
IU's Heartwarming Holiday Tradition: 100 Unique Gifts Every Year!
2025-03-11
Author: Yu
In an inspiring recent interview, K-pop sensation IU opened up about her delightful holiday tradition of sending out 100 personalized gifts each year. This revelation came to light during a captivating episode of "IU IU Reason," released on March 11, where she shared insights into her life and career.
During the conversation, IU, whose real name is Lee Ji Eun, spoke candidly about her work-life balance, explaining how her persona shifts when she transitions from her everyday self to the performance-driven IU. "I like being at home, but I still do work-related things. My mode switches the moment I put on makeup and the moment I take it off," she explained. The duality of her life also prompted a discussion about her voice, where she humorously noted that she has adjusted her speaking style over the years to maintain some level of anonymity in public.
Amidst the flowing dialogue, host Jang Do Yeon probed into her festive gifting habits, prompting a gleeful response from IU. "I started when I was young, but now I can't stop," she confessed, illuminating the personal joy she derives from gift-giving. This annual ritual, which she has been committed to for about a decade, involves careful planning and attention to each individual on her list. She shared, "Whenever I meet new people, I take notes and update my list."
Curiously, when asked if anyone gets eliminated from her gift receivers, IU responded with warmth. "When my seniors say, ‘Stop now. If you send more, I'll get angry,’ I send it with my heart instead of actually sending it," she joked. Despite her keen attention to maintaining her expansive list, she rarely removes anyone, showcasing her dedication to nurturing those relationships.
Delving deeper into her thoughtful gifting process, IU elaborated, “Most of the 100 gifts are food, but I prepare them differently for each person. Some seniors love meat, some are vegetarians, and some enjoy alcohol. I can’t send the same gift I gave for Lunar New Year on Chuseok, so I make sure the gifts don’t overlap.”
Her approach to holiday gifting reveals a significant aspect of her character: IU finds immense joy in giving. “Some people think I do this because I feel obligated, but I genuinely enjoy it. The joy of giving is truly amazing,” she expressed, resonating with the spirit of the season that emphasizes generosity and kindness.
As fans and admirers, we can't help but feel inspired by IU's heartfelt gesture, reminding us that the essence of the holidays is rooted in thoughtfulness and connection. So, this year, why not channel your inner IU and spread some holiday cheer of your own? Who knows the joy it could bring!