The two Korean superstars have confirmed that they have split up after 5 weeks of dating publicly.&nbsp;

<a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/aespa-karina-lee-jae-wook-confirmed-dating" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karina</a>, leader of the popular K-pop girl group&nbsp;<a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/beauty/the-best-korean-nail-artists-loved-by-top-k-pop-girl-groups" title="Versace Debuts Aespa&rsquo;s Ningning as Their Newest Global Brand Ambassador" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aespa</a>, and South Korean actor Lee Jae-wook have officially called it quits, marking an end to their brief, but extremely public <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/chanel-fall-winter-2024-pfw-show-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">romance</a>.
The couple have parted ways after five weeks of dating in the public eye. The relationship reportedly began after the stars met each other for the first time at the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/men/prada-men-fall-winter-2024-collection-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prada Men's Fall/Winter 2024</a>&nbsp;show in Milan. South Korean media outlets have cited the overwhelming emotional toll inflicted by relentless <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/bella-hadid-depop-vintage-stores" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online</a> criticism and a sense of obligation towards their respective fan bases as the primary catalysts for their breakup. Further, both parties' management agencies have alluded to potential legal action in response to the barrage of malicious comments directed toward the pair.
Despite the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/biggest-celebrity-breakups-of-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">end</a> of their short-lived relationship,&nbsp;Karina&nbsp;and Lee Jae-wook are committed to maintaining their <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/beauty/professional-makeup-artist-sir-john-beyonce-naomi-campbell-iman-beauty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">professionalism</a> within the entertainment industry. Both stars intend to continue supporting each other's endeavors as friends, rather than romantic partners, 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."

Karina at Prada Men's Fall/Winter 2024. Photo courtesy of Prada.

Lee Jae-Wook at Prada Men's Fall/Winter 2024. Photo courtesy of Prada.

Karina and Lee Jae-wook's relationship was made public on February 27, 2024 when their respective agencies, SM Entertainment and C-JeS 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 intense scrutiny of their <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/camille-razat-interview-emily-in-paris-season-2-netflix" target="_blank" rel="noopener">personal</a> lives.
However, shortly after going public, the couple faced countless challenges and controversies along the way. Karina, in particular, took to social media to issue a heartfelt <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/britney-spears-justin-timberlake-cheating-memoir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apology</a> to her devoted <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/why-did-harry-styles-cut-his-hair-shaved-head-buzz-cut" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fans</a>. 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.
&ldquo;I know very well how disappointed [my fans] who have supported me are and how upset you&rsquo;re thinking about the memories we shared together,&rdquo; the Drama singer <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/07/asia/karina-aespa-kpop-apologizes-dating-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>. &ldquo;I want to make up for my hurt fans from now on. I have always been sincere to you, and still each and every one of you are truly precious to me.&rdquo;
Despite Karina's efforts to make amends, some fans expressed their continued discontent through various means, including typical dismayed social media responses alongside more unconventional methods. A truck with protest billboards attached to it drove past SM Entertainment, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/lee-young-ji-new-coach-global-ambassador-fall-winter-2023-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aespa's</a> management agency, flashing messages that questioned Karina's loyalty to her fan base and issued ultimatums regarding album sales and concert attendance. <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/music/drake-son-adonis-2021-billboard-music-awards-artist-of-the-decade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Billboards</a> read,&nbsp;&ldquo;Karina, did you lack the love your fans gave you? Why did you choose to betray your fans?&rdquo; and &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t directly apologize, you will see lower album sales and empty concert seats.&rdquo;

Lee Jae-Wook, known for his roles in acclaimed dramas such as Memories of the Alhambra&nbsp;and The Alchemy of Souls, has continued to carve his path in the entertainment industry since his debut in 2018, amassing a huge <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/meghan-markle-opens-up-about-social-media-harassment-at-sxsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media</a> following and fan base for both his acting skills and good looks.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Karina has been making waves in the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kpop-group-newjeans-danielle-hanni" target="_blank" rel="noopener">K-pop</a> side of the entertainment industry with Aespa since their debut in 2020, delivering chart-topping hits including "Black Mamba," "Next Level," and "Savage," among others.

Aespa's Karina and Lee Jae-Wook Have Officially Broken Up

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