Actor Lee Jong-suk and singer-actor IU. [Herald Muse]
Actor Lee Jong-suk and singer-actor IU. [Herald Muse]

Actor Lee Jong-suk and singer-actor IU have ended their relationship after four years together.

Representatives for both sides confirmed the breakup Friday, telling Dispatch that "the two recently parted ways and have decided to remain good colleagues." A person close to the couple said their busy schedules had led to fewer meetings, prompting them to end the relationship.

The two first met in 2012 as co-hosts of SBS's music program "Inkigayo" and remained colleagues for a decade before becoming a couple in 2022.

During their relationship, they were widely celebrated as one of the entertainment industry's most prominent public couples, including for jointly donating 100 million won ($66,500) each on occasions such as Children's Day. After four years, however, they have chosen to part as good colleagues.

Earlier, in May, IU appeared on her YouTube channel "Eejigeum" and shared candid thoughts on love, saying, "The fact that I want to be recognized means I probably don't love enough yet. Love is not about wanting to be recognized."

Meanwhile, Lee Jong-suk is set to appear in the upcoming Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress." IU has a concert scheduled for September at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex.


dbsdn1110@heraldcorp.com