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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Sports

IU and Lee Jong-suk end relationship after four years, will remain colleagues

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • South Korean singer and actress IU (33) and actor Lee Jong-suk (37) have ended their relationship after dating for about two years.
  • Both of their agencies confirmed the breakup, stating they have decided to remain good colleagues.
  • The couple first met in 2012 as hosts of a music program and began dating in 2022, with their relationship becoming public knowledge in December of that year.

South Korean celebrity couple IU and Lee Jong-suk have officially broken up, ending their relationship after approximately two years. The news was confirmed by both the singer-actress's agency, EDAM Entertainment, and the actor's agency, Ace Factory.

Representatives from both agencies stated that while the romantic relationship has concluded, IU and Lee Jong-suk have mutually decided to maintain a supportive and professional relationship as colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Yes, they have broken up. They have decided to remain good colleagues.

โ€” EDAM EntertainmentIU's agency confirmed the breakup and their decision to stay friends.

The couple's journey began when they first crossed paths in 2012, serving as co-hosts for the SBS music program "Inkigayo." Their professional acquaintance eventually evolved into a romantic relationship, which became public in December 2022.

Lee Jong-suk had previously alluded to a significant person in his life during the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, expressing gratitude for someone who provided "humanly good direction" and "positive thoughts" during a period of "worry and fear" after completing his military service. At the time, speculation about the identity of this "special someone" was widespread, with the relationship's confirmation later that year solidifying the public's interest.

Yes, they have decided to remain good colleagues.

โ€” EDAM Entertainment representativeA representative for IU's agency echoed the sentiment about remaining colleagues.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.