South Korean singer and actress IU has donated 300 million won (approximately 200,000 US dollars) on the occasion of her birthday, according to confirmation issued on Saturday by her agency EDAM Entertainment.
The donation, made under the name “IU-Aena,” combines the artist’s stage name “IU” with the name of her official fan club “Uaena.” This collective designation has been used for her philanthropic contributions, reflecting joint recognition of both the artist and her supporters.
According to the agency, the total sum of 300 million won has been distributed across medical and welfare-related institutions. Of this amount, 100 million won was allocated to Asan Medical Center in Seoul. The remaining 200 million won was divided equally among four local charitable organisations, each receiving 50 million won.
The distribution of funds is intended to support a range of social welfare initiatives. These include assistance for patients facing financial difficulties, educational and cultural programmes for children and adolescents, support services for elderly individuals living alone, assistance for single-parent families in vulnerable circumstances, and the provision of improved assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
The breakdown of the donation is set out below:
| Category | Recipient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Medical support | Asan Medical Center (Seoul) | 100 million won |
| Welfare support | Local charity organisation 1 | 50 million won |
| Welfare support | Local charity organisation 2 | 50 million won |
| Welfare support | Local charity organisation 3 | 50 million won |
| Welfare support | Local charity organisation 4 | 50 million won |
The “IU-Aena” designation has been consistently used for IU’s charitable activities, which are often carried out on significant dates, including her birthday and year-end holidays. Her agency stated that she continues to make donations on a regular basis through this collective name.
In addition to the birthday contribution, it was also reported that earlier in the same month she donated 100 million won to mark Children’s Day. That separate donation was directed towards initiatives supporting children and adolescents.
Through these repeated contributions, IU has maintained a pattern of philanthropic activity administered via her agency, with funds directed towards healthcare support and various social welfare programmes.