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MANILA, Philippines – South Korean superstars IU and Lee Jong-suk’s romance may have only become public in late 2022, but their story began a full decade earlier.
The singer-actress and the actor first crossed paths as co-hosts on SBS Inkigayo in 2012, where they were known for their awkward chemistry. Over the years, the two quietly built a friendship, cheering each other on through career milestones before eventually becoming a couple.
From distant colleagues to longtime friends to finally lovers, here’s a look back on the couple’s friends-to-lovers story and their eventual break-up:
2012: Distant colleagues?
IU (real name Lee Ji-eun) and Jong-suk meet on the South Korean music program SBS Inkigayo as co-hosts of the show. She has been hosting for over a year by the time Jong-suk joins her. Their dynamic on-screen is famously distant, and many rumors later begin to circulate that they do not have a good relationship off-screen.
2013: Slow burn
In a 2013 talk show interview, Jong-suk confirms that they indeed are distant as co-workers, rarely communicating about anything other than work.
He admits that he would get “annoyed” with IU for pitching fun and silly matching costumes and skits for the two of them to do on the broadcast. While he knew that her intentions were to give a good performance on the show, he says the costumes he had to wear made him feel embarrassed.
But Jong-suk shares that by the end of his time at Inkigayo, his feelings toward his colleague ended up changing.
“Because she was such a lovable national sister that everyone liked her, but I was annoyed with her,” the actor says. “But by the time I was to leave the show, I was a bit upset, maybe because by then, I grew some affection toward her.” (Spoiler alert: Once their relationship goes public in 2022, Jong-suk reveals his feelings for IU developed around this time.)
In a talk show interview of her own, IU reveals that she had no idea about his frustrations while they were working together, as Jong-suk himself never said anything to her. She ends up apologizing to him about it, but adds that it is now water under the bridge.
Before he left the show, the two were able to talk things out and even developed a good relationship, with Jong-suk calling her a close friend in various interviews. This is the beginning of a decade-long friendship between the two.
2015: Prime Minister’s awardees
Both Jong-suk and IU are recipients of the Prime Minister’s award at the 2015 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards.
2017: Spotted at IU’s concert
Fans spot Jong-suk at IU’s Palette concert at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium in December 2017. The actor had reportedly just gotten off a flight from Japan before heading straight to the show from the airport.
2019 to 2021: Life happens
After his starring role in the Korean drama Romance is a Bonus Book (2019), Jong-suk takes a two-year hiatus to fulfill his mandatory military service requirement. He gets discharged in January 2021.
For IU, meanwhile, the two years are some of the most prolific and productive periods of her career as a singer-actress. She stars in the fantasy K-drama Hotel Del Luna (2019) as the iconic lead Jang Man-wol, releases her Love Poem EP (2019) and her Celebrity (2021) album, and collaborates with Suga of BTS for the digital single “eight.”
As Jong-suk returns from military service, fans begin noticing his continued support for IU’s music.
Throughout the year, the actor shares screenshots on social media of himself listening to IU’s songs “My Sea” and “Epilogue,” both from her LILAC album.
In interviews promoting his comeback, he also reveals that IU’s ballad “Winter Sleep,” from her Pieces EP, is on repeat on his playlist.
At the time, the gestures are seen simply as one celebrity supporting a longtime friend. It is only after their relationship became public in late 2022 that fans look back on these moments as early signs of Jong-suk’s affection for the singer.
2022: The ball starts rolling
After nearly a decade of friendship, signs begin to emerge that Jong-suk and IU have become much closer.
In September 2022, Jong-suk holds a fan meeting where he surprises fans by performing IU’s 2014 song “Meaning for You.” At the time, many see it as a sweet tribute to a longtime friend, though it later takes on a different meaning after news of their relationship becomes public.
Just days later, Jong-suk attends IU’s The Golden Hour concert at the Seoul Olympic Stadium. The concert marks a historic milestone for IU, who becomes the first South Korean female artist to headline a solo concert at the venue.
The following month, in October, IU performs at the wedding of Jong-suk’s younger brother. Videos taken by guests show Jong-suk personally escorting IU out of the venue after her performance, sparking curiosity among fans.
By the end of the year, the actor offers his biggest hint yet.
Accepting the Daesang (Grand Prize) for Big Mouth at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards on December 30, he thanks a “special person” during his acceptance speech.
“I had a lot of worries, fears, and anguish after completing my military service, but there was a person who helped me think positively and go in a good direction. I want to take this moment and say that I’ve liked you a lot for a long time, and I respect you so much.”
Without mentioning a name, he shares that he has admired this person “for a long time,” adding that they inspire him to become a better person. The speech quickly fuels speculation online.
2022 to 2023: Dispatch reveals the relationship
On December 31, 2022, South Korean outlet Dispatch releases its annual celebrity dating scoop a day earlier than usual, revealing that IU and Jong-suk are dating after years of friendship.
Both of their agencies confirm the relationship shortly after the report is published.
The two also write separate letters to fans acknowledging the news. IU describes Jong-suk as someone who has supported her for a long time and says they are “relying on each other.” Jong-suk, meanwhile, writes that IU has been “a strange existence who always took up a corner of my heart.” He also confirms in a fan cafe letter that the feelings he references during his Daesang speech were directed at IU.
2026: Breakup
On July 10, IU and Jong-suk’s respective agencies confirm that the couple has broken up after four years of dating.
While the two have gone their separate ways, their agencies EDAM Entertainment and ACE FACTORY say they decided to remain “good colleagues,” according to a report from Soompi. – Rappler.com
Sophia Bautista is a Rappler intern and a communication student at Ateneo de Manila University.
Elise Suarez is a Rappler intern and a humanities student at University of Asia & the Pacific.
