IU Moves Audiences to Tears in Netflix's 'My Name is Ahn Eun-soo'

Recently, IU has become the emotional touchstone for viewers, bringing tears to mothers, daughters, and fathers alike. With her strong and determined performance, she is leaving a lasting impression each week as she embodies the characters of Oh Ae-soon and Yang Geum-myung in the new Netflix series, 'My Name is Ahn Eun-soo' (폭싹 속았수다), which premiered on March 7, 2025.

The series, structured in four acts with a total of 16 episodes, showcases IU's ability to evoke tears from the audience as she navigates a dual role, switching between a variety of emotions. 'My Name is Ahn Eun-soo' tells the story of the rebellious Oh Ae-soon, born in Jeju, and her husband, the clumsy Yang Kwan-sik, as they embark on a life filled with adventures across the four seasons. IU portrays Oh Ae-soon from her teenage years into her thirties, as well as her daughter, Yang Geum-myung. She shares the screen with actors such as Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon, and Lee Jun-young.

From the very first act, the series hinted at IU's emergence in a new life-defining role. She perfectly embodies the bold and outspoken Oh Ae-soon, delivering her lines with a heightened voice that captures the character's joys and sorrows. Her chemistry with Park Bo-gum, who plays the infatuated Yang Kwan-sik, adds a charming and youthful dynamic to their first love story.

IU's portrayal of Oh Ae-soon, who experiences significant emotional shifts, has garnered critical acclaim for its depth and nuance. She skillfully depicts Oh Ae-soon's school years with a determined expression and later transitions to a sun-kissed, mature woman who is a wife, mother, and daughter-in-law. Each episode resonates with viewers as IU delicately navigates the character's emotional journey from a spirited girl to a devoted wife and mother.

Particularly striking is IU's ability to convey Oh Ae-soon's emotional highs and lows through her expressive eyes, leaving a profound impact on the audience. She captures the feelings of being a wife, a mother of two, and a daughter-in-law facing challenges, portraying a character who remains strong yet tender.

With the introduction of Yang Geum-myung, IU's performance reaches new heights. As a university student fulfilling Oh Ae-soon's dream of becoming a poet, Yang Geum-myung reflects the experiences of many ordinary daughters. IU, stepping into this new role, beautifully illustrates the parent-child relationship alongside Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon.

The dynamic between the characters, who can be both comforting and frustrating, keeps viewers emotionally engaged, prompting tears week after week. IU's portrayal of Oh Ae-soon's youth and her vibrant performance as Yang Geum-myung showcase her versatility and talent.

Through her relatable and heartfelt acting, IU has crafted a remarkable performance that resonates deeply with audiences, redefining her career with this role.