MANILA, Philippines — South Korean stars IU and Lee Jong-suk have ended their relationship after four years, with both of their agencies confirming the breakup Friday.
According to My Daily Korea, Lee Jong-suk's agency, ACE FACTORY, confirmed the news in a statement, saying, "It is true that they have broken up," adding that the two "have decided to remain good colleagues."
IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, separately issued a similar statement, saying, "It is true that they have broken up. They have decided to remain good colleagues."
The confirmation came after speculation about the status of their relationship. Neither agency disclosed the reason for the split.
IU and Lee Jong-suk publicly acknowledged their romance in December 2022 after years of friendship. The pair first met in 2012 while serving as co-hosts of SBS' music program “Inkigayo” and remained close colleagues before their relationship developed into a romance.
Throughout their public relationship, the couple largely kept their personal lives private while receiving support from fans as one of South Korea's most high-profile celebrity couples.
Despite ending their relationship, both stars are continuing with major projects.
IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, is preparing to release a new album and is set to hold a large-scale solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in September. She also continues to expand her acting career following the success of recent projects, including “When Life Gives You Tangerines” and “Perfect Crown.”
Lee Jong-suk, meanwhile, is preparing for the global release of the Disney+ original series “The Remarried Empress,” one of the platform's most anticipated upcoming Korean dramas.
