IU’s First Move After Lee Jong Suk Breakup Linked To Hot Male Actor, Sparks Debate

IU is gearing up for a September comeback, and the details are already turning heads.

Following recent breakup news, the beloved singer-songwriter will reportedly release a new album in September. Not only that, but IU is bringing some serious star power along for the ride.

Lee Jong Suk’s Last Instagram Post Right Before IU Breakup Raises Eyebrows

Actor Heo Nam Jun has been confirmed to star in the music video for the album’s title track, with filming set to begin early next month.

This isn’t the first time the two have collaborated, and for most fans, that’s exactly the point. IU has a track record of pairing her music videos with compelling acting talent, and Heo Nam Jun fits the bill.

[NEWS] 260711 Actor Heo Namjun will reportedly appear in IU’s new album’s title track M/V

• The music video will be filmed in early next month ahead of her September album release
• It picks up the story after IU’s “Never Ending Story,” which left viewers with a lingering… pic.twitter.com/YbJJaVtT50

— Team 🌟🍬 (@IUteamstarcandy) July 11, 2026

Some netizens were quick to suggest the casting was calculated. A few simply did not like the choice.

IU always makes it so obviously she always clings to the most trending actors

— Aisha (@Aisha_prelude) July 10, 2026

If I’m being honest

WHY HIM AGAIN?

But as her fan, ok.

— 아이유isLOVE! 💜🍊 (@LizAlberio) July 10, 2026

However, many others jumped to the singer’s defense. Some pointed out that Heo Nam Jun was far from a household name when he first appeared in one of her music videos, which arguably says more about IU’s eye for talent than any clout-chasing.

IU cast him in one of her music videos when people barely knew him

— nic¹⁷ | V8 • 吉BOARD (@cinztq) July 11, 2026

Not a fan of IU but I have to say she must have a good eye and found Namjun captivating as an actor. She casted him in her MV even before he was known, and it feels like she might also have been responsible for his cameo casting in PC.

— JJ • 💙 HEONAMJUNE 🎂 (@artofyesung) July 11, 2026

Others simply pointed out IU’s massive popularity with or without a trending star featuring in her music videos.

the concept of thinking iu out of all people needs to leech off anyone elses popularity

— lia (@avmelias) July 11, 2026

lived long enough to see ppl accuse iu out of everyone of needing someone elseʼs fame. ragebait used to be believable

— 𓇼 (@ruvIsly) July 11, 2026

Regardless of the debate, with one of the biggest female artists in K-Pop at the helm and a buzzworthy leading man by her side, the music video is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the fall season.

IU