IU And Lee Jong Suk: A Love Story Timeline & Updates!

Felipa Hermann 26 May 2025

Ever wondered why the personal lives of celebrities become such a massive point of public fascination? The truth is, when it comes to stars like IU, her relationships become hot topics because fans feel deeply invested in her happiness and well-being.

The spotlight intensified when IU and Lee Jong Suk's relationship was officially confirmed, sending waves across social media. This wasn't just another celebrity pairing; it was the culmination of a long-standing friendship that blossomed into something more. On December 31, 2022, Dispatch, the renowned South Korean media outlet, unveiled them as their New Year's couple, reporting that the two stars had been dating for approximately four months. The news sparked a frenzy, with fans eagerly piecing together the timeline of their romance and celebrating their union.

The connection between IU and Lee Jong Suk goes far beyond mere dating. It is rooted in mutual respect, support, and a shared understanding of the demands and pressures of their respective careers. IU, known for her meticulous approach to her craft, even revealed in 2023 that she sought Lee Jong Suk's advice on acting techniques for her film, "Dream." He, in turn, has been her unwavering cheerleader, offering encouragement and support even when his busy schedule prevents him from catching her latest shows – a fact that IU playfully acknowledged in April 2025, quipping that he was simply "too busy."

The public's interest in IU's romantic life isn't new. In the past, fans have been keen on getting updates about "IU's boyfriend 2024" or "boyfriend 2023," underscoring the continuous fascination with who she is romantically involved with. This intense scrutiny is a double-edged sword, bringing both joy and pressure to the couple.

Following the confirmation of their relationship, both IU, then 29, and Lee Jong Suk, 33, took to penning heartfelt letters to their devoted fans. These letters were more than just acknowledgements; they were genuine expressions of gratitude, offering a glimpse into their feelings and aspirations. IU affectionately described Lee Jong Suk as a "cute person" who has been a constant source of support over the years. "\u201che was a colleague for a long time, and we are building up positive feelings while relying on each other,\u201d she wrote, highlighting the solid foundation of their relationship.

For IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, the journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the moniker IU, she has amassed an impressive repertoire of over 50 tracks, many of which have shattered records globally. Her talent extends beyond music; she has also starred in a string of hit TV shows, including "My Mister" (2018), "Hotel del Luna" (2019), and "Dream" (2023), each project further solidifying her status as a versatile and captivating performer. Lee Jong Suk, with his dazzling appearance, remarkable acting abilities, and talent for bringing complex characters to life, has also carved a significant niche for himself in the entertainment industry, earning accolades and a dedicated fan base.

While the official announcement came on December 31, 2022, as Dispatch's New Year's couple of 2023, the roots of their connection trace back to 2012, when they first crossed paths. Their initial interaction as MCs of SBS's "Inkigayo" laid the groundwork for a friendship that would eventually blossom into a romantic relationship. This long-standing history adds a layer of depth and authenticity to their bond, making their relationship all the more endearing to fans.

Lee Jong Suk's support for IU is not just limited to words; he actively demonstrates his affection and admiration. He was spotted attending the opening concert of IU's first world tour, which included performances in the United States, earning him the title of the "most supportive boyfriend." This public display of support further fueled the enthusiasm surrounding their relationship.

On the morning of the 2nd, an interview with IU, the lead actress of the Netflix series "When Life Gives You," provided additional insights into their dynamic. When asked about her relationship with Lee Jong Suk, she shared, "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." This candid revelation highlighted the collaborative and supportive nature of their partnership, where they rely on each other for professional guidance and encouragement.

Lee Jong Suk's agency, HighZium Studio, officially confirmed the dating rumors shortly after Dispatch's initial report, solidifying the news and putting an end to any speculation. This swift confirmation allowed fans to fully embrace and celebrate the couple's relationship.

The narrative surrounding IU and Lee Jong Suk is one of genuine affection, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Their relationship, which blossomed from a long-standing friendship, has captivated the hearts of fans worldwide. As they navigate their careers and personal lives together, they continue to inspire with their dedication, talent, and undeniable chemistry.

In the past, before her relationship with Lee Jong Suk, IU was linked to other figures in the entertainment industry. One notable relationship was with Jang Kiha. IU and her boyfriend, Jang Kiha, officially broke up, according to media reports coming out of Korea. The couple had been dating for over three years and were first revealed to be in a relationship by Dispatch. When the news broke, IU revealed that she had fallen in love with the indie singer at first sight and spoke of Jang Kiha in the most loving way possible. This previous relationship further underscores the public's ongoing interest in IU's romantic life.

Recently, IU's boyfriend, Lee Jong Suk, shared travel photos, giving fans a glimpse into their personal lives. These seemingly candid moments provide a sense of connection and intimacy, allowing fans to feel closer to the couple. Posted by demian09 on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, these photos quickly garnered attention, accumulating over 95,500 likes.

IU's multifaceted career and personal life continue to generate significant interest. Her achievements, both professional and personal, solidify her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. She is a member of various lists, including Virgin Records artists, 1993 births, and women guitarists. Fans are encouraged to contribute to her profile by adding information, pictures, and relationships, joining in discussions, and getting credit for their contributions.

In 2016, IU founded the ‘IU Scholarship’ for students studying at Dongduk Girls’ High School, from where IU completed her high school education. This act of philanthropy showcases her commitment to giving back and supporting future generations, further enhancing her public image.

The journey of IU and Lee Jong Suk is a testament to their enduring bond. Discover their sweet moments, career highlights, and fan reactions, as their relationship continues to unfold. IU and Lee Jong Suk are still together after confirming their relationship in 2022. They met as hosts of Inkigayo over a decade ago and became a couple recently. The actor reveals how IU gives him will and strength and makes him want to become a better person. He also shares how they met as friends and became lovers over the years. Their agencies confirmed their relationship on December 31, 2022.

However, rumors occasionally surface, as seen with Chinese netizens speculating that the South Korean celebrity couple had split after three years of dating. They noticed that IU was wearing a ring on her index finger, which is sometimes interpreted as a sign of being single in Korea. However, these speculations have not been substantiated and are largely based on conjecture.

The Korean stars, who have been friends for a long time, announced their relationship after four months of dating. They expressed their gratitude, feelings, and hopes to their fans in heartfelt letters posted on January 1.

Category	Information
Full Name	Lee Ji-eun (이지은)
Stage Name	IU (아이유)
Date of Birth	May 16, 1993
Birth Place	Seoul, South Korea
Nationality	South Korean
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer
Years Active	2008–present
Genre	K-pop, Ballad, R&B
Label	EDAM Entertainment
Height	1.62 m (5 ft 4 in)
Education	Dongduk Girls' High School
Associated Acts	Lee Jong Suk
Notable Works	"Good Day," "Palette," "Through the Night," "My Mister," "Hotel del Luna," "Dream"
Awards	Numerous awards, including Melon Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Golden Disc Awards
Philanthropy	Founded 'IU Scholarship' at Dongduk Girls' High School
Official Website	IU Official Website