K-drama OST icons Lyn and ISU end 11-year marriage but promise to continue music together

ISU, left, and Lyn / Captured from Lyn's social media

Singers Lyn and ISU of M.C the MAX are in the process of ending their marriage after 11 years together, their agency confirmed Saturday.

Their agency 325E&C told the Hankook Ilbo, “After sufficient discussion and mutual respect, Lyn and ISU have agreed to part ways and are finalizing divorce procedures.” The agency stressed, “This is not due to any fault on either side, and the decision was made amicably.”

The agency also noted that despite the end of their marriage, the two remain on good terms professionally. “Over 11 years of marriage, they maintained a deep understanding and respect for each other’s music and artistic activities. Although their legal relationship has ended, they will continue to support each other as musical colleagues,” it said.

Lyn and ISU are both signed under 325E&C and recently released a duet album, “Friendly,” in 2024. The two are also scheduled to perform at a year-end concert together, and their agency confirmed that their professional collaboration will continue despite the divorce.

Lyn and ISU began dating publicly in 2013 and married the following year. ISU debuted in 2000 as a member of the band Moonchild before rising to fame with M.C the MAX in 2002, known for numerous hit ballads. In 2009, he faced public backlash after receiving a suspended indictment over allegations of soliciting a minor, a controversy that resurfaced in public discussions from time to time.

Lyn, who debuted in 2000, has released numerous hit songs, including “We Were in Love” and the iconic K-drama OST “Back in Time.” Earlier this year, she indirectly addressed her husband’s past controversies in a YouTube appearance, saying, “I became an easy target. My husband felt sorry and uncomfortable seeing me taking the brunt of it, which made me feel guilty, too.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.