IU and Lee Jong Suk: A relationship timeline

Lee Jong Suk and IU have broken up after nearly four years of dating.

IU's agency EDAM Entertainment and Lee Jong Suk's agency ACE Factory confirmed the news Friday saying, "It is true that they broke up."

Here is a timeline of their relationship.

August 2012: IU and Lee Jong Suk meet in a music show

The former couple first met in the Korean music show “Inkigayo,” which they both hosted from August to December 2012.

According to Lifestyle Asia India, Lee Jong Suk said in the Korean reality show “Hwasin” that he and IU had occasional disagreements over their outfits while co-hosting “Inkigayo.”

After their six-month stint as MCs ended, they stayed in touch and took the opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings.

“We talked about everything we have been holding back. Now, she’s one of my few close friends,” he said in an episode aired in 2013.

December 30, 2022: Lee Jong Suk dedicates acceptance speech to ‘rumored’ girlfriend

In December 2022, the Korean star won the Grand Prize at the MBC Drama Awards for his performance in “Big Mouth.”

During his acceptance speech, he expressed his deep gratitude to a specific unnamed individual.

“After completing my military service, I had a lot of worries, fears, and troubles plaguing me,” the actor said.

“But at that time, there was someone who helped me to find a good direction as a human being and to think positive thoughts. There’s something I really wanted to tell that person using this opportunity. I want to tell that person that I’m thankful to them for always being so admirable, that I’ve liked them a lot for a very long time, and that I respect and admire them greatly.”

He went on, “Seeing that person, I very often thought to myself, ‘I should have lived a little more diligently before now,’ or ‘I should have become a better person.’ I spent a lot of time reflecting on my past. I’m going to work harder in the future to become a better person.”

Following the awards ceremony, many speculated that Lee Jong Suk was referring to someone he was dating at the time.

December 31, 2022: IU, Lee Jong Suk confirm relationship

Shortly after the award ceremony, High Zium Studio, Lee Jong Suk's former agency, confirmed that the actor and the singer are dating.

"Actor Lee Jong Suk and IU recently progressed from being close acquaintances into being a couple, and they are maintaining a serious relationship," they said in a statement quoted by Soompi.

"Please show lots of support so they can continue their beautiful relationship."

Korean entertainment website Dispatch claimed the couple traveled to Nagoya, Japan to celebrate Christmas together with IU's younger brother.

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May 2025: Breakup rumors

The couple became embroiled in breakup rumors in May 2025.

Citing South Korean online news website OSEN, Chosunbiz reported that despite the breakup rumors, Lee Jong Suk and IU “are still maintaining their romantic relationship unchanged.”

“They are still seeing each other well," a source close to the couple shared to OSEN.

July 2026: IU, Lee Jong Suk split

A little more than year since the breakup speculations, the couple's agencies confirmed their split.

"It is true that they broke up," IU's agency EDAM Entertainment and Lee Jong Suk's agency ACE Factory said on Friday. — LA, GMA News