IU Donates W300 Million to Mark Anniversary of Debut

Singer IU has made significant donations to three charities to celebrate Monday's anniversary of her debut.

Her agency said on Monday, "IU has donated a total of W300 million to Asan Medical Center and Seoul Child Hospital, as well as a charity for children, under the name of IUaena," a portmanteau of her name and the name of her fan club, Uaena (US$1=W1,324).

The donation to Asan Medical Center will be used to support girls and women with cancer who are underserved in terms of medical care, while Seoul Child Hospital will use the money to support medical expenses for children in need and renovate treatment centers for mentally challenged children. 

The children's charity will use the donated money to repair welfare facilities nationwide damaged by typhoons this summer.

IU said through her agency, "I am genuinely happy to share warmth with others by making donations along with my fan club 'Uaena,' which always gives me unwavering support. I believe I can return to society all the love and support that my fans have given me, to be used as a starting point for making small changes in someone's life. Thanks to 'Uaena,' I am constantly learning about gratitude. I love you."