It’s Over! IU and Lee Jong Suk END Their 4-Year Relationship; Agencies Confirm Breakup
IU and Lee Jong Suk have confirmed their breakup after four years of dating. On July 10, 2026, EDAM Entertainment and Ace Factory announced the split, citing busy schedules. The Hallyu power couple, who met on 'Inkigayo' in 2012 and confirmed their romance in 2022, will remain colleagues.
Seoul, South Korea – One of Hallyuwood's most admired couples, singer-actress IU (Lee Ji Eun) and actor Lee Jong Suk, have officially announced their breakup. The news, confirmed by their agencies today, July 10, 2026, marks the end of a four-year public romance that captivated fans worldwide. ‘Perfect Crown’ Controversy Explained: Why Did IU and Byeon Woo Seok Apologise Amid Historical Distortion Backlash?.
IU and Lee Jong Suk Part Ways After Four Years
Representatives for both stars released statements confirming their separation. IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, and Lee Jong Suk's agency, Ace Factory, acknowledged the split, stating that the pair "recently broke up" and have decided to "remain good senior-junior colleagues" going forward. The primary reason attributed to their decision is their increasingly busy and demanding work schedules, which made it difficult for them to spend quality time together.
From Friendship to Romance: A Look Back at IU and Lee Jong Suks Relationship
IU and Lee Jong Suk's journey began over a decade ago when they first crossed paths in 2012 as co-hosts for the SBS music program Inkigayo. Their professional relationship blossomed into a deep friendship that lasted for nearly ten years before evolving into a romance.
The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in late 2022, following reports from Korean media outlet Dispatch. This revelation came shortly after Lee Jong Suk's heartfelt acceptance speech at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, where he won the Grand Prize for his performance in Big Mouth. During his speech, he thanked a special, unnamed person, stating, "I want to tell that person that I'm thankful to them for always being amazing, for liking me for a very long time, and for being someone I deeply respect." Fans quickly speculated that the 'person' was IU, a rumor that was soon confirmed by their agencies. Prior to today's confirmation, breakup rumors had briefly circulated in May 2025, but were denied at the time.
Busy Schedules Lead to Split; Future Endeavours
The separation appears amicable, with both stars committed to maintaining a respectful, collegial relationship. Both IU and Lee Jong Suk are currently focusing on their respective careers.
IU's Upcoming Projects:
- New Album: Currently in preparation.
- Concert: Scheduled for September at Goyang Stadium.
Lee Jong Suk's Upcoming Projects:
- Disney+ Series: The Remarried Empress (global release). This series is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in the second half of 2026.
- Drama: Iseop's Romance (upcoming adaptation of a Naver web novel). This adaptation is tentatively slated for release in 2027, with filming expected to begin in 2026. ‘Perfect Crown’ OTT Release in India: Here’s When and Where To Watch IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s Hit K-Drama.
The news has saddened many fans who admired their private yet supportive relationship, but both artists are expected to continue their thriving careers in the entertainment industry.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 02:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).