IU, the singer and actress, is having a major moment. Her new drama Perfect Crown came out on April 10, 2026, and it is already a big success. The show airs on MBC and streams on Disney+ for fans around the world. The romantic comedy has become the Most Buzzworthy Drama of the week just after four episodes.
In Perfect Crown, IU plays Seong Hee-joo, a wealthy businesswoman who enters a contract marriage with a prince, played by Byeon Woo-seok. The story takes place in a modern version of Korea that still has a royal family. It is a fun and dramatic show that has grabbed a lot of attention.
If you finished the latest episodes of Perfect Crown and want to see more of IUโs acting work, there are plenty of great options. She has been in the entertainment business for a long time and has a collection of dramas that show off her emotional range. From heartbreaking sad stories to spooky hotel mysteries, here are 8 of her best dramas to watch next.
1. My Mister (2018)
If you want to see IU in a very serious and moving role, My Mister is the one to watch. This drama is often called one of the best K-dramas ever made.
IU plays Lee Ji-an, a young woman who is having a very hard life. She is poor, tired, and takes care of her sick grandmother. The story follows her friendship with a middle-aged man named Park Dong-hoon, played by Lee Sun-kyun. Their bond is not romantic, but deeply human. The show is quiet, sad, and beautiful. It won many awards for its writing and acting. This drama shows that IU can handle very heavy and serious material.
2. Hotel del Luna (2019)
Hotel del Luna is one of IUโs most famous roles. She plays Jang Man-wol, the greedy and grumpy owner of a mysterious hotel in Seoul. This hotel only serves ghosts who need to let go of their pasts before moving on to the afterlife.
IUโs outfits in this show are stunning, and her character is full of attitude. She acts alongside Yeo Jin-goo, who plays the new hotel manager. The story explains Man-wolโs 1,000-year-old painful past. The show was a huge hit and is perfect for fans of fantasy, romance, and beautiful visuals.
3. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
This is IUโs most recent project before Perfect Crown, and it is a massive tearjerker. When Life Gives You Tangerines is a multigenerational story set on Jeju Island. IU plays Oh Ae-sun, a rebellious and passionate girl growing up in the 1950s.
The drama shows her entire life, from a young girl to an old woman. IU worked with actor Park Bo-gum in this show. For her performance, IU won Best Actress at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards and the 20th Seoul International Drama Awards. This drama is very emotional and shows IUโs growth as an actress.
4. The Producers (2015)
This is a workplace comedy set in a Korean TV station. The Producers has a star-studded cast including Kim Soo-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, and Gong Hyo-jin.
IU plays Cindy, a top and popular singer who acts cold on the outside but is lonely on the inside. She plays a fictional version of herself as an idol. Her character is very funny and awkward at times. This show is lighter than her other works and gives a fun look behind the scenes of the music industry.
5. Dream High (2011)
This is the drama that started IUโs acting career. Dream High is set in a performing arts school where students fight to become K-pop stars.
IU plays Kim Pil-suk, a chubby and shy girl with an amazing voice. She is a supporting character, but she brings a lot of heart and humor to the story. The cast includes Kim Soo-hyun, Suzy, Taecyeon, and Eunjung. It is a classic underdog story full of music and dancing. It is great for younger viewers or anyone who wants to see a young and cute IU.
6. Persona (2019)
If you want something short and artistic, try Persona. This is a Netflix anthology series of four short films. Each episode is about 20 to 30 minutes long and has IU playing a different character.
One story is about a girl playing a dangerous game of volleyball. Another is about a woman getting revenge on her fatherโs mistress. Because the stories are short, they move very fast and are never boring. This project allows IU to try many different genres at once.
7. Pretty Man (2013)
Also known as Bel Ami, this is a romantic comedy based on a popular webtoon. IU stars as Kim Bo-tong, a bright and honest girl who falls for a very handsome but shallow man, played by Jang Keun-suk.
While this show did not get the best ratings, IUโs character is very sweet and lovable. She plays a “girl next door” type perfectly. If you enjoy classic early 2010s K-drama fashion and tropes, this is a fun and light watch.
8. You Are the Best! (2013)
This is a long family drama, also known as a “weekend drama.” It has 50 episodes, so there is a lot of story to enjoy.
IU plays Lee Soon-shin, a young woman who struggles to find a job and her identity. She constantly lives in the shadow of her more successful sister. The story deals with family secrets and finding self-confidence. This role helped IU win her first Top Excellence Award for acting. It is perfect for long watching during a break.
Also Read:
Where to Watch IUโs Dramas
Most of IUโs famous work is available on major streaming platforms. Hotel del Luna and My Mister can be found on Netflix. Persona is a Netflix original. Dream High is available on various platforms like Viki or Kocowa. When Life Gives You Tangerines is also available on Netflix. The Producers is on Viki and Kocowa.
Perfect Crown continues to air every Friday and Saturday on MBC and Disney+. The drama has already hit 11.1% in ratings for its fourth episode, proving that the pairing of IU and Byeon Woo-seok is a winning combination.
Check back to VvipTimes for more lists of the best K-dramas to watch this month.
