Singer IU has been named the 'number one Korean artist' by Billboard in the United States.
IU was selected as the representative from Korea in Billboard's 'Global No. 1 Artist Series', which highlights top artists from each country.
Billboard praised IU, saying, "IU is irreplaceable," noting, "There are many popular idols, talented musicians, skilled actors, and smooth hosts in broadcasting and entertainment, but IU is the only person excelling in all these fields simultaneously."
Billboard further explained, "The love for musician IU from K-pop fandom and Korean music fans is absolute," adding, "Her popularity spans generations, which is even more evident in her musical achievements and performances."
Billboard also highlighted that IU's hit song 'Love Wins All' reached No. 1 on Melon's 'Top 100' chart within an hour of release, stayed at the top of the weekly chart for four consecutive weeks, topped the February monthly chart, and drew an audience of 500,000 for her world tour.
Billboard added that "IU captured the unprecedented title of being the first female singer to enter Seoul World Cup Stadium and the first female singer to perform at all major stadiums in the country."
IU expressed feelings of awkwardness yet honor and joy in hearing words like "global, Billboard, and number one."