South Korean singer-actress IU and actor Lee Jong-suk have ended their four-year romantic relationship, according to official statements released by their respective talent agencies on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Representatives from both management companies confirmed the separation following local media reports, noting that the two individuals have agreed to transition back into professional colleagues.
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An official at EDAM Entertainment, the agency representing IU, first disclosed the development to Yonhap News Agency.
Media outlet Dispatch reported that the decision stemmed from their increasingly demanding professional schedules.
"It is true that they broke up," confirmed IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment and Lee Jong-suk’s agency ACE FACTORY, adding that they have decided to remain good colleagues.
The management companies did not disclose any further personal details regarding the specific circumstances or the exact timing of the separation, though both agencies separately mirrored the sentiment of mutual professional respect.
The couple originally met in 2012 while serving as co-hosts for the SBS television music program "Inkigayo" and maintained a long-term friendship before publicly acknowledging their romantic relationship in December 2022.
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"Thank you for always being there as the wonderful person you are.
I want to tell you that I've liked you deeply for a very long time," said actor Lee Jong-suk during his acceptance speech at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards.
Prior to confirming their relationship, Lee won the grand prize for his performance in the thriller series "Big Mouth."
Both entertainers are currently focusing on their respective upcoming creative projects.
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IU is currently preparing for a new music album alongside a large-scale solo concert scheduled at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in September, while Lee is preparing for the global release of the Disney+ original series "The Remarried Empress."
