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| IU and Lee Jong Suk Split Becomes Weibo's No. 1 Trending Topic as Fans Pick Sides. (Photo: Osen) |
The breakup has generated a wave of contrasting reactions across Chinese social media. While many fans expressed disappointment that another long-running celebrity romance had come to an end, a large number of comments focused on IU, saying they hoped the singer and actress could now dedicate more of her time to music, acting and future projects.
Others admitted they were not entirely surprised, arguing that the pair's increasingly demanding careers had made the relationship difficult to maintain. One of the most widely shared comments claimed the couple had never truly matched in the eyes of many fans.
The post argued that differences in appearance, career achievements, popularity and overall public image meant they were never viewed as an ideal pairing, adding that supporters had stayed quiet out of respect while they were still together.
Now that the relationship has ended, the commenter said they hoped IU would eventually meet someone better suited to her while continuing to thrive professionally.
Another popular reaction reflected on Lee Jong Suk, with one netizen writing that they had wished the couple happiness during the relationship but felt the actor had gradually lost some of the appeal that once made him one of Korea's most admired leading men.
Others echoed similar sentiments, although plenty of fans defended both stars, reminding people that public perception rarely reflects what happens behind closed doors. Some responses even celebrated the news, with one widely circulated comment jokingly congratulating IU.
The fan suggested the actress had sacrificed a great deal throughout the relationship and deserved the opportunity to focus entirely on herself and her career. The remark quickly attracted thousands of likes, highlighting how divided online opinion had become following the announcement.
Humour also found its way into the conversation, because social media never misses an opportunity for a punchline. One viral comment compared real-life celebrity couples with fictional drama pairings, saying fictional romances are much easier to support because they never announce breakups.
It's difficult to argue with television scripts, although screenwriters probably deserve a few raised eyebrows for some endings as well. According to reports first published by Korean outlet Dispatch on July 10, IU and Lee Jong Suk decided to end their romantic relationship after spending less time together due to increasingly demanding work schedules.
People close to both stars reportedly said their packed calendars gradually reduced opportunities to meet, leading the couple to part ways amicably.
Their agencies later confirmed the reports, adding that the two would continue supporting one another as respected senior and junior colleagues within the entertainment industry.
The pair's story stretches back more than a decade. IU and Lee Jong Suk first met in 2012 while serving as MCs on SBS's Inkigayo, building a friendship that eventually developed into romance years later.
Their relationship became public on December 31, 2022, after Dispatch released photographs of the couple spending Christmas together overseas. Shortly afterwards, both agencies confirmed the relationship, explaining that the long-time friends had become partners.
The following day, January 1, 2023, both stars personally addressed fans through heartfelt letters. IU described Lee Jong Suk as someone who had always encouraged her, while the actor openly expressed his admiration and gratitude towards the singer-actress.
Their messages were widely praised for their sincerity and maturity, helping the relationship gain support from fans across Asia. Throughout the following three years, the couple regularly attracted headlines without saying very much themselves.
Fans spotted Lee Jong Suk wearing merchandise from IU's concert, noticed his IU-themed phone case and speculated about matching rings. Meanwhile, IU unintentionally fuelled discussion during an interview when she casually referred to him as her "boyfriend", a moment that quickly spread across entertainment news outlets.
Fans later claimed to have seen the actor attending her concert in Seoul, adding another chapter to the couple's closely followed relationship timeline.
Speculation never really disappeared. In 2025, questions resurfaced when IU was asked whether Lee Jong Suk had watched her hit drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, with the actress explaining that he had been extremely busy.
Breakup rumours emerged shortly afterwards but were dismissed by sources familiar with the situation. Earlier this year, dating speculation briefly returned after fans believed they had spotted matching outfits, only for IU to clarify that the clothing items were actually different.
Sometimes a jumper is just a jumper, although the internet has never been known for letting simple explanations get in the way of a good theory. Now, after more than three years as one of Korean entertainment's most closely watched couples, IU and Lee Jong Suk have officially gone their separate ways while choosing to remain supportive colleagues.
Whether fans feel heartbroken, relieved or simply surprised, the breakup has once again shown how closely celebrity relationships are followed across Asia. What do you think about their decision to part ways? Were busy schedules always going to make the relationship difficult, or do you think there is more to the story?