Karina's 'Dating Apology' Controversy
"K-pop Stars Find It Difficult to Disclose Their Private Lives"
Karina, a member of aespa, acknowledged her relationship with actor Lee Jae-wook and subsequently issued a handwritten apology, prompting the British BBC to spotlight South Korea's K-pop industry. On the 6th (local time), BBC published an article titled "K-pop star Karina apologizes after revealing relationship." BBC reported, "When fans angrily accused the K-pop star of 'betrayal' simply because she had a boyfriend, she issued a 'grovelling' apology."
BBC stated, "Fans who learned about Karina and Lee Jae-wook's relationship drove trucks to their agency, with the truck's electronic billboard displaying the phrase 'Is the love from fans insufficient?'" It added, "Karina apologized on her SNS saying, 'I am sorry for causing so much surprise,' and promised to 'show a more mature and hardworking side in the future.' Korean and Japanese pop stars work in industries notorious for intense pressure from fans and agencies, making it difficult to disclose private matters."
BBC also explained, "Just ten years ago, it was customary for K-pop agencies to prohibit rookies from dating or even possessing personal mobile phones. Even now, admitting to a relationship is often considered disgraceful by fans." It further noted, "In Japan, pop stars have 'no dating' clauses in their contracts and must obtain consent to marry."
BBC mentioned the truck protests by Karina's fans, saying, "Trucks have recently become a means for K-pop fans to express support or dissatisfaction."
Earlier, Karina and Lee Jae-wook's relationship was revealed to the media on the 27th of last month, and both agencies confirmed the relationship, stating, "They are getting to know each other." However, some fans continued strong opposition by staging truck protests in front of the agency.
Notably, the truck's electronic billboard displayed the message, "Karina, is the love fans give you insufficient? Why did you choose to betray your fans?" and "Please apologize directly." It also included the phrase, "Otherwise, you will see declining album sales and empty concert seats." This protest truck was reportedly sent by Chinese fans.
Ultimately, on the 5th, Karina posted a handwritten letter on her Instagram, saying, "First, I am sorry for causing so much surprise, and I was cautious because I knew My (aespa fandom) would be very shocked, so it took time."
She wrote, "I know well how disappointed My, who have supported me, must be and that they are upset recalling the conversations we shared. Because I understand those feelings so well, I feel even more sorry." She added, "I want to show My a more mature and hardworking side without disappointing them in the future. Please watch over me."
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