IU celebrates her birthday with charitable donation

Singer IU [EDAM ENTERTAINMENT]

Singer IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, donated 200 million won ($155,700) to charities, according to her agency Edam Entertainment on Monday.

The donation was made in celebration of the singer’s 29th birthday, with fell on the same day.

“IU donated a total of 210 million won to the Snail of Love [a non-profit organization for the hearing-impaired], Korea Unwed Mothers Families Association, Eden I Ville [foster care facility] and Changinwon [social welfare foundation],” said Edam.

IU has been donating under the name “IUaena,” a portmanteau of her stage name and fan club Uaena, to mark special occasions. This time, her donations will be used to fund surgeries for hearing-impaired children and teens, economically struggling single parents and foster care and disabled care facilities.

“We delivered warmth to where it’s needed the most, with many fans of IU who celebrated her birthday together,” said Edam. “It was the most meaningful birthday ever for IU.”

IU debuted in 2008 and has been active as a solo singer and actor. She will make her big screen debut next month through Hirokazu Kore-eda’s film “Broker.”

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]