IU lands on Japanese music scene
EMI Music Japan, which also works with many other Korean girl groups and boy groups in Japan, described IU as an “18-year-old muse who tapped into new territory in Korean pop.” The Web site continued, “She is excellent in expressing herself with her music and she can even play the guitar. She also writes lyrics, not to mention her quality vocals.”
IU is one of a few successful solo teen signers in Korea, where the entertainment scene is dominated by girl and boy groups. The advent of IU three years ago was welcomed by a public frustrated with mass-produced idols, according to critics.
Currently, many Korean girl groups and boy groups such as Kara, Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, 2AM and 2PM are widely beloved by Japanese fans, but IU is the first solo Korean artist to debut in Japan since BoA in 2000. BoA achieved stardom status there with her unique vocals, powerful dance moves and fluent Japanese.
By Sung So-young
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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