Lee Jong-suk chooses comfort over physique in Hawaii following split with IU

Actor Lee Jong-suk has shared glimpses of his relaxing vacation in Hawaii. Unlike his usual image characterized by a sharp jawline and slim physique, his more relaxed appearance has captured the attention of fans.

On the 8th, Lee posted several photos on his social media accompanied by emojis reminiscent of waves, rainbows, and palm trees. In the released photos, he is seen enjoying a leisurely atmosphere like a typical traveler, holding an iced americano against the backdrop of Waikiki, Hawaii.

His outfit—a black hat, horn-rimmed glasses, a black T-shirt paired with training shorts, and flip-flops—also drew attention. Departing from the refined styling he typically shows on red carpets or in photo shoots, he revealed a natural, everyday look with a low-effort resort fashion style.

In particular, the change in his physique became a hot topic. In the photos, Lee's face appeared somewhat fuller with rounder cheeks than before, and in some shots, he even struck a playful pose by sticking his stomach out. In response, some netizens expressed surprise at his appearance, which was quite different from his familiar sharp jawline.

However, it is difficult to conclude actual changes in weight or physical condition based solely on a few photos taken at a vacation spot. Appearance can change significantly depending on camera angles, posture, clothing, and the timing of the shot. Rather, what stands out in these photos is that Lee has placed the 'image of an individual enjoying a vacation' ahead of the 'face of a star' for the first time in a while.

This update is also garnering interest because it is his first glimpse into daily life since his breakup with IU. Lee and IU first formed a connection as MCs for SBS's 'Inkigayo' in 2012, remained colleagues for a long time, and officially acknowledged their romantic relationship in 2022. After continuing their public relationship for about four years, the two acknowledged their breakup through their respective agencies on July 10, stating, "They decided to remain good colleagues." They did not disclose the specific timing or reason for the split.

The reason their relationship received such great public attention was not simply because they were a top star couple. Lee's relationship with IU resurfaced in the spotlight after it was revealed that he expressed gratitude to someone he had liked for a long time during his acceptance speech after winning the Grand Prize at the 'MBC Drama Awards' in 2022. Afterward, even during their public dating period, the two continued their relationship relatively quietly while working in their respective fields.

Since the breakup, Lee has continued to naturally reveal his daily life rather than hiding it. In August, he also shared photos of himself enjoying rafting, yoga, and swimming at a resort, conveying his current status with a bright expression. While he has not offered any particular explanation regarding his emotions or private life immediately following the breakup announcement, the released photos capture his current daily life of enjoying travel and relaxation.

His next steps as an actor are also highly anticipated. Lee is scheduled to meet viewers in a new character in the Disney+ original series 'The Remarried Empress.' SBS previously reported that Lee has confirmed his appearance in 'The Remarried Empress' and 'Lee Seop's Romance,' which is based on a popular Naver web novel, as his upcoming projects.

For Lee, recent times can be seen as a period where both his private life and acting career are moving into new phases. As he must stand before the public again as an actor after a long public relationship, these Hawaii photos hold meaning in the fact that he is simply slowing down the pace of his daily life and spending time for himself, rather than conveying a grand message.

Ultimately, what should be noted in these photos is not just the physical changes like "his stomach came out" or "his jawline disappeared." The fact that a star, who has always been consumed as a perfectly managed image, stood before the camera in a looser and more ordinary way at a vacation spot, and that he is silently continuing his life and acting career following changes in his private life, is what truly shows Lee's present.