Korean actor Lee Jong-suk writes to fans about his relationship with IU
Korean actor Lee Jong-suk, 33, wrote a letter addressed to his fans regarding his relationship with singer IU, 29.
Lee Jong-suk won the “daesang” (grand prize) at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards on Dec. 30 and the following day, a Korean media outlet published an exclusive report that he and IU went on a date in Japan. The two confirmed they are in a relationship on the same day.

“After receiving a big award, I couldn't thank the fans, so I'm writing this belatedly. It's been a really long time since I've written here,” he said in a letter posted on his fan cafe.
He added, “I'm really sorry to surprise you at the end of the year like this. Thank you to the fans who supported and cheered me on at the awards show. What I really wanted to say to you is that I am really grateful to the fans who continue to send love and support to me even though I still lack a lot and is shy even though I have gotten old.”
“The more I talked, the more nervous I got and forgot the most important thing. Thank you again and sorry,” he said.
About IU, he said, “And I think you must have been very surprised to see yesterday's articles...The friend in today’s articles.”
“In my mid-20s, I first became acquainted with her, and it was something beyond puppy love. It was great but I also had regret that it could not be achieved. We've been friends for a long time, and now it's like this,” he said.
He added, “How can I say it.. I think I was a strange existence who always settled in a corner of my heart even though I was working hard living my way.”
“She is a wonderful person who guides me with my direction and life’s troubles, is younger but sometimes like an older sister, or like an adult but someone I want to protect. She makes me want to be a better person,” Lee Jong-suk said about IU.
He added, “I should have introduced her well, but since this is my first time doing something like this, I feel very sorry that the fans must have been surprised or a little disappointed. Please watch us with a warm heart.”