SEOUL — IU, the South Korean singer and actress whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, has long commanded the trust and admiration of audiences with her boundless passion and relentless drive. In her latest role, she delivers a tour-de-force performance in Netflix’s 16-episode series You Have Been Scammed, embodying two characters—a mother and her daughter—whose intertwined lives form the heart of this sweeping generational saga. On May 2, in a hotel in Seoul’s Jangchung-dong, IU reflected on the project that has cemented her status as one of South Korea’s most versatile talents.

Directed with meticulous care, You Have Been Scammed traces the adventurous life of Aesoon, a spirited rebel born in Jeju, and her evolving relationship with Gwansik, a devoted but quirky partner. The narrative unfolds across four seasons, blending humor, heartache, and humanity in a story that spans decades and generations. IU plays both Aesoon and her daughter Geummyeong, navigating the complexities of their mother-daughter bond while portraying each character’s distinct emotional arc.


“When I first read the script, it was only the early episodes, but I was hooked,” IU said. “There’s a scene in episode three where Gwansik swims toward Aesoon—it’s so vivid and dopamine-inducing. Instead of sappy reunions, they bicker about ruined clothes. It’s heartfelt, funny, and tear-jerking all at once. I knew the story would stay compelling through the end.”

At the core of the series is a narrative that intertwines one woman’s life with the legacy of two generations. IU’s dual role as Aesoon and Geummyeong required her to shift seamlessly between youthful defiance, maternal sacrifice, and the nuanced maturity of middle age. “I worked closely with the director to differentiate the characters and their ages,” she explained. “We discussed everything from vocal tone to styling, ensuring Aesoon’s connection with [co-star] Moon So-ri felt authentic while making Geummyeong’s middle-aged perspective distinct. The staff’s collaboration was invaluable in shaping those emotional transitions.”

IU’s chemistry with her co-stars—Park Bo-gum as the youthful Gwansik, Park Hae-joon as his older counterpart, and Moon So-ri as the mature Aesoon—elevates the series. Together, they portray a journey from reckless youth to seasoned parenthood, capturing global audiences with their authenticity. “The shooting schedule wasn’t linear, so I had to jump between characters and emotions,” IU said. “Playing Aesoon with baby Geummyeong one moment, then snapping at someone as adult Geummyeong the next—it was disorienting. I’d get stuck in Aesoon’s maternal mindset, thinking, ‘How could I raise you like this?’ The director helped me anchor Geummyeong’s perspective, especially in her naive, petulant moments.”

IU’s performance is a masterclass in emotional precision, breathing life into every scene with subtle shifts in expression, tone, and gesture. From Aesoon’s fiery rebellion to Geummyeong’s layered evolution, she crafts characters that feel vividly human. “The script’s emotional roadmap guided my immersion,” she said. “But some days, especially the tear-heavy ones, were exhausting. My body would run out of tears by nightfall. Scenes like the hospital moment with Gwansik, played by Park Hae-joon, broke me. His frail appearance and the line ‘Be kind to me, be kind’ hit so hard, the tears came naturally.”

Her ability to imbue each scene with distinct emotional textures showcases a remarkable range. As Geummyeong, IU captures the character’s adolescent exuberance, her insecurities in Seoul’s elite circles, and her eventual self-assuredness. A recurring narration—“When one door closes, another opens with a creak”—takes on new meaning with each delivery, reflecting the shifting tides of her characters’ lives. “Young Geummyeong carries a sense of debt to her parents,” IU noted. “As an adult, she grapples with inferiority and alienation but grows into fierce self-belief.”

A standout aspect of IU’s performance is her portrayal of motherhood, a first for the actress. Aesoon’s journey—losing and rediscovering purpose through her child—resonates deeply. “At first, I didn’t fully grasp Aesoon’s maternal depth,” IU admitted. “But filming brought my own mother to mind—her resilience, her fragility. My mom watched the series four times, not just as a parent but as a viewer swept up in the story.”


IU’s career, spanning music and acting, has been marked by serendipitous support from mentors and peers. “I’ve been incredibly lucky,” she said. “From my debut, seniors championed my music, and that support has never stopped. You Have Been Scammed feels like the pinnacle of that fortune. The director, writer, staff, and cast lifted me up despite my shortcomings.”Looking ahead, IU is set to star in 21st Century Daegun Wife, playing Seong Hee-joo, a brilliant and ambitious daughter of a chaebol dynasty. Following her triumph in You Have Been Scammed, anticipation is high for her next transformation. “This project feels like an autumn harvest after a vibrant summer of work,” she said. “As a singer and actor, I’m reaping the rewards of my efforts while preparing for the winter ahead. I’m learning to pace myself, to stay grounded for the long haul.”

With her unflinching dedication and undeniable charisma, IU continues to redefine what it means to be a multi-hyphenate star, leaving audiences eager for her next chapter.

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