IU and Lee Jong Suk End Their Relationship After Nearly Four Years

Singer and actress IU and actor Lee Jong Suk have ended their relationship after nearly four years of public dating.

On July 10, 2026, IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, and Lee Jong Suk’s agency, ACE FACTORY, confirmed that the two stars had broken up.

Both agencies stated that IU and Lee Jong Suk had decided to end their romantic relationship and remain on good terms as colleagues.

However, neither agency disclosed the exact date of their breakup or the specific reason behind their decision.

 

Their Agencies Confirmed the Breakup

Lee Jong Suk’s agency, ACE FACTORY, confirmed that the couple had ended their relationship and decided to remain good colleagues.

IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, also acknowledged the breakup and released a similar statement.

The officially confirmed details can be summarized as follows:

• IU and Lee Jong Suk have ended their romantic relationship.
• They have agreed to remain on good terms as colleagues.
• The exact date of the breakup has not been disclosed.
• The specific reason for the breakup has not been officially revealed.

Some reports suggested that their increasingly busy schedules reduced the amount of time they could spend together.

However, neither agency officially identified scheduling conflicts as the reason for their breakup.

Unconfirmed rumors involving personal conflict, another person, or private disagreements should therefore not be treated as fact.

Their Relationship Began With a Long Friendship

IU and Lee Jong Suk first met in 2012 when they worked together as hosts of the SBS music program “Inkigayo.”

After working together on the show, they continued to know each other as colleagues in the Korean entertainment industry.

The two reportedly remained friends for nearly a decade before their relationship developed into a romance in 2022.

Their long history as colleagues became one of the most widely discussed aspects of their relationship.

IU and Lee Jong Suk Confirmed Their Relationship in 2022

IU and Lee Jong Suk officially confirmed their relationship on December 31, 2022.

At the time, their agencies stated that the two had developed from close colleagues into a romantic couple and were seriously dating.

Reports also claimed that they had spent the Christmas holiday together in Japan shortly before the relationship became public.

IU had also performed a congratulatory song at the wedding of Lee Jong Suk’s younger sister, which further highlighted the close relationship between them.

Following the official confirmation, IU and Lee Jong Suk maintained a relatively private public relationship.

They Faced Several Breakup Rumors

During their relationship, IU and Lee Jong Suk were repeatedly surrounded by breakup rumors.

Some rumors were based on social media activity, public appearances, or the absence of recent mentions of each other.

However, none of those earlier breakup reports had been officially confirmed.

In 2024, Lee Jong Suk was reportedly seen attending IU’s concert in Seoul while holding a light stick and supporting her performance.

His appearance at the concert was widely interpreted as evidence that the couple was still together.

Another round of breakup speculation appeared in May 2025, but reports at the time indicated that they were still dating.

The latest report is different because both agencies have now officially confirmed the breakup.

The Exact Reason for Their Breakup Has Not Been Revealed

The precise reason IU and Lee Jong Suk ended their relationship has not been publicly disclosed.

Some media reports suggested that the two stars had become increasingly busy with acting projects, music releases, concerts, and other professional commitments.

These demanding schedules may have made it more difficult for them to meet regularly.

However, this explanation was not officially provided by their agencies.

Both agencies only confirmed the breakup and declined to share additional details about the couple’s private lives.

Online claims involving conflict, another relationship, or personal disagreements remain unverified.

Readers should separate official statements from speculation when following reports about celebrity relationships.

From Romantic Partners Back to Colleagues

IU and Lee Jong Suk were colleagues for many years before becoming a couple.

After nearly four years of dating, they have now decided to return to a professional relationship.

Their agencies stated that the two would remain on good terms as colleagues.

This generally suggests that they ended their relationship respectfully and intend to continue supporting each other’s careers.

However, neither IU nor Lee Jong Suk has personally released a detailed statement about the breakup.

For that reason, the agency announcements should not be interpreted beyond what was officially stated.

IU and Lee Jong Suk Relationship Timeline

2012

IU and Lee Jong Suk first met while working together as hosts of SBS’s “Inkigayo.”

2022

After years of friendship and professional familiarity, the two reportedly developed a romantic relationship.

December 31, 2022

Their agencies officially confirmed that IU and Lee Jong Suk were dating.

2024

Lee Jong Suk was seen attending IU’s concert in Seoul and supporting her performance.

May 2025

Another breakup rumor circulated, but reports at the time indicated that the couple was still together.

July 10, 2026

Both agencies officially confirmed that IU and Lee Jong Suk had ended their relationship.

IU and Lee Jong Suk Are Expected to Continue Their Careers

Despite the breakup, both stars are expected to continue their individual careers.

IU remains active as both a singer and actress, participating in music releases, concerts, dramas, and films.

Lee Jong Suk also continues to work as an actor through television series, films, endorsements, and international activities.

Because the two knew each other as colleagues for many years before dating, they are expected to continue respecting each other professionally.

Any future updates about their projects should be confirmed through their official channels or agency announcements.

 

FAQ

Did IU and Lee Jong Suk officially break up?

Yes. On July 10, 2026, both IU’s agency and Lee Jong Suk’s agency officially confirmed that the couple had ended their relationship.

Why did IU and Lee Jong Suk break up?

The exact reason has not been officially disclosed. Some reports suggested that their busy schedules reduced the amount of time they could spend together, but their agencies did not confirm this as the official reason.

When did IU and Lee Jong Suk start dating?

They reportedly developed a romantic relationship in 2022. Their relationship was officially confirmed on December 31, 2022.

Where did IU and Lee Jong Suk first meet?

They first met in 2012 while working together as hosts of the SBS music program “Inkigayo.”

How long were IU and Lee Jong Suk together?

They were reportedly in a relationship for nearly four years.

Were the earlier breakup rumors true?

Several breakup rumors circulated during their relationship, but those earlier claims were not officially confirmed. The latest breakup report was confirmed by both agencies.

Did IU or Lee Jong Suk personally announce the breakup?

No detailed personal statement has been released. The breakup was confirmed through their respective agencies.

Will IU and Lee Jong Suk remain friends?

Their agencies stated that the two had agreed to remain on good terms as colleagues.

Is either IU or Lee Jong Suk dating someone new?

There has been no officially confirmed report that either star is currently dating someone else.

What will IU and Lee Jong Suk do next?

Both are expected to continue their individual careers in music, television, film, endorsements, and other entertainment activities.