K-pop group Aespa’s Karina apologizes to fans after revealing she is dating Lee Jae-wook

K-pop girl group Aespa member Karina apologized to fans after she revealed that she is dating actor Lee Jae-wook. 

Karina, 23, posted a handwritten apology on her Instagram account on March 5, just eight days after she admitted she is in a relationship with Lee Jae-wook, 25. 

Lee Jae-wook (left) and Karina at the Prada fashion show in Italy last January (Prada)

Karina and Lee Jae-wook at Incheon International Airport last January (Prada) 

Karina and Lee Jae-wook at the Prada fashion show last January (Prada, Instagram)

Last Feb. 27, Korean media outlet Dispatch published an exclusive report along with photos stating that Karina and Lee Jae-wook are dating. 

The two stars attended the Prada FW24 Menswear Show in Milan, Italy in January, and have been seeing each other. 

After the report came out, Karina and Lee Jae-wook confirmed they are dating through their agencies. 

Karina's agency, SM Entertainment, told Korean media, "They are now getting to know each other."

C-JeS Entertainment, Lee Jae-wook’s agency, also confirmed the article, stating, "The two are now getting to know each other, and since the actor is filming and it is his private life, please respect it with a warm gaze."

From Milan, the two continued their connection in Seoul. While they were busy with performances and dramas, Karina and Lee Jae-wook enjoyed dating whenever they could, the Dispatch report stated. 

"Perhaps it's true that it was love at first sight. They fell in love from the moment they first met at a fashion show," a close associate of the two told “Dispatch,” referring to the Prada fashion show.  The report added that Karina is usually seen in Lee Jae-wook's neighborhood. 

However, Karina faced backlash from some fans. Some Chinese fans even sent a protest truck outside SM Entertainment’s building. They demanded Karina to apologize for her relationship, threatening that if she didn’t do it, she would see empty seats in Aespa concerts and decrease in album sales. 

In her apology, Karina wrote, “First of all, I’m sorry for surprising you so much, and I’m late because I’m cautious about MYs [Aespa fans] who must have been very surprised.”

“I know how disappointed MYs, who have supported me, must have been and how upset they are when they think about the stories we shared together. I feel even more sorry because I know how they feel,” she said. 

She said, “I am writing this letter in the hope that this feeling will be conveyed even a little. The reason I am writing this despite the worry that this might hurt again is because I wanted to convey my sincere apologies to the fans who have given me the warmest winter since the moment I debuted.”

“I want to make up for the hurt MYs have suffered. I have always been sincere to them, and each and every one of them is very precious to me. This may be a short post to express all of my feelings, but thank you for reading. I want to show you that I will be more mature and work harder in the future without disappointing MYs. Please keep watching,” she said.  

She added, “MYs, please eat well and let’s see each other in good shape. I’m sorry and thank you very much.”

Lee Jae-wook also faced criticisms, resulting in his agency issuing a warning against netizens who defamed and insulted him.