“I hugged IU”… ‘Yueana’ American grandpa, 76, finally fulfills dream with a ‘saint fan certification’

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[My Daily = Reporter Kim Dohyung] Jehb Ratet (76), an American grandfather who became a hot topic as a fan of Korean dramas and IU, finally met IU.

On the 1st (Korean time), Ratet posted a photo on his YouTube channel. The photo shows Ratet and his wife taking a commemorative photo with IU. In the picture, IU drew a heart by herself, and the couple completed the heart above IU’s head.

This meeting was made possible by IU keeping her promise. At the ‘2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN OAKLAND’ held on the 30th of last month, IU invited Ratet to the event.

Ratet, who chatted with IU for about 15 minutes after the concert, expressed that he was grateful and charmed by the kind IU, stating, “It was gracious and beautiful.” He proudly mentioned receiving gifts such as a keychain, a bow tie, and a traditional Korean hairpin from IU.

Ratet reminisced, “I was in a daze due to the concert, but it felt like I was walking on clouds. IU hugged me, and I could hug her too. It truly felt like a dream. It was an unbelievable time.”

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After working as a software engineer for 30 years, he opened a YouTube channel in February after retiring to introduce Korean dramas. He revealed his affection for Korean dramas and IU, and this news reached IU’s fans. With the help of IU fans, he even joined the official fan club ‘Uaena’ and is nicknamed ‘American Uaena Grandfather’ among fans. His fondness for IU began after watching the tvN drama ‘Hotel Del Luna’ in 2019.

Ratet expressed, “I felt that the expression and perspective on life in Korean dramas were truly fresh” and said, “I am completely fascinated by learning about Korean culture.” He added, “I watch Korean dramas for 4 to 6 hours every day. Now this is my new job,” and shared, “I also got my wife addicted to Korean dramas. It took her a year to become addicted.”

Fans are showing enthusiastic reactions to the news of the two people’s meeting, saying, “Finally able to meet IU, I am blessed,” “IU is amazing for keeping her promise.” This meeting was possible because of IU, who keeps her promises even amidst a busy schedule. No wonder why once foreign fans fall into the IU swamp, they can’t get out.

Meanwhile, IU will move to Los Angeles, USA, and hold the ‘2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN LOS ANGELES’ on the 2nd.

[HOT NEWS], , , , , , ‘Reporter Kim Dohyung (circle@mydaily.co.kr)’