Dispatch has an annual New Years tradition where they reveal a pair of top celebrities who have been dating in secret. And this year, Dispatch’s New Year’s Couple for 2023 was announced as IU and Lee Jong Suk.
According to Dispatch, the pair have been dating for about four months. Dispatch was able to spot the two together spending time in Japan. They enjoyed the winter holidays for a three day, two night stay in Nagoya, Japan.
Until their Japan vacation, the two were careful about their relationship. Lee Jong Suk left to go to Osaka, Japan on December 20 and IU travelled to Nahoya on December 24. Their final destination was Amannemu, a luxury resort in Nagoya, Japan. Lee Jong Suk headed to Nagoya following his fan meeting and IU went to Nagoya alongside her younger brother.
Lee Jong Suk travelled to Japan without telling anyone, even his manager. He personally booked the hotel and requested a pick-up service.
Dispatch was able to get a glimpse of Lee Jong Suk’s travels, showing that he was going back and forth between cities.
December 20 – Osaka
December 23 – Tokyo
December 24 – Nagoya
December 26 – Tokyo
December 27 – Seoul
During his fan meeting tour, he also made sure to spend time taking care of IU’s younger brother. Both side’s families have already acknowledged each other as well, with IU singing the congratulatory song at Lee Jong Suk’s younger brother’s wedding and Lee Jong Suk inviting IU’s younger brother for the aforementioned Nagoya trip. At the end of their vacation, Lee Jong Suk and IU flew out of Japan separately. IU flew out from Nagoya while Lee Jong Suk flew out of Tokyo.
The couple still shared some couple items though, including glasses and bag. Lee Jong Suk’s agency has stated that they are currently looking into the report. However, an acquaintance of IU’s told Dispatch that they have been dating for four months and have a positive influence on each other.
Last year, Dispatch revealed that T-ARA’s Hyomin and soccer star Hwang Ui Jo were in a relationship.