Lee Jong-suk and IU first met in 2012 while co-hosting SBS’s music program Inkigayo. At the time, IU was a regular host alongside Goo Ha-ra and Nicole. Lee Jong-suk joined in June 2012 to temporarily fill in for IU while she prepared for her concerts. When IU returned in August, the two hosted together until December 2012.

Despite their on-screen chemistry, they reportedly had little interaction off-camera. Lee Jong-suk later admitted on the variety show Incarnation that their relationship was somewhat distant and even confessed that he found IU’s enthusiasm for themed costumes—such as Snowmen, Leon and Mathilda, 007, Tinkerbell and Peter Pan—a bit annoying. IU had suggested the outfits to better connect with the show’s younger audience, but Jong-suk wasn’t fond of the idea.

Below is a compilation of their hosting from Inkigayo. What do you think of their costumes?

After leaving Inkigayo, Lee Jong-suk reached out to IU to clear up misunderstandings, and that marked the beginning of their genuine off-screen friendship.

Lee Jong-suk was seen attending IU’s concerts, such as the “Palette” concert in December 2017 and “The Golden Hour” in September 2022. He also supported her music releases on social media. He also mentioned about their friendship in interviews.

In a clear display of closeness, IU attended Lee Jong-suk’s younger brother’s wedding on October 2, 2022, where she performed “Meaning of You” as a congratulatory song. Her presence at such an intimate family occasion suggested a deeper connection between the two. Although photos and videos from the wedding circulated online, most fans saw it as a gesture of their long-standing friendship and didn’t read too much into it.

A major turning point came at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards on December 30, where Lee Jong-suk won the Daesang (Grand Prize) for Big Mouth. During his acceptance speech, he emotionally thanked a “special person” who had supported him through hard times.

“After completing my military service, I had a lot of worries and fears… At that time, there was someone who helped me think in a good direction… I’ve liked and respected this person for a long time… I want to thank that person for always being so cool and for helping me grow.”

This fueled speculation about a special someone, with some even believing it to be Lee Jong-suk’s Big Mouth co-star Yoona, with whom he won the Best Couple Award that same night. Fortunately, fans didn’t have to wait long, as the confirmation came the very next day.

On December 31, 2022, Dispatch confirmed that IU and Lee Jong-suk had been dating for around four months. The report included details about a Christmas vacation they spent together in Nagoya, Japan, which Jong-suk had meticulously planned—including inviting IU’s younger brother.

Their agencies released statements confirming the relationship.

• HighZium Studio (Lee Jong-suk): “The two recently progressed from being close acquaintances into a couple.”
• EDAM Entertainment (IU): “They have recently progressed from being close acquaintances into a good relationship.”

Both IU and Lee Jong-suk addressed their fans through heartfelt letters.

💌 IU’s Letter

IU described Jong-suk as “a reliable and cute person who has supported me for a long time,” emphasizing the comfort and encouragement he brings to her life. IU addressed her fan club with warmth and honesty:

“I’m in a relationship… developing good feelings for someone who has been a colleague for a long time. He’s a reliable and cute person who gives me sincere encouragement… Since UAENA always watches me closely, I’m sure you’ve noticed I’ve been in a good emotional condition… I’m sorry for surprising you and thank you for congratulating me.”

💌 Lee Jong-suk’s Letter

Lee Jong-suk, in his letter, expressed that IU had always held a special place in his heart, comparing her to Kang Dan-i, his character’s longtime friend and love interest in the drama Romance is a Bonus Book.

“We first met when I was around my mid-20s, and it was beyond puppy love, but I had regrets as it couldn’t be achieved. We were friends for a long time, and now it turned out like this… Even when I was working hard living my own way, she was a strange existence who always took up a corner of my heart.”

He fondly described IU as someone he could lean on and wanted to protect:

“She is mature but also makes me want to become a better person. I hope you can see us in a favorable light.”

During their public announcement, Dispatch mentioned that the couple’s families had been informed about their relationship prior to the news becoming public. IU’s presence at Lee Jong-suk’s brother’s wedding, the family’s excitement in seeing IU and the warm send-off Jong-suk gave her showed signs of family approval.

On IU’s side, the Christmas Trip to Japan with IU’s younger brother shows that her family supports the relationship.

Fans have responded positively to the couple’s relationship, expressing admiration for their journey from colleagues to partners. Their openness and mutual respect have been praised, with many showing strong support for the pair.

Although the couple have not been seen together publicly since the announcement, fans have delighted in picking up subtle “breadcrumbs” and signs of their ongoing relationship. Some of the most talked-about observations include:

Matching Accessories and Couple Items

Fans have spotted several matching or shared items between IU and Lee Jong-suk, often referred to as “couple items” in Korean dating culture. These subtle displays of affection have warmed fans’ hearts and strengthened the sense of a close, genuine bond.

Bottega Veneta Cassette Bags:
One of the most notable couple items is the Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag. Lee Jong-suk was seen with a padded blue lambskin version featuring a golden triangular buckle, while IU carried a smaller black version.

Matching Rings:
Fans have observed IU and Lee Jong-suk wearing similar rings. Jong-suk sported a silver Gucci ring, while IU wore one in a similar design but different color.

Glasses:
Both were seen wearing similarly styled glasses during their airport departures in December 2022.

On February 4, 2023, Lee Jong-suk appeared in an Instagram story by fashion brand Beyond Closet, wearing a cap embroidered with “The Golden Hour”. IU later clarified the cap was a concert giveaway for all attendees and not a personalized gift, stating:

“He came to the concert, and those items were distributed to everyone who attended. It wasn’t a special gift for Lee Jong-suk or anything, but it got a lot of spotlight.”

On March 14, 2025, Lee Jong-suk attended the BVLGARI Studio event in Korea. As he left the venue, fans noticed bright cushions inside his car — quickly identified as concert merchandise from IU’s shows, which fans could take home.

He has also been seen using other items from IU’s merch line, including a bunny-shaped pop socket on his phone. These consistent and subtle displays of support have not gone unnoticed by fans.

During promotions for her film Dream in April 2023, IU shared insights into her relationship with Lee Jong-suk. She revealed that she frequently seeks his advice for acting-related challenges:

“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 elaborated further:

“When I have a grievance or a scene I’m unsure about, I tend to ask for SOS a lot — from my boyfriend, Yoo In-na, other colleagues, and seniors.”

This candid revelation gave fans a heartfelt look into their supportive dynamic.

Lee Jong-suk attended IU’s “The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun” concert at Seoul Olympic Stadium on September 17, 2022.

He was also seen at IU’s “HEREH” World Tour concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on March 2, 2024, alongside his mother and actor Shin Jae-ha — another sweet show of support.

Lee Jong-suk was again seen attending at IU’s Concert at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on September 21, 2024. His attendance further emphasized his continued support for IU and their shared bond.

Fans speculated that a photo IU posted on Instagram may have been taken at Lee Jong-suk’s home, noting background details that matched those from his own previously shared photos.

These small yet significant signs have delighted fans, who appreciate the couple’s thoughtful and subtle ways of sharing their relationship with the public — a quiet, mutual affection that speaks volumes.