IU and Lee Jong-suk End Four-Year Relationship After Mutual Decision

Singer-actress IU and actor Lee Jong-suk have officially ended their four-year public relationship. Both agencies confirmed the news on the 10th, following an exclusive report by Dispatch. Representatives for the pair cited busy schedules as a primary factor in the separation, stating that the two have mutually decided to maintain their professional relationship as senior and junior colleagues.

Confirmation from EDAM Entertainment and Ace Factory

The news of the separation was first reported by Dispatch, which noted that the couple had recently parted ways after four years of dating. Both talent agencies involved provided immediate confirmation of the split to media outlets, including Sports Kyunghyang and StarNews.

Ace Factory, representing Lee Jong-suk, issued a statement to StarNews confirming the breakup: “It is true that Lee Jong-suk has broken up with IU.” The agency further added, “As this concerns the actor’s private life, we kindly ask for your understanding as we cannot provide additional responses.” Similarly, a representative from IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, stated, “IU has broken up with Lee Jong-suk. The two have decided to remain good colleagues.”

A Four-Year Public Romance

The couple’s history dates back to 2012, when they first met as co-hosts of the SBS music program Inkigayo. While they remained colleagues for a long time, their relationship evolved into a romance that was officially acknowledged in December 2022.

Their public acknowledgment followed Lee Jong-suk’s emotional acceptance speech at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, where he won the grand prize for his performance in the drama Big Mouth. During the ceremony, he said, “I want to say that I have liked her for a very long time and that I respect her so much.” He further remarked, “There was someone who guided me in a positive direction and helped me think positively when I had many fears and concerns after completing my military service. I am grateful to that person.”

IU and Lee Jong-suk Confirm Breakup After '4-Year Relationship'…"Decided to Remain Good Colleag…

At the time, the couple shared their mutual admiration with fans. Lee Jong-suk described IU as someone he could rely on, stating, “Even though she is younger, she sometimes feels like an older sister or even like an adult, but she is also such a wonderful friend that I want to protect her. Right now, she makes me want to become a better person.” IU also addressed fans, saying, “I am growing a good relationship with someone who was once a long-time colleague and who supports me in return. For a long time, he has kindly cheered me on and always told me I was ‘cool, cool,’ while also giving me sincere encouragement.”

Speculation and Breakup Rumors

Despite the high-profile nature of their relationship, the couple faced repeated, often baseless, breakup rumors over the years. In 2024, initial rumors surfaced but were dismissed after Lee Jong-suk was seen attending IU’s concert alongside his close friend, actor Shin Jae-ha.

In February 2025, a second wave of rumors emerged from Chinese online communities, which claimed IU was seen wearing an engagement ring. Later, in April 2025, during an interview following the conclusion of the Netflix series Lovely Runner, IU stated, “I know Lee Jong-suk is living a very busy life. I only want to say that I know him as Park Bo-gum’s character in this drama,” leading to public speculation that their relationship had grown distant. In May 2025, further rumors sparked when reports surfaced that IU had dined with V at Ahn Sung-jae’s restaurant, ‘Mosu,’ to celebrate her birthday. While photos from her birthday post on social media showed friends such as Kang Sa-na and Lee Ju-young, the absence of Lee Jong-suk led to additional conjecture that has now been confirmed by their agencies.

As they transition back to being professional colleagues, both performers remain active in their respective careers. Lee Jong-suk is set to appear in the Disney+ series The Remarried Empress, which is scheduled for release in the second half of this year. IU starred in the MBC drama 21st Century Grand Duchess, which concluded last May, and she is scheduled to hold a concert at the Goyang Stadium main field this September.

Find more reporting in our Entertainment section.