IU keeps her promise, 'Grandpa Uaena' finally meets IU at her Oakland Arena concert

A 76-year-old American grandpa named Zev Latet, known for his passionate love of Korean dramas and singer IU, recently had the chance to meet her. 

On August 1, Latet shared a photo on his YouTube channel, Zev Does KDrama, featuring himself, his wife, and IU.

In the photo, IU stands between Latet and his wife, forming a heart with her hands, while the couple completes a larger heart shape above their heads. This special meeting was made possible through a personal invitation from IU.

IU invited Zev Latet back in March to her '2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN OAKLAND' held on July 30. After the concert, Latet spent about 15 minutes talking with IU backstage. He described the encounter as "gracious" and said that "she was really beautiful." Latet proudly shared that IU gave him gifts, including a keychain, a bow tie, and traditional Korean hairpins.

Latet, who retired after a 30-year career as a software engineer, started a YouTube channel introducing Korean dramas in February. He expressed his joy, saying, "Despite being dazed from the concert, I felt like I was walking on clouds. IU hugged me, and I got to hug her back. It was truly a dream come true."

Latet’s deep affection for Korean dramas and IU became known to IU’s fans. He joined IU’s fan club, 'Uaena,' and earned the nickname 'American Uaena Grandpa.' Latet reportedly became a fan of IU through the tvN drama 'Hotel Del Luna,' which aired in 2019.

Upon hearing about IU and Latet's meeting, netizens reacted warmly, saying, "He finally met IU, he's so lucky," "IU is amazing for keeping her promise," and "Just seeing this makes me feel so warm-hearted."