IT has only been a month since South Korean actor Lee Jae-wook and Karina of fourth-generation girl group aespa confirmed that they were dating, but netizens were left shocked by the news that the couple has parted ways.
Korean entertainment website Soompi reported that Karina and Lee broke up just five weeks after going public with their relationship in February.
Soompi quoted a source from C-JeS Studios, Lee’s agency, which confirmed the breakup of the two young stars apparently because the 25-year-old actor wanted to “focus on the project he is currently filming.”
Lee stars in the ongoing Korean revenge series “The Impossible Heir,” with Lee Jun-young and Hong Suzu.
“The two decided to remain as colleagues who support each other,” the C-JeS Studios source said.
“They will each greet [fans] through good activities from their respective positions going forward. Please show lots of warm interest and support,” they added.
The report also cited a source from SM Entertainment, aespa’s agency, which said, “It is true they broke up.”
It was Dispatch that first revealed their relationship, which reportedly began after they met at a fashion show of a luxury fashion brand in January.
The revelation prompted the K-pop idol to issue a handwritten apology to her fans posted on Instagram.
However, several netizens showered her and Lee with support and said that there was nothing to be sorry about.
Karina debuted with aespa in 2020, with their song “Black Mamba.” The girl group is also known for their songs “Next Level,” “Savage,” “Spicy” and “Drama.”
Karina is also part of SM Entertainment’s supergroup “Got the Beat,” along with BoA, Taeyeon and Hyoyeon from Girls’ Generation, Seulgi and Wendy from Red Velvet, and Winter who is also from aespa.
Lee, on the other hand, is known for his roles in hit Korean dramas “Extraordinary You,” “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol” and “Alchemy of Souls.” His performances in these K-dramas earned him multiple awards including the Best New Actor award at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards for his role as Baek Kyung in “Extraordinary You” and the Excellence Award for his acting in “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol” at the KBS Drama Awards in 2020.
