From The Straits Times    |

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Singer-actor-host Lee Seung Gi (left) and Yoona of Girls’ Generation. Image: Zaobao, Starhub

SEOUL (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network) – Iconic Hallyu couple, singer-actor-host Lee Seung Gi and Yoona of Girls’ Generation, split up recently, largely due to their busy schedules, agencies said Thursday.

“The couple recently ended their relationship though they decided to remain good friends,” said SM Entertainment, Yoona’s management agency.

Early this year, the two confirmed that they had been dating since October 2013. The celebrity couple attracted strong attention from K-pop fans due to public demonstrations of their great chemistry together.

Since the beginning of the year, Yoona, 25, has been occupied with the forthcoming Chinese drama God Of War Zhao Yun, which is set to premiere in December. Lee, 28, has also been busy with his film, Love Forecast. As a result of their tight schedules, it seemed that they had no time to spare for romance.

Earlier this year, in response to rumours, the two had denied that they were breaking up. Some observers noted though that Yoona’s comment at a recent press conference could have been a sign of the imminent split. When Yoona was asked about Lee, she said her group activity comes before her “personal business,” possibly referring to her boyfriend.

Lee has gained popularity across Asia since his debut in 2004 with a hit track Because You’re My Girl. The versatile artist has won numerous awards both as an actor and a musician, including Top Excellence Award at MBC Drama Awards in 2013 and various music awards. He is set to star in a film Gunghap along with actress Shim Eun Kyung.

Yoona made her debut as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007 and rose to stardom with several hit tracks. She then expanded her career into acting, featuring in a number of TV dramas such as Love Rain and Prime Minister And I.

This story was first published in The Straits Times on August 14, 2015. For similar stories, go to www.sph.straitstimes.com/lifestyle.

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