Actor Lee Jong-suk and singer and actor IU have ended their four-year public relationship and will go their separate ways. After first meeting in 2012 as music program hosts, the two, who developed from a long friendship into a romantic relationship and received great public support, have ultimately returned to being good colleagues after 14 years.
On the 10th, Lee Jong-suk's agency Ace Factory officially said, "(Lee Jong-suk and IU) have indeed broken up. We have agreed to remain good colleagues." Regarding the reason for the breakup, they said, "As it concerns the actor's private life, we ask for your understanding that we cannot provide further answers," and were sparing with comments.
Their 14-year relationship began in 2012 when they co-hosted SBS' Inkigayo. At the time, IU, who actively suggested makeup ideas, and Lee Jong-suk, who was somewhat embarrassed by them, cleared up misunderstandings after the broadcast and became representative best friends in the entertainment industry.
Later, the relationship between the two, who had long been close colleagues, was spotlighted as romantic in October 2022 when it became known that IU sang at Lee Jong-suk's younger sibling's wedding. Then on Dec. 30 that year at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, Lee Jong-suk, who held the grand prize, stirred the world by confessing in his acceptance speech, "After finishing my military service, I had many worries, fears and pains, and there was someone who helped me find a better human direction and positive thoughts. There was something I wanted to say to that person through this opportunity. Thank you for always being so wonderful, and I want to say that I have liked you very much for a very long time and that I respect you so much."
The next day, Dec. 31, both agencies officially acknowledged the relationship. Lee Jong-suk's side said, "Actor Lee Jong-suk developed from being close colleagues with IU into a romantic relationship recently and is continuing a serious relationship," and added, "Please give them lots of support so they can continue a beautiful love." IU's side also said, "IU and Lee Jong-suk developed from being close colleagues into a good relationship recently," and asked, "We ask fans for their warm views," announcing the birth of a top star couple.
After going public with their relationship, they quietly but firmly supported each other. In daily life, Lee Jong-suk wore IU's limited-edition merchandise hat and grip tok, and he unfailingly appeared in the audience at IU's solo concert and world tour encore concert in 2024, showing steadfast support.
But the two were plagued by breakup rumors several times. In particular, in May, breakup rumors surfaced again when IU was photographed dining with acquaintances instead of Lee Jong-suk on her birthday. At the time, an insider dismissed it, saying, "They are still meeting well," but amid their busy schedules the two ultimately went their separate ways.
The two, who gave each other positive energy, have now returned from lovers to supportive colleagues in the entertainment industry and will cheer for each other's futures. Although their four-year romance has ended, voices of support continue to pour in for Lee Jong-suk and IU as they continue their busy careers from their respective positions after watching each other's growth as friends and lovers over the long span of 14 years.
[Photo] OSEN DB, video capture
[OSEN]