Aespa's Karina and Lee Jae-wook Have Officially Broken Up
The two Korean superstars have confirmed that they have split up after 5 weeks of dating publicly.
Karina, member of popular K-pop girl group Aespa, and South Korean actor Lee Jae-wook have officially called it quits, marking the end of their brief, publicized romance.
Reportedly, the couple parted ways after a mere five weeks of dating in the public eye since it was confirmed that the two were seeing each other romantically after meeting each other for the first time at Prada Men's Fall/Winter 2024 show in Milan. South Korean media outlets have cited the overwhelming emotional toll inflicted by relentless online criticism and a sense of obligation towards their respective fan bases as the primary catalysts for their breakup. Indeed, both parties' management agencies had even hinted at potential legal action in response to the barrage of malicious comments directed at the pair.
Despite their romantic relationship coming to an end, Karina and Lee Jae-wook are committed to maintaining their professionalism within the entertainment industry. Both stars intend to continue supporting each other's endeavors as colleagues moving forward. Lee's agency, C-JeS Studio, stated, "Lee Jae-wook made the decision to focus on his current filming projects," adding, "The two will continue to support each other as colleagues."
The relationship between Karina and Lee Jae-wook was made public on February 27th, when their respective agencies, C-JeS Entertainment and SM Entertainment, released an official statement confirming their budding romance. The statement urged the public to respect their privacy and offered a plea for understanding amidst the scrutiny of their personal lives.
However, the couple faced their fair share of challenges and controversies along the way. Karina, in particular, took to social media to issue a heartfelt apology to her devoted fans. In her handwritten message, she expressed remorse for any disappointment or hurt caused and reaffirmed her dedication to those who have supported her throughout her career.
Despite Karina's efforts to make amends, some fans expressed their discontent through unconventional means. A truck adorned with protest billboards was seen circulating, questioning Karina's loyalty to her fan base and issuing ultimatums regarding album sales and concert attendance. The trucks would have billboards that say, “Karina, did you lack the love your fans gave you? Why did you choose to betray your fans?” and “If you don’t directly apologise, you will see lower album sales and empty concert seats.”
Lee Jae-wook, known for his roles in acclaimed dramas such as 'Memories of the Alhambra' and 'The Alchemy of Souls', continues to carve his path in the entertainment industry since his debut in 2018. Meanwhile, Karina has been making waves with Aespa since their debut in 2020, delivering chart-topping hits including 'Black Mamba', 'Next Level', and 'Savage', among others.
