Lee Jae-wook, the South Korean actor and model, and Karina of the K-pop group aespa, have called it quits just five weeks following the public announcement of their relationship. The split, first reported by TenAsia and later confirmed by Lee’s agency C-Jes Entertainment, comes amid challenges, including negative feedback from the public and the pressure it placed on the couple.
C-Jes Entertainment stated that Lee Jae-wook has chosen to end the relationship to concentrate on his acting career, with both agreeing to continue supporting each other professionally. SM Entertainment, representing Karina, also acknowledged the breakup, leaving the duo to navigate their paths separately but amicably.
The relationship, sparked at a Prada fashion show during Milan Fashion Week, became public in February 2024, creating a buzz due to their high-profile status and rapid development. The pair faced intense media and fan attention, leading Karina to issue a public apology to her fans for the unexpected revelation of her personal life.
Lee Jae-wook, known for his roles in “Alchemy of Souls” and “Extraordinary You,” and Karina, who debuted with aespa in 2020 and quickly rose to fame with hits like “Next Level” and “Savage,” faced the complexities of a public relationship in the spotlight. The brief romance and subsequent breakup highlight the intense scrutiny and pressures faced by celebrities in their personal lives, especially in the highly visible world of Korean entertainment.