As 2022 comes to a close, the Hallyu scene is abuzz with the dating news of Korean stars IU and Lee Jong-suk, who have just been confirmed to be a couple. Every new year, it has been sort of a tradition for Korean media outlet Dispatch to reveal the relationships of Korean celebrity couples. As we are about to welcome 2023, the spotlight is on these two A-listers.

IU and Lee Jong suk are confirmed to be dating Photos from @jongsuk0206 and @dlwlrma

According to Dispatch, IU and Lee Jong-suk have been dating for approximately four months. They started out as friends, who first met each other on the South Korean music program Inkigayo 10 years ago. Eventually, their friendship evolved into a romantic relationship.

IU and Lee Jong-suk were also said to have spent Christmas together at a luxury resort in Nagoya, Japan. They were spotted at the airport on their way to and back from Nagoya.

The dating rumor was addressed by the agencies of IU and Lee Jong-suk. This is the official statement of HighZium Studio: “Actor Lee Jong Suk and IU recently progressed from being close acquaintances into being a couple, and they are maintaining a serious relationship. Please show lots of support so they can continue their beautiful relationship. Thank you.”

Meanwhile, IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, commented: “IU and Lee Jong Suk recently progressed from being close acquaintances into a good relationship. We ask for the warm reception of fans.”

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Lee Jong-suk一who won the Daesang (Grand Prize) award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards for his portrayal in the K-drama Big Mouth一figured in dating rumors after his intriguing acceptance speech:

“After completing my military service, I had a lot of worries, fears, and troubles plaguing me. But at that time, there was someone who helped me to find a good direction as a human being and to think positive thoughts. There’s something I really wanted to tell that person using this opportunity. I want to tell that person that I’m thankful to them for always being so admirable, that I’ve liked them a lot for a very long time, and that I respect and admire them greatly.”

“Seeing that person, I very often thought to myself, ‘I should have lived a little more diligently before now,’ or ‘I should have become a better person.’ I spent a lot of time reflecting on my past. I’m going to work harder in the future to become a better person.”

Lead photos from @jongsuk0206 and @dlwlrma