On December 31, 2022, Korean media outlet Dispatch shocked K-fans everywhere when it revealed that Golden Disc awarded singer IU and Pinocchio actor Lee Jong Suk were officially an item. By the time of the announcement, the couple had been together for four months, causing many fans to speculate about how their love story began. Many details about their relationship have surfaced since then, and we've compiled most of them below so you can get up to speed. Here's everything you need to know about IU and Lee Jong Suk's storybook romance.
Who is Lee Jong Suk?
IU and Lee Jong Suk first met over a decade ago when they hosted the weekly music show Inkigayo together. This ran from August to September 2012, but the pair developed a lifelong friendship afterwards. Lee Jong Suk has attended several of IU's Korean concerts throughout the years.
He also often cited her music as a source of enjoyment and inspiration for interviews. He even shared with Elle Korea that "Winter Sleep" by IU is a song he listens to repeatedly as he is fond of its lyrics. He has also posted several of her songs on Instagram.
Lee Jong Suk has since come out saying that he had already felt a deep admiration for IU throughout this time despite only being friends. He even went as far as to say that a piece of his heart had always belonged to her.
In October 2022, fans were surprised when IU was revealed to have attended and performed at the wedding of Lee Jong Suk's brother. This sparked the first few rounds of relationship rumors between the two, which were only further encouraged when Lee Jong Suk seemingly dedicated a portion of his awards speech to her at the MBC Drama Awards. He stated that he was grateful for a certain someone that he respects and has liked for a long time.
When Dispatch revealed their relationship by exposing their luxurious Christmas holiday in Japan, their companies released statements confirming the news shortly after. Both IU and Lee Jong Suk wrote heartfelt letters to their fans, thanking them for their support and asking them to continue cheering their relationship on. Currently, the couple has yet to make any other public declarations of love. But considering their superstardom, millions of fans are eager to celebrate with them.
