South Korean singer IU and actor Lee Jong-suk are dating

The agencies of South Korean singer-actress IU (left) and actor Lee Jong-suk confirmed they are in a relationship. – Photos: Instagram/DLWLRMA (left) Instagram/JONGSUK0206

Singer-actor IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, and actor Lee Jong-suk are dating, according to their agencies.

"Lee Jong-suk and IU have recently progressed from close colleagues into a relationship," said Lee’s agency, High Zium Studio in an official statement.

IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment also confirmed, "Two of them have been close colleagues for a long time and have recently begun dating."

Lee won the grand prize for his role in the crime thriller Big Mouth, at MBC Drama Awards, which was held on Friday.

In his acceptance speech, he said, "After completing my military service, I had a lot of worries and fears. But there was someone who helped set me in a good direction and have positive thoughts.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for always being awesome. And that I have liked you for a very long time, and that I respect you."

Rumors sparked online that his acceptance speech was for someone whom he was in a romantic relationship with.

Model-turned-actor Lee Jong-suk debuted in Prosecutor Princess (2010) and rose to stardom after starring in the coming-of-age drama School 2013, the fantasy legal series I Hear Your Voice (2013) and Pinocchio (2014).

Recently he starred in the action film Decibel with Cha Eun-woo, Kim Rae-won and Lee Min-ki.

Singer-actor IU, who made her debut as a singer in 2008, has established herself as an iconic female singer with her hit songs Good Day, You and I and Palette.

Since the drama Dream High in 2011, the singer has starred in many hit series such as The Producers (2015), My Mister (2018) and Hotel del Luna (2019).

Recently she starred in the Cannes-winning Korean drama film Broker directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. – By Hwang Dong-hee/The Korea Herald/Asia News Network