Actor Lee Jong-suk and singer-actor IU have ended their four-year public relationship. Lee Jong-suk had cautiously mentioned his interest in "Groom's Class." And because IU had even attended Lee Jong-suk's family events, the news is all the more regrettable. Now the two are making a fresh start with their next projects and music activities.
On the 10th, Lee Jong-suk's agency Ace Factory told OSEN, "It is true that Lee Jong-suk and IU have broken up. They have decided to remain good colleagues," the agency said in an official statement. Regarding the reason for the breakup, they said, "Because it concerns the actor's personal life, it is difficult to provide further comment."
The two's relationship dates back to 2012 when they worked together as MCs on a music program. Having been colleagues in the entertainment industry for a long time, they developed into a couple in 2022 and at the end of that year began a public relationship, receiving many congratulations. Especially in October 2022, just before they went public, it was revealed that IU sang at Lee Jong-suk's younger sister's wedding, drawing attention. Because they were a couple who naturally interacted with each other's families as well as with each other, it suggested their relationship was serious.
Afterwards, at the "2022 MBC Drama Awards" in December 2022, Lee Jong-suk, who won the grand prize, said in his acceptance speech, "After completing my military service I had many worries and fears, but there was someone who helped me find a better direction and think positively," and added, "I'm so grateful that you have always been so wonderful, and I want to say I have liked and respected you for a very long time," remarks that became a major topic of conversation.
The next day both sides officially confirmed the relationship, and the public offered congratulations on the birth of a top-star couple. During their dating period, Lee Jong-suk's past expressions of affection were reexamined and became a topic of interest. In a 2021 interview after his discharge he cited his ideal type as "a wise, steady, respectable and cute person," and said he often listened to IU's "Winter Sleep," describing it as "a song with good lyrics that I empathize with; when I get sentimental it's a song that brings tears to my eyes."
At a 2022 fan meeting, IU drew attention by singing her remake of "The Meaning of You" herself, and later she was seen using official IU goods like a hat and a grip tok. In 2024, scenes of him cheering from the audience at IU's solo concert and world tour encore performances also drew attention.
Above all, in a 2023 magazine interview Lee Jong-suk named "Groom's Class" as the thing he most wanted to learn, attracting interest in his views on marriage. But the two ultimately put an end to their four-year public relationship and have returned to being good colleagues.
Rising from this heartbreak, the two will continue active work in their respective fields after the breakup. Lee Jong-suk is set to appear in the Disney+ anticipated drama "The Remarried Empress." The work, based on the popular web novel and webtoon of the same name, co-stars Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon and Lee Seyoung, and IU has been concentrating on a new album and solo concert preparations after finishing the MBC drama "Perfect Crown" in May. She is scheduled to hold her 11th solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in September to meet fans.
Although the romantic relationship has ended, the two who supported each other for a long time will now continue new paths on their own stages as colleagues.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
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