IU. [Yonhap]
IU. [Yonhap]

Singer and actor IU has made another major charitable donation.

Her agency, EDAM Entertainment, said Friday that IU donated a total of 200 million won ($145,000) to mark her 18th debut anniversary, giving under the name "IU-ana" — a combination of her own name and her fandom name "Uaena."

IU distributed 50 million won each to four organizations: the Korea Social Welfare Society, Seoul Rehabilitation Hospital, the Heart-Heart Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Korea.

The funds will support young adults aging out of the foster care system, rehabilitation treatment for children and teenagers facing economic hardship, livelihood, education and mental health services for young women preparing for independent living, and improved housing conditions for veterans.

IU has continued donating under the "IU-ana" name on special occasions each year, including her debut anniversary, her birthday and the year-end holiday season.

On Children's Day this year, she donated 100 million won for children and teenagers, and on her birthday, May 16, she gave 300 million won. Her total donations since she began giving a portion of her music and concert earnings in 2009 exceed 6 billion won.

IU made her debut on Sept. 18, 2008, through Mnet with the single "Mia."


jshan@heraldcorp.com