IU on Billboard's top 21 list for underage musicians

Korean singer IU claimed the 15th spot on the U.S. Billboard's "21 Under 21: Music's Hottest Minors 2012" list, according to the magazine.

Billboard, an international newsweekly magazine devoted to the music industry, said the 19-year-old singer "affectionately known as the nation's 'little sister,'" became a bona fide superstar this year for her "unique charm and undeniable hits."

It said the singer's reign began with the release of her comeback single "You and I," the No. 1 song of Billboard's K-Pop Hot 100 chart of the past year, which was released in August.

"While IU hasn't hit the same level of global viral awareness as Psy, her popularity has led to success in Japan, where she celebrated Hot 100 hits with Japanese versions of 'You and I' and her single 'Good Day'," the magazine said.

The list was populated by artists such as Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and One Direction.(Yonhap)