When Korean actor Lee Jong-suk won the grand prize at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards on Dec. 30, his speech caught everyone’s attention.
In his speech, he thanked one person that he did not name.
“I had a lot of worries, fears, and suffering after I finished my military service, but at that time, there was someone who helped me to have a good direction and positive thoughts,” he said.
He added, "I want to say thank you for always being so cool, I've liked you so much for a very long time and I respect you so much.
“I will work harder to become a better person in the future. I will become a good actor who works hard. Happy New Year to all viewers and thank you,” he said.
On Dec. 31, Korean media outlet Dispatch reported that it caught Lee Jong-suk and IU dating in Japan and published a story with photos.
It said Lee Jong-suk’s “relationship” with IU dates back to August 2012 through the TV music show “Inkigayo.”
The report said the person Lee Jong-suk 33, was referring to in his speech was IU, 29.
It said Lee Jong-suk and IU were together for two nights and three days at a luxury resort in Nagoya, Japan.
“The two of them were quite careful. Lee Jong-suk left for Osaka on Dec. 20 for a fan meeting, and IU boarded a plane to Nagoya on Dec. 24.
The final destination for Lee Jong-suk and IU was the resort Amanemu. He came to Nagoya for a fan meeting while IU went to Nagoya with her younger brother.
The report added that Lee Jong-suk personally prepared the Japan trip without his manager knowing, including hotel reservation and pick-up service.
From Dec. 20 to 27, Lee Jong-suk had fan meetings and dates in three cities in Japan and he took care of IU’s younger brother.
"The family has already acknowledged their relationship," a person close to the two said, the report added.
IU sang a congratulatory song at Lee Jong-suk’s younger sister’s wedding and he invited IU’s younger brother to the Christmas trip.
Lee Jong-suk and IU flew out of Korea separately, stayed together and returned separately. IU boarded a plane in Nagoya and Lee Jong-suk returned to Korea via Tokyo.
An acquaintance of IU said, "They have a positive influence on each other. It took about four months for them to develop into lovers."
Lee Jong-suk's agency said it was checking regarding the report.