IU debuts in Japan, looking for a boyfriend

K-pop starlet IU held her first solo concert series in Japan on Jan. 24 in front of some 4,000 delighted fans. The singer performed two separate concerts in one day at Tokyo’s Bunkamura Orchard Hall as she tries to boost her popularity among Japanese fans.

The event came about two months before the scheduled release of IU’s debut Japanese album “Good Day,” which is set to go on sale on March 21. IU sang six songs at each event, with the crowd excitedly jumping in to sing along.

She also chatted about some personal matters, including her future career aspirations and what she is looking for in a potential boyfriend.

“I’ve always liked the sound of oppa,” the 18-year-old said, using the Korean term for older brother. “So I hope that my future boyfriend will be older than me. ... Rather than being called the nation’s younger sister, I hope that I can be more like the girl next door. That’s how I want you all to see me.”

Ahead of the Japanese release of “Good Day,” IU is also set to make an appearance at Japan’s premier fashion event, “Tokyo Girls Collection 2012 Spring/Summer” on March 3.

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]