South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk has earned worldwide recognition through hit dramas such as Pinocchio, While You Were Sleeping, Big Mouth, and W. While his acting career continues to attract global attention, fans have also followed his personal life with great interest.
Among the relationships connected to the actor, his romance with singer and actress IU (Lee Ji-eun) remains the only publicly confirmed relationship. After years of friendship, the pair became one of Korea’s most admired celebrity couples before eventually ending their relationship in 2026.
Here’s everything to know about Lee Jong-suk’s ex-girlfriend, their love story, breakup, and the dating rumors that have surrounded the actor over the years.
Relationship With IU
IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, is one of South Korea’s most successful singers, actresses, and songwriters.
Her relationship with Lee Jong-suk attracted enormous attention because both stars had built highly successful careers independently before becoming a couple.
Their romance stood out for its maturity, mutual respect, and long-standing friendship, making them one of Korean entertainment’s most talked-about couples.
How They Met
Lee Jong-suk and IU first met in August 2012 while serving as co-hosts of the popular music program Inkigayo.
Although their personalities were reportedly quite different at the time, they gradually became close friends.
Over the following decade, they maintained contact while focusing on their own careers. Their friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship after years of knowing each other.
This long foundation of trust was one reason many fans admired their relationship.
Going Public
News of their relationship became public at the end of 2022 after Korean media reported that the pair were dating.
Shortly afterward, both stars’ agencies confirmed the relationship, and Lee Jong-suk and IU each released heartfelt messages thanking fans for their support.
Rather than hiding their relationship, they acknowledged it openly while continuing to focus on their professional careers.
The announcement received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans in South Korea and around the world.
Breakup Update
On July 10, 2026, the management agencies representing both Lee Jong-suk and IU confirmed that the couple had ended their relationship after approximately four years of public dating.
According to statements released through their agencies, the two decided to part on good terms and remain supportive senior and junior colleagues within the entertainment industry.
The announcement emphasized mutual respect rather than conflict, reflecting the mature approach both stars have consistently shown throughout their careers.
Why They Separated
According to reports from Korean entertainment industry sources, increasingly demanding work schedules played a major role in the couple’s decision.
Both Lee Jong-suk and IU have maintained exceptionally busy careers involving television dramas, films, concerts, music production, and international activities.
As their professional commitments continued to grow, they reportedly found it increasingly difficult to spend quality time together, eventually leading them to drift apart naturally.
Neither side suggested any controversy or personal conflict surrounding the separation.
Dating Rumors
Like many leading Korean actors, Lee Jong-suk has been linked to several actresses throughout his career.
However, most of these reports were never confirmed.
One of the most frequently discussed rumors involved actress and former Hello Venus member Kwon Nara.
South Korean media reported several times that the two were dating, with stories even claiming Lee Jong-suk had given her an expensive vehicle.
Despite widespread speculation, both agencies consistently denied the reports, stating they were simply close colleagues and friends.
Co-Star Speculation
Lee Jong-suk has also faced dating speculation involving several of his drama co-stars.
Among the names frequently mentioned are:
- Park Shin-hye
- Bae Suzy
These rumors largely developed because of the strong on-screen chemistry shared in their television dramas.
However, none of these relationships were ever officially confirmed by the actors or their management agencies.
As a result, they remain fan speculation rather than verified relationships.
Focus on Acting
Throughout his career, Lee Jong-suk has generally preferred keeping his private life away from public attention.
Even during his confirmed relationship with IU, the couple rarely shared details about their romance through interviews or social media.
Instead, Lee has consistently focused on expanding his acting career by taking on diverse roles across romance, thriller, legal, and fantasy dramas.
His professionalism has remained one of the defining characteristics of his public image.
Career Success
Lee Jong-suk continues to be one of South Korea’s most respected actors.
Since making his breakthrough, he has built an impressive résumé featuring numerous successful television dramas that have gained popularity across Asia and internationally.
His performances have earned acting awards, commercial endorsements, and a loyal global fan base.
Even as public interest in his personal life continues, his acting achievements remain the primary reason for his lasting popularity.
Quick Facts
- IU (Lee Ji-eun) is Lee Jong-suk’s only publicly confirmed former girlfriend.
- The pair first met while hosting Inkigayo in 2012.
- They developed a close friendship before beginning a romantic relationship.
- Their relationship became public at the end of 2022.
- In July 2026, both agencies confirmed that they had ended their relationship.
- Reports cited increasingly busy work schedules as the primary reason for the breakup.
- Dating rumors involving Kwon Nara, Park Shin-hye, and Bae Suzy have never been officially confirmed.
Lee Jong-suk’s relationship with IU remains one of the most memorable celebrity romances in Korean entertainment. Built on years of friendship and mutual respect, their relationship earned admiration from fans worldwide before both agencies confirmed their separation in July 2026.
While speculation has connected Lee Jong-suk with several other actresses over the years, IU remains the only officially confirmed romantic partner. Today, the actor continues to focus on his career, with audiences eagerly anticipating his future drama projects while respecting the privacy of his personal life.
