IU is receiving widespread praise for her thoughtful visit to the When Life Gives You Tangerines art exhibition, which ties into her Netflix series. IU made a personal appearance at the exhibition in Jeju on June 19, and news of her visit quickly spread online, capturing the attention of fans and the general public alike.
Before the visit, IU had posted on her social media, sharing that she would be attending the exhibition as her character, Gwang Rye Daughter Ae Sun, from the drama. In her post, she wrote, “Jeju’s grandmother artists, Gwang Rye Daughter Ae Sun has come to keep her promise,” alongside some photos from the exhibition. The exhibition organizers also expressed their excitement on social media, writing, “Ae Sun has returned to Jeju,” after IU’s visit.
Although IU initially planned to quietly appreciate the art, she surprised everyone by arriving with a bundle of gifts, almost like Santa Claus. The exhibition organizers shared, “IU said she would just quietly enjoy the artworks, but instead, she showed up with a big bag of gifts, bringing joy and surprise to everyone.”
Following the exhibition’s rules, IU carefully wore gloves and took her time admiring the paintings. She seemed especially drawn to artworks featuring pets and sunflowers, demonstrating her genuine interest in the pieces and her sensitivity toward the artists’ creations.
A particularly touching moment came when IU wrote personal letters for the elderly artists. She also gifted one of the grandmothers a luxurious Hermes scarf, a gesture that left the recipient deeply moved. The exhibition organizers reflected on this moment, saying, “IU embraced the grandmothers with open arms, showing real solidarity. Her actions weren’t just about visiting; they symbolized keeping a promise and reaffirming her loyalty.”
The story of IU’s heartfelt gesture quickly went viral, with fans showering her with praise. Comments like, “She must be so busy, but still finds time to honor her commitments, such an IU thing to do,” “The scarf is perfect, how did she find one that matches the floral paintings so well?” and “It’s the sincerity behind the gift, not the brand, that moves you” flooded social media.
IU’s visit to the exhibition not only highlighted her generosity but also her deep respect and affection for the elderly artists. Her thoughtfulness left both fans and onlookers touched, proving once again why IU has earned such a special place in the hearts of her followers.
