On April 2, singer and actress IU (Lee Ji-eun) sat down for an interview in Seoul’s Ambassador Pullman Hotel to promote her new Netflix drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (폭싹 속았수다). During the interview, she opened up about her recent visit to pay respects to the late singer Wheesung at his funeral, expressing her gratitude for his past support.
According to IU, Wheesung praised her a lot since her trainee days. She explained, “Even though he wasn’t affiliated with my agency, he often came by the practice studio since he had close ties with many of our producers and composers“, adding, “As a trainee, he would sometimes stop by and listen to us sing. He always had kind words for me, and those moments left a deep impression.”
IU then continued, “One of my most cherished memories is when he invited me to be a guest at one of his concerts during my rookie days. That opportunity alone meant so much to me. Although we didn’t stay in frequent contact, I’ve always remembered the support and kindness he showed me.”
IU’s candid reflection struck a chord with fans, especially as she balances her artistic growth with her grounded sincerity. In her latest project, “When Life Gives You Tangerines“, she plays a dual role as both the spirited young Ae-soon and Ae-soon’s daughter Geum-myeong. The drama, set on Jeju Island, unfolds across the seasons and follows a rich tapestry of life’s trials and joys.
All 16 episodes of the Netflix series were released on March 28, earning widespread praise for IU’s emotionally layered performance and ability to seamlessly navigate two very different characters.
On the other hand, late singer Wheesung passed away on March 10. A funeral home was set up for the singer starting on the 14th, and his funeral was held on the 16th. According to the police, autopsy results from the National Forensic Service confirmed that there were no criminal suspicions, sparking speculations of an extreme choice.
