On August 1st (KST), Zev Rattet posted a photo on his YouTube channel, showing him and his wife taking a commemorative photo with IU. In the photo, IU is making a heart shape with her hands, while the couple completes the heart above their heads with IU between them.
This meeting was made possible by IU’s commitment to keeping promises. IU invited Zev Rattet to attend the “2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN OAKLAND” on July 30th.
Zev Rattet shared that he had a 15-minute conversation with IU after the concert, describing the experience as “graceful and beautiful” and expressing how much he was charmed by IU’s kindness. He proudly mentioned receiving gifts from IU, including a keychain, a bow tie and a traditional Korean hairpin.
Zev Rattet recalled, “Although I was still groggy from the concert, I felt like I was walking on clouds. IU hugged me, and I got to hug her back. It felt like a dream—an unbelievable moment.”
Having worked as a software engineer for 30 years, Zev Rattet retired and started a YouTube channel in February to introduce Korean dramas. His love for Korean dramas and IU eventually reached IU’s fanbase. With the help of IU’s fans, he joined the official fan club “UAENA” and became known among fans as the “American UAENA Grandpa”. He first became a fan of IU through the 2019 tvN drama “Hotel Del Luna”.
Zev Rattet shared his admiration for Korean dramas, “I found the way Korean dramas express emotions and their perspective on life to be very refreshing. I became completely captivated by learning about Korean culture.” He added, “I watch Korean dramas for 4~6 hours every day. This has become my new job. I even got my wife addicted to Korean dramas, which took about a year.“
Fans reacted enthusiastically to the news of their meeting, saying, “He finally met IU; he’s so lucky” and “IU is amazing for keeping her promises.” IU’s dedication to her fans, even with her busy schedule, is truly remarkable. It’s no wonder that fans, both in Korea and abroad, find it hard to escape IU’s charm once they fall for her.
Meanwhile, IU moved on to Los Angeles, where she will hold the “2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN LOS ANGELES” on August 2nd.
