Real-life 'hate-to-love' couple ends with a breakup.. IU and Lee Jong-seok, lovers who circled for 14 years, return to being 'colleagues' [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Top star couple IU (33, real name Lee Ji-eun) and Lee Jong-seok (37), who drew attention with a real-life hate-to-love (hate relationship) romance narrative, have finally ended their four-year relationship.

Both sides of IU and Lee Jong-seok officially stated to StarNews on the 10th: "It is true that we recently broke up," adding, "The two have decided to remain good colleagues."

This marks the end of their romantic relationship four years after they acknowledged a pink-colored scandal on December 31, 2022.

Given the immense popularity of both stars domestically and internationally, their dating rumors and subsequent breakup became hot topics. Moreover, since the public has been watching them from their very first meeting, there was exceptional interest. This is because Lee Jong-seok and IU developed from colleagues into lovers after a remarkable 10-year journey. In particular, their professional relationship was featured in various programs, and they formed a 'hate-to-love' chemistry typically seen only in romantic comedies, drawing significant attention.

Both IU and Lee Jong-seok first met in August 2012 when they were rookies, co-hosting SBS's 'Inkigayo'. However, the following year, Lee Jong-seok mentioned rumors of discord with IU on SBS's variety show 'Hwasin: The One Who Controls Hearts'.

At that time, he recalled their approximately three-month co-hosting stint together, saying, "We didn't exchange a single word about personal matters in the dressing room." Explaining the reason, he honestly admitted, "'Inkigayo' targeted younger audiences, so makeup and expressions had to be one-dimensional. IU wanted to differentiate her show from other music programs and proposed various costume ideas like Leon, Peter Pan, and Snowman. I disliked such things and got a bit annoyed." Lee Jong-seok also revealed, "At that time, I found IU somewhat annoying, but as my departure approached, I felt very regretful. It seems I developed some affection despite the hatred. Later, when I asked her, 'You knew I was struggling, so why did you do that then?' she replied, 'I was trying to do well.' Now we have become irreplaceable friends."

A month later, IU appeared on the same variety show to clarify the situation, building a unique narrative. IU responded, "(Lee) Jong-seok oppa didn't tell me he disliked (the costumes), so I didn't realize it. After watching the broadcast, I realized 'he really did dislike it.' Later, I sent him a text message apologizing."

Their relationship, publicly declared as mutual dislike on television, culminated in an open love confession at an awards ceremony 10 years later, marking the climax of their hate-to-love narrative. On December 30, 2022, during the '2022 MBC Drama Awards', Lee Jong-seok received the Grand Prize and shouted, "When I was troubled, there was someone who guided me in a good direction. There is something I really want to say to that person through this platform. Thank you for always being so amazing. I want to convey that I have liked and admired you very much for a long time."

It was revealed that "that person" was none other than IU, transforming the two into 'the star couple of the century'.

However, unfortunately, Lee Jong-seok and IU, who nurtured their love for four years, are now returning to being 'colleagues'. The hate-to-love romance of the star couple will remain in the past as they continue active activities in their respective fields.

IU recently completed MBC's drama '21st Century Grand Duchess', while Lee Jong-seok is set to release Disney+'s new original series 'The Remarried Empress' this year.

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*This content was translated by AI.