Aespa’s Karina and actor Lee Jae-wook have decided to end their romantic relationship after dating publicly for five weeks.
The decision to break up was influenced by the emotional toll of facing hurtful comments and the desire to shield their fans from further distress. Both parties’ agencies even contemplated legal action in response to the malicious remarks.
Despite their separation, they have expressed their commitment to continuing their professional relationship and supporting each other’s endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Their relationship became public knowledge on February 27th, when both C-JeS Entertainment and SM Entertainment, the respective agencies of Lee Jae-Wook and Karina, issued statements acknowledging their romantic involvement and requesting privacy for the couple.
Their romance blossomed after they met at a prestigious luxury brand event held in Milan, Italy, with their bond strengthening as they spent time together in their hometown and frequented a nearby residential park.
Karina apologizes, but fans are still upset
Following their breakup, both Karina and Lee Jae-wook faced various controversies, prompting Karina to issue an official apology on her social media. In her handwritten apology, she expressed her understanding of her fans’ surprise and disappointment, acknowledging their upset feelings as they reminisced about their shared stories.
She reassured her sincerity to her friends, emphasizing their continued importance to her. Karina concluded her apology with heartfelt remorse and gratitude. Despite her heartfelt message, some fans voiced their disappointment through a protest billboard truck, urging Karina to directly address their concerns.
Lee Jae-wook, known for his roles in popular dramas such as “Memories of the Alhambra” and the “Hwanhwa” series, made his acting debut in 2018. Meanwhile, Karina debuted as a member of Aespa in 2020, achieving widespread acclaim with hit songs like “Black Mamba,” “Next Level,” and “Savage.”
