IU and Lee Jong-suk confirm breakup after four years of dating

IU and Lee Jong-suk confirm breakup after four years of dating

South Korean stars IU and Lee Jong-suk have ended their romantic relationship after four years together. The split was confirmed on Friday, July 10, 2026, by their respective agencies, EDAM Entertainment and Ace Factory.

Both agencies issued a joint statement saying the pair have decided to part ways amicably.

"The two have ended their romantic relationship and decided to remain good colleagues who will cheer each other on going forward,"

EDAM Entertainment and Ace Factory, via Mathrubhumi

The agencies attributed the separation to the couple's demanding professional commitments, which gradually created distance between them.

A history from friendship to romance

The connection between the singer-actor, 33, and the actor, 37, began long before their romantic involvement. The two first met in 2012 while serving as co-hosts on the SBS music programme Inkigayo from August to December of that year. The early stage of their friendship was not without friction; Lee Jong-suk mentioned on the reality show Hwasin that he and IU had occasional disagreements regarding their outfits while co-hosting.

Following the end of their six-month stint as MCs, they remained in contact to resolve those misunderstandings. In a 2013 episode of Hwasin, Lee Jong-suk described IU as one of his few close friends after they discussed the things they had been holding back.

The relationship transitioned from a long-term friendship to a romance that became public in December 2022. High Zium Studio, Lee Jong-suk's agency at the time, confirmed the news by stating the two had progressed from close acquaintances into a couple and were maintaining a serious relationship. Following this confirmation, Dispatch reported that the couple had traveled to Nagoya, Japan, to celebrate Christmas with IU's younger brother.

Public affection and denied rumors

The couple's relationship was marked by high-profile moments of affection. During the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, Lee Jong-suk won the Daesang (Grand Prize) for his role in Big Mouth. In his acceptance speech, he thanked an unnamed person who helped him find a positive direction as a human being after his military service.

Lee Jong-suk told the audience, I want to tell that person that I’m thankful to them for always being so admirable, that I’ve liked them a lot for a very long time, and that I respect and admire them greatly. The remark went viral and was widely interpreted as being directed at IU.

Despite their public status, the couple faced breakup speculations over the last year. Rumors surfaced after online posts claimed the pair were seen at a luxury restaurant in Seoul on May 16 of the previous year — IU's birthday — with BTS member V. Those reports were later clarified; the group was simply having a meal with acquaintances, including chef Sung Anh, as IU and V had met through a previous music video shoot. Sources close to IU dismissed the rumors at the time, stating the couple was still doing well. This sentiment was echoed by Chosunbiz, citing OSEN, which reported the relationship remained unchanged.

More recent signs of affection appeared as recently as last month, when Lee Jong-suk posted a photo from a trip to Europe on his personal account. In the image, he made a heart shape above his head, which was interpreted as an affection signal for IU.

Future projects

While the romantic relationship has ended, both stars remain active in their respective fields. IU, who debuted as a singer in 2008 and is known for hits such as Good Day and Through the Night, is reportedly preparing a new album and concert. She is scheduled to meet fans for a solo concert at the main stadium of Goyang Stadium in September.

IU has also expanded her career into acting with roles in My Mister, Perfect Crown, and When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Lee Jong-suk, who began his career in 2010 with Prosecutor Princess after working as a model, has starred in Pinocchio and I Can Hear Your Voice. He is currently preparing for the release of the Disney+ original series The Remarried Empress, which is scheduled to be released later this year.