From real-life couple to on-screen contenders: IU and Lee Jong-suk’s rival projects draw buzz

One of Korea’s most talked-about celebrity couples is heading for an unusual kind of face-off this year — not in real life, of course, but on screen.

IU and Lee Jong-suk, who have been publicly dating since 2022, are set to release competing lead projects in 2026, drawing attention to what fans are calling an ironic “rivalry” between two of the industry’s most productive stars. The long-term couple, now in their fourth year together, will each front high-profile fantasy romances backed by major broadcasters and global streaming platforms.

IU will return to television in April with MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama, “Perfect Crown.” Following the success of Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” a historical romance co-starring Park Bo-gum, she tackles a different genre this time: a fantasy historical drama blending royal politics and romance.

In the series, IU plays Sung Hee-joo, a chaebol heiress who possesses everything except noble status. Determined to climb the social ladder, she enters a strategic marriage with Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo-seok, setting the stage for an unconventional royal romance.

Anticipation is especially high for IU’s chemistry with Byeon, one of Korea’s fastest-rising actors. Byeon shot to stardom through tvN’s hit drama “Lovely Runner,” which became a cultural phenomenon and cemented his status as a leading man. Fans are closely watching how the two stars’ on-screen dynamic will unfold in the fantasy setting.

Lee Jong-suk, meanwhile, will return to viewers through Disney+’s original series “The Remarried Empress,” following his role in last year’s drama “Law and the City.” Based on a popular web novel, the series has drawn attention from the start thanks to its star-studded cast, including Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon and Lee Se-young.

“The Remarried Empress” tells the story of Navier, empress of the Eastern Empire, who is divorced by Emperor Sovieshu after he falls for a runaway slave named Rashta. Refusing to accept her fate, Navier demands remarriage to Heinrey, prince of the Western Kingdom. Lee Jong-suk plays Heinrey, starring opposite Shin Min-a in the fantasy romance.

Buzz around the series intensified after a teaser revealed Lee’s royal-inspired styling and visuals, quickly spreading across social media and fan communities.

With both IU and Lee Jong-suk headlining major productions once again this year, the couple continues to embody what fans describe as a “hardworking power couple.” While they remain partners in real life, their separate projects now place them in direct comparison — leaving audiences to judge which story will resonate more strongly in 2026.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.