News of a split between singers IU and Lee Hyori have emerged online again, with fans in confusion and curiosity over whether the two are still an item.

The rumor started after the two musicians were said to have unfollowed each other on Instagram and failed to appear publicly as backers of each other's latest projects.

IU and Lee Hyori first developed a close bond on JTBC's 2017 variety show Hyori's Homestay, where IU joined as a part-time worker and appeared to form a warm friendship with the veteran singer. But since then, fans have noticed little public interaction between them.

Netizens noted that IU invited several acquaintances to her concerts in recent years, but Lee Hyori was never spotted in attendance.

IU also did not appear on Lee Hyori's Red Carpet, a program hosted by Lee last year, although she later made a surprise guest appearance on actor Park Bo-gum's variety show, Cantabile.

A few online commentators raised doubt about the purported discord. One of TheQoo's users said, "Oh my goodness, are you referring to discord because we didn't feature on a show together or perform a concert together.? "Is entertainment business a playground? It's a job where you're paid and get paid."

Others asked if the rumors were being hyped. Another commenter wrote, "Who chopped off who? Lol, guess they just ain't close."

Nevertheless, some fans admitted they were surprised by the rumors. "It's puzzling because it appeared to have come out of nowhere," one netizen explained.

Another replied, "They looked after and took care of each other just by watching the program. Is it real?"

Though the gossip has circulated far and wide online, neither Lee Hyori nor IU has made a public statement.

Both artists are still active with their respective careers, with IU working on upcoming music endeavors and Lee Hyori still making appearances in variety shows.

For the time being, speculations regarding if the two singers really "cut ties" go unanswered, and fans are torn between skepticism and disbelief.