Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31) — The agencies of South Korean stars Lee Jong-suk and IU have confirmed that the two are in a relationship, K-pop news website Soompi reported on Saturday.
Soompi said the confirmation was made hours after Dispatch — a Korean media outlet known for its New Year’s tradition of revealing secret celebrity couples — published its exclusive about the top Hallyu artists. Dispatch claimed the two have been dating for four months now.
Lee’s agency HighZium Studio was the first to release an official statement.
“Actor Lee Jong-suk and IU recently progressed from being close acquaintances into being a couple, and they are maintaining a serious relationship,” it said.
“Please show lots of support so they can continue their beautiful relationship,” the agency added.
“IU and Lee Jong-suk recently progressed from being close acquaintances into a good relationship,” IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment also confirmed. “We ask for the warm reception of fans.”
On Dec. 30, Lee thanked an unnamed person in his acceptance speech during the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, where he won a Daesang or grand prize for his performance in the hit TV drama “Big Mouth.” This sparked speculations the actor is seeing someone.
The 33-year-old actor is well-known for the series “Pinocchio,” “While You Were Sleeping,” and “W,” in which he received his first Daesang.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, is an established singer and has starred in sensational K-dramas like “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” and “Hotel del Luna.”
