Yoo In-na. [Yonhap]
Yoo In-na. [Yonhap]

Following the breakup of singer-actor IU (33) and actor Lee Jong-suk (37) after four years of publicly confirmed dating, remarks made by IU's close friend Yoo In-na have drawn renewed attention.

IU appeared on Byeon Woo-seok and Yoo In-na's YouTube channel "Yoo In Radio" in April to promote the MBC drama series "Perfect Crown."

In the video, IU was asked whether she preferred a partner who was like an alarm clock — proactive and attentive — or one who was easygoing and laid-back, and she chose the alarm-clock type.

"With an easygoing partner, it's exhausting when you're the one who planned everything and they just go along with it," IU said. "I'm good at accommodating others. An alarm-clock type of partner sounds kind of cute."

Yoo In-na pushed back. "Don't make me laugh," she said. "IU goes along with everything — it's at a dangerous level. Even when she's completely worn out, she keeps accommodating everyone until she collapses. Then she ends up in the hospital."

Yoo added, "Do you know how frustrating that is to watch? From now on, please just choose an easygoing partner instead."

IU laughed and replied, "That does sound like it might be better."

Singer IU (left) and actor Lee Jong-suk. [Yonhap]
Singer IU (left) and actor Lee Jong-suk. [Yonhap]

IU and Lee Jong-suk went public with their relationship in 2022 and officially acknowledged their split Friday after four years together.

The two first crossed paths in 2012 as co-hosts of SBS music program "Inkigayo" before becoming a couple a decade later.

IU made her debut as a singer in 2008 and has released numerous hit songs, including "Good Day," "You and I" and "Through the Night." She has also built a parallel acting career, appearing in drama series including "My Mister," "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and "Perfect Crown."

Lee Jong-suk began his career as a model in 2005 and made his acting debut in 2010 with "Prosecutor Princess," going on to star in a range of projects including "Secret Garden," "I Hear Your Voice" and "Pinocchio." He has a Disney+ drama series, "The Second Marriage Empress," set for release.


yeonjoo7@heraldcorp.com