Why Lee Jong-suk fell in love with IU: 'Part of my heart always belonged to her', a look at their quiet love story

There’s a special kind of thrill that comes with South Korean celebrity couples. Maybe it’s the mystery, how you know they’re still together, but you still find yourself hoping for just one, just one candid photo of the two of them. But nope, it’s not happening. These couples value their privacy far more than fan curiosity, though every now and then, they resurface just enough to reassure us: yes, they’re still going strong. Now, back to your day, thanks.

In that spirit, we have IU and Lee Jong-suk—perhaps taking cues from Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-ah, who’ve been together for over a decade and haven’t given the world a single photo. Well played.

So, on the occasion of IU’s birthday, let’s revisit her quiet, heartwarming love story with Lee Jong-suk. We may not get the selfies, but we do have the details—and that’s the closest we’ll get to seeing them together.

She’s a K-pop icon and an established, prolific television and film star. He’s a television star, who is almost synonymous with all the angst, revenge-ridden shows in South Korea. While love rumours and breakup gossip have swirled, most recently on Weibo in early 2025, keen-eyed fans spotted them still sporting matching couple items around Seoul—proof that they’re together.

The beginning

Both stars began their careers at a young age, debuting as teens at the age of 15. IU, born Lee Ji-eun, carved a niche in the music world, becoming the first female Korean artist to hold a solo concert at Seoul Olympic Stadium with her 2022 show, The Golden Hour. She’s also a celebrated actress, starring in hit dramas like Hotel Del Luna and films including Broker. Recently, her slice-of-life When Life Gives You Tangerines, soared through the charts and received several nominations at the Baeksang Awards, this year.

Jong-Suk, meanwhile, has impressed viewers with roles in Pinocchio, Romance is a Bonus Book, and is set to star in the 2025 K-drama Seochodong. He recently signed with Ace Factory, signaling exciting new chapters ahead.

In his 1 January 2023 fan cafe letter, Jong-suk revealed that he first met IU when he was in his mid-20s. But even back then, what he felt for the singer was far deeper than just ‘a fleeting love’.

While IU and Jong-suk initially kept things strictly professional during their time co-hosting SBS’s music show Inkigayo, it didn’t take long for friendship to blossom. Their stint ended in December 2012, but their bond only grew stronger. In an episode of the Korean reality show Hwasin, Jong-suk recalled how they even clashed a few times over costumes while filming the show. “We talked about everything we have been holding back. Now, she’s one of my few close friends,” he said.

Still, friendship wasn’t the final chapter. Reflecting on how things evolved, Jong-suk wrote in the same 2023 fan letter that what he felt for IU never really left him: “At the time, I was moving on with my life. However, there was always a part of my heart that belonged to her. It was strange, indeed. I think you would all understand it if I put it this way; she was like Kang Dan-I to me," referring to his love interest in his series Romance is a Bonus Book.

Romance, as he described it, was a 'bonus book', an unexpected but cherished surprise that grew from their deep-rooted connection.

Going official together

When Dispatch named IU and Jong-suk as their 2023 New Year couple on 31 December 2022, the report also revealed that the two stars had been dating for four months.

Shortly after the report went public, both stars’ agencies confirmed the relationship. IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, stated, “Lee Jong-Suk and IU have recently progressed from close colleagues into a relationship.”

Meanwhile, Jong-suk’s agency High Zium Studio congratulated the couple and encouraged fans to “cheer them on so that they can continue their beautiful relationship.”

Soon after, both IU and Lee addressed their fans directly through heartfelt letters shared on their respective fan cafes. Jong-suk introduced IU as his girlfriend and wrote that the ‘Eight’ singer makes “me want to become a better man.”

In her letter to fans (UAENA), IU addressed the year-end news and her relationship with Jong-suk by writing, “Those of you who saw the article today will know, but I am in a relationship. I was very careful because I think UAENA would have been very surprised when you always worry about me and are curious about how I am, but… yes… this is what happened!”

IU also expressed her affection for him, sharing that “He is a reliable and cute person who gives me sincere encouragement.”

Love and support, always

Since confirming their relationship, the couple has openly supported each other, showing affection in ways that have won the hearts of fans.

In a 2023 interview about her Korean film Dream, IU mentioned that she often turns to Lee Jong-Suk for acting advice. “Because we are in the same profession, we naturally talk about acting. Before filming, if there is a scene that I really don’t understand, I make an SOS call to my boyfriend,” she said.

On 16 April 2023, Jong-suk was seen publicly supporting IU by showcasing various pieces of her merchandise. In one of his Instagram stories, he sported a baseball cap from IU’s 2022 The Golden Hour concert. He also uses a ‘bunny pop socket’ — another fan-favourite from IU’s official merch line.