Amid speculation by TV drama fans that K-pop idol IU resembles her frosty pop-star character in "The Producers," her manager said that the characterization was purely fictional.

IU -- whose real name is Lee Ji-eun -- plays the "ice queen" Cindy in the popular series, displaying a haughty attitude toward her surrounding staff, including her ingratiating manager.

K-pop singer IU (right) with lead actor Kim Soo-hyun at a press call for "The Producers" on May 11. (OSEN)

"Since her debut (in 2008), IU has not changed her manager, stylist or hair and makeup staff," said Park Jung-hyun from LOEN Entertainment. "IU has a friendly personality. She doesn't give one-directional orders like Cindy."

Park said that the character had intentionally been "extremely dramatized for comic effect" and did not represent reality.

While filming the May 15 episode, in which Cindy tells her manager to leave the room for "breathing too loudly," IU burst out laughing because the scenario was so ridiculous, according to Park.

Singer-actress IU as popstar Cindy in "The Producers." (KBS)

IU previously said "the character (Cindy) appealed to her" at a press call before the series kicked off on May 15.

"The Producers" follows the story of an aspiring TV producer, played by Kim Soo-hyun, pitted against the likes of established producers played by Gong Hyo-jin and Cha Tae-hyun. The series airs every Friday and Saturday evening.

By Yoon Sarah (sarah356@heraldcorp.com)