One of the most high-profile and widely discussed couples in Korean showbiz – singer‑actress IU and actor Lee Jong Suk – have decided to go their separate ways. Their romance, which began with warm friendship and grew into a deep love, lasted four years. Official confirmation of the sad news came from both stars’ agencies.

The story of IU and Lee Jong Suk started long before they became a couple. Their first meeting took place as early as 2012, when they co‑hosted SBS’s popular music programme Inkigayo. According to the actor’s own later confession, there was already something more than mere friendship between them back then, but as he admitted, «I regretted that nothing came of it at the time».

For years they remained simply colleagues and close friends, supporting each other through difficult moments. The real romance began in the autumn of 2022, and the public learned of it on 31 December of that year.

Their public acknowledgement was particularly touching. On 30 December 2022, while receiving the Daesang (grand prize) at the MBC Drama Awards for his role in the series "Big Mouth", Lee Jong Suk delivered an emotional speech addressed to his beloved: «Thank you for always being so amazing, and I want to say that I have liked you for a very long time». The very next day, both Lee Jong Suk’s and IU’s agencies officially confirmed that «the two have transitioned from close colleagues into a couple».

In letters to fans published in January 2023, they spoke about their feelings in their own words. IU described Lee Jong Suk as «a reliable and kind person who has supported me for a long time». Lee Jong Suk, for his part, compared their love story to the plot of the drama Romance Is a Bonus Book, confessing that «she always held a special place in my heart».

Read more:
IU and Lee Jong Suk Confirm They Are Dating
IU and Lee Jong Suk Open Up About Their Relationship in Letters to Fans

Despite the seemingly idyllic picture, the first rumours of a possible break‑up began to surface in early 2026 – and, as it turned out, they proved prophetic.

On 10 July 2026, South Korean media reported that the couple had indeed parted ways. Representatives from both sides quickly confirmed the information. Sources close to the pair cited busy work schedules as the reason. Such a standard explanation, however, suggests more of a reluctance to disclose the real cause. The actors have decided to remain good colleagues, and both parties asked the public not to pry into the details of their personal lives, stressing that this is a private matter.

News of the split of this «golden couple» sparked strong reactions from fans around the world. Followers who had watched their beautiful story unfold over the years expressed deep regret.

As recently as early 2026, there had been talk of possible professional rivalry, since both were lined up for major projects in similar genres (IU in the drama "Perfect Crown", and Lee Jong Suk in "The Remarried Empress"), while rumours of a potential wedding circulated during the summer.

Although disappointed, fans have largely called for respect for the stars’ decision, wishing them both happiness and success in their future endeavours – especially since, as the agencies confirmed, they parted as mature adults, retaining mutual respect for one another.

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