IU, aka Lee Ji-eun: Richest K-Pop Idol Now Colgate India’s New Face

The latest surprise in India’s advertising world is South Korea’s top K-pop star and actress Lee Ji-eun, better known by her stage name IU, a celebrated singer-songwriter and actress. Colgate India has named her as their newest brand ambassador for the Visible White Purple campaign. This marks a big change from Bollywood celebrities like Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh, who previously represented the brand. IU, famously called “Korea’s Little Sister,” is now winning hearts in India with her million-dollar smile and charm.

IU Joins Hands with Colgate India

IU’s arrival as Colgate India’s new face marks a new era where K-pop idols are gaining significant influence in India. As the richest K-pop star with a growing fan base, IU is not just conquering music and acting but also the world of brand endorsements. This collaboration signals how deeply the K-pop and K-drama culture has taken root in India, bringing new stars to the forefront and exciting fans like never before.

IU’s Musical Journey and Collaborations

IU is also a respected singer-songwriter in the K-pop world. She debuted at just 15 years old and has overcome numerous challenges to become the richest K-pop idol today, with a net worth estimated between $40 million and $ 45 million. She released her EP, A Flower Bookmark, Pt. 3, in May 2025. She recently collaborated with BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung) on the popular single “Love Wins All,” which fans loved for its cinematic music video.

Who is IU?

IU is not just a singer but a celebrated actress. She rose to fame in India and worldwide through her roles in popular K-dramas. This year, she made a grand comeback with the Netflix hit “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” where she played a double role. Her brilliant acting earned her the Best Actress award at the 2025 Blue Dragon Series Awards.

Her earlier popular dramas include Dream High (2011), My Mister (2018), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), Hotel del Luna (2019), and the 2023 film Dream.

IU: The Richest K-Pop Idol

IU stands out as the richest singer among K-pop idols, surpassing even the members of famous groups BTS and BLACKPINK. She has been the face of numerous international luxury brands, including Gucci, Estee Lauder, Chaumet, Samsung Korea, and Sony, as well as Korean brands such as Woori Financial Group and Black Yak.

India’s Growing Love for K-Pop and K-Drama

The Hallyu wave (Korean wave) is growing stronger in India. In recent years, popular K-pop idols such as EXO’s Suho, Chen, Xiumin, GOT7’s BamBam, and former SISTAR leader Hyolyn have performed at major music festivals across India. GOT7’s Jackson Wang also returned for concerts in 2025 after a surprise show in 2023.

K-pop idols have also begun appearing in commercials in India. For example, McDonald’s India launched the special BTS Meal in 2021. BTS also received a tribute through an Amul topical following their hit English single “Butter.” Bollywood and K-drama stars have begun collaborating in campaigns, such as K-drama actress Chae Soo Bin teaming up with Bollywood star Siddhant Chaturvedi for Crocs India’s monsoon campaign earlier this year.

Fans Excited Over IU’s New Role

The announcement of IU as Colgate India’s brand ambassador created a frenzy on social media. Fans flooded Colgate India’s Instagram with comments like “I have to buy Colgate just for IU” and “Wow, IU and Colgate India collaboration is amazing!” The Purple campaign shows IU dressed elegantly, sharing her beauty tips and lighting up the screen with her radiant smile.

Stay tuned to The Reelstars for more updates on your favourite creators, stars and their surprising new roles!