Korean stars IU, Lee Jong-suk break up after four years
Korean actor Lee Jong-suk and singer-actress IU have ended their relationship after four years together.
"It is true that they have broken up. They have decided to remain good colleagues," Ace Factory and EDAM Entertainment, the agencies representing Lee Jong-suk and IU, respectively, said on July 10.
The two first met while serving as co-hosts of the Korean music program "Inkigayo." In December 2022, they confirmed they were dating after being spotted together in Japan.
At the time, IU's agency said, "IU and Lee Jong-suk have recently developed from close colleagues into a romantic relationship."
IU also shared the news with fans in a letter, writing, "I am developing good feelings with my long-time colleague by relying on each other. He has been supporting me for a long time and always saying, 'You're awesome.' He is also a reliable and cute person who gave me sincere encouragement."
Lee Jong-suk likewise opened up about their relationship, saying, "In my mid-20s, I first became acquainted with her, and it was something beyond puppy love. It was great, but I also regretted that it could not be. We've been friends for a long time, and now it's like this."
IU most recently starred in the series "Perfect Crown," while Lee Jong-suk is set to appear in the upcoming series "The Remarried Empress."