Shocking Split: IU Lee Jong-suk Breakup 4 Years of Dating Ends
One of South Korea’s most iconic and highly celebrated celebrity power couples has officially decided to part ways, shocking fans across the globe. On Friday, July 10, representative labels for both major stars officially confirmed that the high-profile romance has drawn to a definitive close.
The official confirmation of the IU Lee Jong-suk breakup 4 years after their initial romantic spark has immediately taken over domestic and international entertainment headlines, marking the end of a generation-defining fairytale romance.
Agencies Formally Confirm the Separation and Future Plans
The announcement first broke through direct statements delivered by the artists’ respective management companies. “They have officially broken up,” a representative from IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, briefly confirmed on Friday afternoon.
Shortly after, Lee Jong-suk’s management label, Ace Factory, also stepped forward to validate the reports. “It is entirely true that they have recently broken up,” the agency stated to the press. Respectfully asking the public for understanding regarding the private nature of the situation, the company added, “The two stars have mutually decided to remain supportive, good professional colleagues moving forward.”
The sudden end to their four-year romantic journey has sent massive waves of discussion across K-pop and K-drama online discussion boards, with fans sending warm messages of support to both individual stars as they begin their next independent chapters.
From ‘Inkigayo’ Co-Hosts to a High-Profile National Romance
The history of their deep connection stretches back over a decade. The two multi-talented superstars originally crossed paths in the professional entertainment field back in 2012, when they were selected to serve as the charismatic, high-energy live co-hosts for SBS’s flagship weekly music program Inkigayo. After maintaining a close, deeply supportive industry friendship for nearly ten years, their professional dynamic beautifully blossomed into a serious romantic relationship.
The romance initially captivated worldwide headlines on New Year’s Eve of December 2022. The revelation closely followed Lee Jong-suk’s emotional, coded public confession during his Grand Prize acceptance speech at the MBC Drama Awards for his performance in Big Mouth. During the live broadcast, he publicly thanked an unnamed individual, stating, “Thank you for always being so wonderful. I want you to know that I’ve liked you very much for a very long time.”
The couple proudly confirmed their dating status the very next day, instantly solidifying their place as one of the most prominent, respected, and highly watched power couples in the modern entertainment landscape.
Both Multi-Talented Powerhouses Move Full Steam Ahead
Despite stepping away from their public relationship status due to incredibly demanding individual creative schedules, both icons are currently focusing entirely on their heavily packed professional careers.
IU, who originally debuted in 2008 and built an legendary discography with consecutive generation-defining mega-hits like “Good Day” (2010) and “Through the Night” (2017), has also established a powerhouse acting career through critically acclaimed masterpieces like My Mister (2018) and When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025).
Meanwhile, Lee Jong-suk—who launched his career as a top model in 2005 before cementing his status as a leading Hallyu actor through iconic dramas such as Secret Garden (2010) and Pinocchio (2014)—is currently gearing up to capture global audiences through his upcoming highly anticipated lead role in the Disney+ original series The Remarried Empress.
