Netizens were left speculating about her identity.
Koreaboo
10 minutes ago
Ever since IU and Lee Jong Suk confirmed their breakup a few days ago, social media has gone wild with speculations surrounding the “real” reason. Recently, public attention shifted to a woman who was photographed with the actor.
Lee Jong Suk | @jongsuk0206/Instagram
The issue sprouted from a popular Chinese media outlet publishing a picture showing Lee Jong Suk walking with a woman beside him, arm-in-arm, during a trip in March of this year. Some also pointed out that the woman’s outfit appeared to be coordinated with Lee’s, fueling further rumors.
As different theories took root across Chinese social media platforms, a picture supposedly showing the face of this so-called “mystery woman” stirred up further controversy, with netizens making harsh remarks about her appearance and comparing her to IU.
IU | @dlwlrma/Instagram
However, the truth behind the picture was uncovered soon. The woman in the picture is reportedly a stylist who has worked with Lee Jong Suk for years. Some also claimed that she was the same staff member who was seen in the actor’s recent vlog documenting his Italy trip. In the video, he purchased a ₩2.45 million KRW (about $1,650 USD) necklace for her after she had mentioned that she liked it.
The staff member in Lee Jong Suk’s vlog
Fans defended both the actor and the woman, pointing out that she was almost like family to him, and using their photo to make claims about infidelity crossed a line.
Meanwhile, IU and Lee Jong Suk broke up after four years of dating and though both their agencies officially confirmed the news, the artists themselves have been quiet about it so far.
IU And Lee Jong Suk Have Broken Up