South Korean stars IU (Lee Ji-eun) and Lee Jong-suk have ended their relationship after four years together, with their respective agencies confirming the split on Thursday. 

IU's agency EDAM Entertainment and Lee Jong-suk's agency Ace Factory said the pair have decided to part ways amicably and will continue supporting each other as colleagues.

"The two have ended their romantic relationship and decided to remain good colleagues who will cheer each other on going forward," both agencies said in a statement.

The singer-actor, 33, and the actor, 37, publicly confirmed their relationship in December 2022 after years of friendship, becoming one of South Korea's most high-profile celebrity couples.

A friendship that turned into romance

IU and Lee Jong-suk first met in 2012 while serving as co-hosts on SBS music programme 'Inkigayo'. They remained friends and colleagues for years before their relationship developed into a romance.

Their relationship became public in December 2022, earning widespread attention from fans as the two established stars balanced successful careers in music, television and film.

One of the defining moments of their relationship came during the 2022 'MBC Drama Awards', when Lee Jong-suk publicly expressed his affection while accepting the Daesang (Grand Prize).

"I want to say I have liked [you] very much for a very long time," he said during his acceptance speech, a remark that quickly went viral and was widely interpreted as being directed at IU.

Busy schedules reportedly led to separation

According to the agencies, the pair's demanding professional commitments gradually created distance between them, leading them to end their romantic relationship.

Despite the breakup, both sides stressed that IU and Lee Jong-suk will continue to support one another and remain on good terms professionally.

Upcoming projects

IU debuted as a singer in 2008 and has since become one of South Korea's most successful solo artists with chart-topping songs including 'Good Day' and 'Through the Night'. Alongside her music career, she has earned acclaim as an actor through dramas including 'My Mister', 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and 'Perfect Crown'.

She is now reportedly preparing for a new album and concert following her recent acting projects.

Lee Jong-suk, who began his acting career with the 2010 drama 'Prosecutor Princess' after working as a model, went on to star in popular series including 'I Can Hear Your Voice', 'Pinocchio' and 'Big Mouth'. His next project is the Disney+ original series 'The Remarried Empress', which is scheduled for release later this year.