists, including settlement amounts and appearance fees. It also reportedly includes expenses specific to performers.
Beyond her financial success, IU’s career continues to soar in the Korean entertainment industry. Despite being a successful singer, whose songs resonate with the audience, she is also known for carefully choosing acting projects. The recently released Netflix original series, When Life Gives You Tangerines, proved that.
For those who don’t know, the drama is set against the picturesque landscapes of Jeju Island. It weaves a tale spanning from the 1950s to 2024. Following the journey of Oh Ae-sun (played by IU), who is wholeheartedly supported by her husband Yang Gwan-sik (portrayed by Park Bo-gum), the story goes on to tell the story of their ever growing family and how their love perseveres through all four seasons.
