Singer and actor IU (Lee Ji-eun)'s second public romance has finally come to an end. She has concluded a four-year pink romance with actor Lee Jong-suk and returned to being good colleagues who support each other.
On the 10th, Lee Jong-suk's agency Ace Factory told OSEN, "(Lee Jong-suk and IU) have broken up. They decided to remain good colleagues," in an official statement. Regarding the specific reason for the breakup, they showed a cautious stance, saying, "As it concerns the actor's personal life, we ask for your understanding that further responses are difficult."
The two's romance was a major scandal that heated up the entertainment industry at the end of 2022. At the time, Lee Jong-suk, after winning the grand prize at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, mentioned an enigmatic "that person" in his acceptance speech, saying, "After finishing my military service, when I had many worries and fears, there was someone who helped me think positively. I want to say I have liked and respected them for a very long time," which became a huge topic of conversation.
Subsequent media reports revealed that "that person" was IU, and both sides acknowledged the relationship at breakneck speed, saying, "From a close colleague relationship, it recently developed into a romantic relationship and we are continuing a serious relationship." The narrative that the two, who had been colleagues in the entertainment industry for a long time, developed into lovers after 10 years was enough to elicit warm congratulations from global fans.
With this breakup, IU has concluded her second public relationship since her debut. Her first public relationship was in 2015 with musician Jang Ki-ha, who is 11 years her senior. The two met on a radio program in 2013, fell in love at first sight and became a couple, but after about four years of dating they announced their breakup in January 2017.
The second public romance with Lee Jong-suk, which came about roughly six years after the first breakup, also ended after about four years. The public has offered warm comfort and support to the two as they mature, experiencing meetings and partings like ordinary young people.
Meanwhile, IU recently met living-room viewers by appearing in the MBC drama "Perfect Crown," and she plans to continue active acting and music activities in the future.<
[Photo] OSEN DB, 'Jang Ki-ha's Great Radio'
[OSEN]