A Complete Guide to South Korean Star IU’s Dating History

Besides selling out concerts and topping music charts, one of South Korea’s most successful K-pop artists has also made headlines with her relationships. Here’s a closer look at singer-songwriter IU’s dating history.

IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, is one of South Korea’s most influential and popular celebrities. Under the name IU, she has released over 50 songs, many of which have broken music records around the world. She has also appeared in a number of successful television shows, including Hotel Del Luna (2019) and Dream (2023) – each time her popularity increased. And as brand deals continue to come her way at a staggering rate, her net worth is quite impressive and she owns a number of luxurious properties in her home country. And while her meteoric rise in her career is no secret, not much is known about her relationships. IU’s dating history is marked by scandals, rumors, and long-term public love. We take a look at them all.

A list of celebrities who make up K-pop icon IU’s dating history

2011: Wooyoung

Dating rumors first came to IU when she starred in the teen romance Dream high alongside Wooyoung from the boy group 2PM. Since the two had a romantic relationship on screen, they were spotted having dinner together a few times. Wooyoung also confessed in an interview with SBS that between Sulli and IU – with whom he had previously worked in different capacities – he would choose the latter. “I chose IU because of her overwhelming loyalty and that played a big role in my decision,” he was quoted as saying by SoompiHowever, the two claimed that they were just good friends.

2012: Eun Hyuk

In 2012, a scandal arose when IU uploaded a selfie with Super Junior rapper and singer Eunhyuk. The picture appeared to have been taken in bed – and fans were quick to label it as dating. IU deleted the picture and immediately apologized. Her agency Loen Entertainment later supported her, adding: “Regarding this case, we would like to ask you not to read too much or jump to conclusions. They are just close acquaintances who have known each other since their debut,” said a report by Korea Joongang Daily. It was also said that he only visited her because she was sick. The Super Junior star later poked fun at the matter, saying that his popularity had increased quite a bit since the scandal.

2013–2017: Jang Ki Ha

IU’s first public relationship was with actor and singer-songwriter of Kiha & the Faces, Jang Ki Ha. The two reportedly bonded over music and began dating in 2013. Popular entertainment site To ship broke the news before IU could announce it herself – by dropping pictures of the couple in the parking lots of their apartments in Yongsan and Mapo. IU later released a statement saying, “It’s been almost two years since we were together. I fell in love with him immediately after I first met him on a radio show. He is a friend I can learn a lot from and I am grateful for that. We go out like any other couple, have good times, argue, get disappointed and are grateful,” according to a report from Soompi.

She added: “I was thinking about how to tell everyone, but the opportunity was taken away from me. Haha, it’s sudden, but I think I need to start a public relationship.” However, two years after that official confirmation – after four years of dating – the couple split amicably, with their agencies stating they would support each other in their respective professional endeavors.

2022-present: Lee Jong Suk

IU’s most recent public relationship – loved by fans around the world – is with actor Lee Jong-suk. The news broke in 2023 – courtesy of To shipwhich said the two had been dating for four months and spent Christmas together in Japan. Other reports mentioned that they met in August 2012 as hosts for SBS’ weekly music show Inkigayo – and a deep friendship was formed that slowly turned into love. Cut to 2022 and in an acceptance speech at the MBC Drama Awards, Lee Jong Sook thanked a certain person for helping him through his mental health crisis after his military service. “I want to say that I have a lot of respect for this person and have liked this person for a very long time,” he said, according to a report by Korea Times.

After the news of IU and Lee Jong-suk’s relationship in 2023 broke, the two stars took to social media to confirm everything. Lee stated that IU gave him the desire to “be a better person.” The latter, meanwhile, called him devoted, adding, “He is a reliable and sweet person who sincerely encourages me.”

Hero and feature images: Courtesy of IU/Lee Jong Suk/Jang Ki Ha

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is IU in a relationship?

Since June 2024, IU has been in a relationship with actor Lee Jong Suk.

Who is IU’s current boyfriend?

Since June 2024, IU has been in a relationship with actor Lee Jong Suk.

Who is Lee Jong-Suk’s wife?

Lee Jong Suk is not married. He is in a relationship with IU.

(The information in this article is correct at the time of publication.)