Fans Speculate IU's New Song Lyrics Hint at Breakup with Lee Jong-suk

Korean singer IU (아이유) and actor Lee Jong-suk (이종석) ended their four-year relationship earlier this year. The couple, once revealed by Dispatch, garnered significant fan affection after their relationship went public, and news of their split left many feeling regretful. Recently, IU released new music, and fans are speculating that the lyrics of one particular song might describe the end of their relationship, sparking renewed discussion.

Ahead of her full album release, IU dropped a digital single album featuring two tracks: "Unknown Planet" and "Dear My Crazy Soulmate." Since the songs became available, fans have paid particular attention to the lyrics of "Unknown Planet," noting that the narrative closely resembles IU and Lee Jong-suk's past relationship, even suggesting it might be a candid expression of her feelings post-breakup.

"Unknown Planet" opens by recounting their first meeting and the blossoming of their feelings, then shifts to the relationship's conclusion. The lyrics state: "On an ordinary day, you suddenly opened the door and walked in. Do you remember the moment our love began? The words that faded amidst awkward laughter, and that night, so short because we didn't want it to end, I think I'll never forget it."

The song also mentions the music playing during their first kiss, the pet names only they used, and their unique way of reconciling after arguments, detailing various aspects of a relationship. It concludes by singing of leaving everything that once constituted their love behind and walking away, bidding farewell to their shared past.

Towards the latter part of the lyrics, a sense of regret for the future they once envisioned emerges. "It's not because I truly miss you, nor because I regret the end of our love. It's just that the reason I stayed here for so long cannot simply be described with words like 'waiting' or 'regret.'"

The song ends by recalling their all-night conversations, their increasingly similar laughter, the streets they ran down to see each other, and the future they imagined together every day. Ultimately, it describes choosing to leave everything behind and departing with a farewell.

Upon the release of these lyrics, many fans were moved to tears and expressed sympathy for IU's mature approach to the relationship. Some fans believe "Unknown Planet" might be one of IU's most direct and unreserved works to date, seemingly laying bare everything that transpired in their relationship.

Other fans lamented how difficult it was to hear these lyrics now, recalling how the couple seemed to have seriously envisioned a future together. However, the lyrics also convey that IU does not regret having deeply loved him, nor does she deny the beautiful times they shared.

Many fans were touched, stating that even though the relationship didn't last, IU was able to transform her past love and memories into a song, bidding a gentle farewell. This maturity made them feel even more empathetic.

The two first met in 2012 while co-hosting the SBS music program Inkigayo. After years of friendship, their relationship eventually blossomed into romance. Lee Jong-suk publicly acknowledged their relationship in late 2022, and they dated for approximately four years, with multiple sightings of them on dates or interacting during that time.

At the time, Lee Jong-suk described their relationship as a "long-standing crush finally coming to fruition." IU also sweetly revealed that Lee Jong-suk was someone she had known for a long time and could rely on, and that their feelings developed naturally over their extended time together.