Singer-actress IU and actor Lee Jong Suk have officially called it quits after nearly four years of dating. Following the announcement, fans have begun looking back at past moments, searching for early signs of the split.
Breakup rumors originally surfaced last year after photos of IU celebrating her birthday with BTS’s V and actress Kang Han Na circulated online. Because Lee Jong Suk was not seen in the photos, some fans started speculating that the couple was drifting apart. Comments included “We haven’t seen them together lately” and “They seem focused on their individual activities.” However, an insider quickly dismissed the rumors, saying they were “still going strong.”
The couple later remained quiet about their relationship and did not respond to the rumors publicly.
But now that the split is official, fans are revisiting those quiet months, with many asking, “Weren’t the warning signs already there?”
Online communities have pointed out that the couple rarely mentioned each other over the past year and that sightings of them together had completely dried up. “We used to get occasional updates or sightings, but it’s been radio silence lately,” one fan wrote, while another noted, “Their packed individual schedules likely kept them apart.”
One online post, written just before the official announcement, has drawn particular attention. The author reflected on the couple’s four-year history, writing, “I thought this was just another groundless rumor, but it actually turned out to be true.”
The post highlighted that the two never followed each other on social media and rarely gave public shoutouts or congratulatory messages, details that fans now see as a clear sign that the relationship had been cooling off for a while.
IU’s past comments about her approach to relationships are also getting a second look.
During an appearance on actress Yoo Inna’s YouTube channel alongside actor Byeon Woo Seok, IU opened up about her dating preferences during a balance game.
When asked to choose between a carefree partner and someone who plans everything, IU picked the “alarm clock” type. “If my partner were too carefree, I think the person who handles all the planning would eventually get tired,” she explained. “I’m good at adjusting to others, so I think someone who is organized would actually seem cute.”
Yoo In Na then shared her thoughts on IU’s real dating style. “IU goes along with whatever her partner wants to do, and it’s almost too much,” Yoo said. “Even when she’s exhausted, she doesn’t show it. She keeps putting the other person first until she completely wears herself out.”
She added, “It’s really frustrating to watch. Please don’t push yourself until you get sick. Find someone who lets you relax and take breaks when you need them.”
IU smiled shyly and admitted, “Now that I hear you say it, I think you’re right.”
>> IU and Lee Jong Suk Confirm Breakup After Four Years Together
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