hankyoreh

Actor Lee Jong-suk touched off speculation by mentioning an unnamed individual in his acceptance speech after receiving the MBC Grand Prize on Dec. 30. (courtesy of HighZium Studio)

“After completing my military service, I had a lot on my mind and was full of fear. Luckily, there was someone who helped push me in the right direction and made me think positive thoughts. I wish to tell that person this: Thank you for being so amazing. I want to tell you that I’ve liked you for a very long time, as well as admired and respected you. When I see you I start to think, ‘I should’ve tried harder,’ and ‘They’re such a good person.’”

Lee Jong-suk’s acceptance speech at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, held Friday, stole the show that night. Those watching could hardly contain their curiosity about a certain unnamed someone Lee mentioned in his speech.

Online commenters inferred from clauses like “for a very long time” and “liked,” that Lee may have been talking about his first crush. His agency stated that Lee was merely expressing thanks to a certain individual, and that it did not mean anything special.

But on the last day of 2022, the identity of the person Lee thanked was finally revealed to be the singer known as IU.

An entertainment news site reported on Saturday that Lee Jong-suk and IU, who also goes by Lee Ji-eun, were in a relationship. The couple spent their Christmas holiday together, for three days in Nagoya, Japan. IU left Korea on Dec. 24 with her brother, while Lee went straight from a fan meeting in Osaka. IU even performed at the wedding of Lee’s younger brother in October.

Ten years after the two met as hosts of a TV program, shown here, they have become romantic partners. (still from TV program “Inkigayo”)

Lee and IU first met 10 years ago as hosts for the music TV show “Inkigayo” on SBS. They have been close colleagues for years, and reportedly only started dating four months ago.

Lee’s agency, HighZium Studio, released a statement on Saturday saying that, “Lee and IU have recently become more than close colleagues and are now in a serious relationship,” and asked that the public show support for the relationship.

Online commenters seem to be rooting for the couple after hearing the heartfelt speech made by Lee.

One online commenter shared that, “Lee spoke each word so carefully and precisely, I could feel his emotions exude from behind my screen.”

Moreover, many people are moved by the fact that Lee stated that he “admired and respected” that person. Some say that they thought of IU from those words, even without knowing their relationship beforehand.

By Nam Ji-eun, staff reporter

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