▲ This Yonhap file photo shows singer-actress IU (L) and actor Lee Jong-suk. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- Singer-actress IU and actor Lee Jong-suk have ended their relationship after four years, their agencies said Friday.

An official at IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, confirmed to Yonhap News Agency that "the two have broken up."

Lee's agency, Ace Factory, also confirmed the breakup, saying, "It is true that they have ended their relationship. They have decided to remain good colleagues."

The two first met in 2012 while serving as co-hosts of SBS' live music program "Inkigayo." After maintaining a friendship as fellow entertainers, they developed a romantic relationship in 2022.

Later that year, after winning the grand prize at the MBC Drama Awards for his performance in "Big Mouth," Lee said in his acceptance speech, "Thank you for always being such an amazing person. I want to tell you that I've liked you very much for a very long time."

The couple subsequently confirmed their relationship and had since been regarded as one of the entertainment industry's high-profile celebrity couples.

IU debuted as a singer in 2008 and has released numerous hit songs, including "Good Day," "You & I" and "Through the Night." She has also built a successful acting career with roles in dramas including "My Mister," "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and "The 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife."

Lee, who debuted as a model in 2005, began his acting career with the 2010 drama "Prosecutor Princess." He later starred in a number of popular dramas, including "Secret Garden," "I Can Hear Your Voice" and "Pinocchio." He is set to appear in the upcoming Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress."

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