On the 6th, BBC reported in an article titled “K-pop star, Karina, apologizes after relationship goes public,” stating that “a K-pop star faced criticism from enraged fans claiming ‘betrayal’ after admitting to having a boyfriend and subsequently released an apology letter.”
The article mentioned that some fans held a truck protest in front of Karina’s agency, SM Entertainment headquarters, stating that “this issue with Karina is not unique” and further elaborated, “Korean stars are operating in an industry known for high pressure,” adding, “disclosure regarding their private lives can be challenging to handle.”
BBC continued, saying, “Just a decade ago, K-pop agencies banned even rookie stars from dating or owning personal mobile phones,” and “Even today, admitting to a romantic relationship is often considered disgraceful by fans.”
The media introduced Karina as the frontwoman leading the four-member group aespa, who debuted with the single ‘Black Mamba’ in 2020. Particularly, it noted the remarkable sales of aespa’s mini-album ‘My World,’ released in the first half of last year, selling over 2.1 million copies.
Karina took to Instagram on the 5th to upload a handwritten letter, expressing, “Firstly, I apologize for causing a great deal of surprise and for being late in conveying my cautious feelings to my My (aespa fandom) who must have been greatly surprised,” and acknowledged, “I am well aware of how disappointed my My, who have supported me all along, must be.” She further expressed, “Because I understand that sentiment so well, I feel even more sorry,” and concluded, “Hoping that even a bit of this sentiment is conveyed, I decided to write this letter.” It was just a week ago, on the 27th of last month, that Karina admitted her relationship with Lee Jae-wook.
At the time, both agencies of the two individuals, CJ Entertainment and SM Entertainment, released an official statement, saying, “The two are getting to know each other now,” and requested, “Please respect their privacy as it is personal.”
Some fans staged a truck protest in front of Karina’s agency, SM Entertainment headquarters in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on the 4th. The electronic display on the truck carried threatening messages, such as, “Rather than apologizing to Karina fans, shouldn’t you apologize to yourself for the 7 years of effort you’ve put in? You’ve ruined your own career. All your efforts are being negated by a single dating rumor. Are you satisfied?” and “Do you lack the love from Karina fans? Why did you choose to betray your fans? Please apologize directly. Otherwise, you will see decreased album sales and empty concert seats.”
