Full Breakdown
IU and Lee Jong-suk End Four-Year Relationship
7/10/2026, 6:26:36 PM
Breakup Confirmation
On July 10, 2024, the agencies representing South Korean singer-actress IU (EDAM Entertainment) and actor Lee Jong-suk (Ace Factory) confirmed that the couple had ended their romantic relationship after four years of public dating. Both statements emphasized that the pair would continue to interact as professional colleagues.
Relationship History and Recent Projects
IU and Lee first met in 2012 while co-hosting SBS’s music program Inkigayo. Their friendship evolved into an open romance in December 2022, following Lee’s acceptance of the Grand Prize at the MBC Drama Awards. IU, who debuted as a singer in 2008, recently concluded the drama Perfect Crown and is preparing an upcoming album and a September concert at Goyang Stadium. Lee, who began modeling in 2005 and rose to fame through dramas such as Secret Garden, is slated to appear in the Disney+ original series The Remarried Empress.
Official Agency Statements
Ace Factory acknowledged the split, noting the difficulty of providing further details due to personal privacy concerns. EDAM Entertainment similarly confirmed the breakup and added that the two stars have chosen to remain good colleagues. Both agencies attributed the separation to increasingly demanding schedules that left the couple with limited time together.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is true that Lee Jong-seok and IU have broken up,” — Ace Factory
- “It is true that IU has broken up with Lee Jong-seok,” — EDAM Entertainment
- “They decided to remain good colleagues.” — Agency statements
- “Thank you for always being so wonderful. I want you to know that I've liked you very much for a very long time.” — Lee Jong-suk, acceptance speech at the MBC Drama Awards
These confirmations mark the conclusion of one of South Korea’s most visible celebrity relationships, with both parties focusing on upcoming professional commitments.
