In the world of K-pop, few artists shine as brightly as IU. Her 2022 concert, titled “The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun,” mesmerized over 90,000 attendees across two days in Seoul’s colossal Olympic Stadium, reflecting her overwhelming popularity. Now, this captivating musical spectacle is making its grand transition to the big screen, marking IU’s global cinema debut and inviting fans worldwide to relive the magic.
On September 17 and 18, IU’s concert showcased a rich lineup of 25 songs, presenting a melodic journey that spanned her illustrious career. Songs like “Celebrity”, “Palette”, “Blueming”, “Good Day”, “Hold My Hand”, “Love Poem”, and the unforgettable “You and I” reverberated through the stadium, creating an atmosphere of euphoria.
With a run-time of 171 minutes, this concert film is scheduled for a grand release in 38 diverse countries and territories, from Hong Kong and the United States to Japan, Germany, Australia, and Mexico, starting on September 28. Leading cinema chain CJ CGV described the movie as a visual and auditory delight, highlighting the concert’s captivating stage production – from a mesmerizing “strawberry moon” balloon to the breathtaking drone shows and fireworks. The decision to bring this concert to cinemas emphasizes its grandeur and IU’s international appeal.
South Korean audiences got a sneak-peek when the film was released on September 13, where it saw a remarkable opening weekend, raking in US$753,000. The screenings in South Korea were made even more special, as fans participated in singalongs and lit up theaters with IU’s signature light sticks.
IU, born Lee Ji-eun in 1992, has enjoyed a massive following since her debut in 2008. Over the years, she has not only established herself as a musical force to be reckoned with but also as a versatile entertainer, straddling multiple realms of the entertainment industry. This year, as IU celebrates the 15th anniversary of her debut, she is gearing up for another concert, “I+Un1ver5e”, at Seoul’s KSPO Dome, underscoring her consistent drive to entertain and connect with her fans.
Beyond her musical endeavors, IU’s talents have seen her shine on the silver screen and television. Some of her most notable roles include performances in popular television dramas like “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016), “My Mister” (2018), and the enchanting “Hotel Del Luna” (2019). Her foray into films has been equally impressive. From touching hearts in “Shades of the Heart” (2021) to showcasing her acting prowess in “Dream” (2023), IU has demonstrated a wide range of emotive skills. Notably, she collaborated with acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda and renowned actor Song Kang-ho – the first Korean male actor to clinch the best actor accolade at Cannes – in the 2022 film “Broker.”
IU’s “The Golden Hour” is not just a concert film. It’s a testament to her enduring appeal, her expansive talent, and her ability to connect deeply with her fans. Whether on stage, on screen, or through her music, IU continues to captivate hearts globally, and this cinematic venture promises to be another feather in her already illustrious cap.
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