K-pop star Karina apologizes to die-hard fans accusing her of ‘betrayal’ after going public with relationship
Karina, a 23-year-old K-pop star, apologized to her die-hard fans who accused her of “betrayal” after going public that she’s romantically involved with her boyfriend.
In reaction to the revelation that Karina was dating actor Lee Jae-wook, some incensed fans reportedly drove a truck with an electronic billboard to the singer’s agency, SM Entertainment, and broadcast messages to the woman from outside the building.
“Is the love given to you by your fans not enough? Why did you choose to betray the fans? Please apologize directly. Otherwise, you will see a decrease in album sales and empty concert seats,” one of the threatening messages read.
Karina, the frontwoman of the four members of the immensely popular girl group Aespa, took to Instagram on Wednesday and promised to “heal the wounds” she caused by her relationship, The BBC reported.
“I apologize for surprising you greatly,” Karina wrote in a handwritten note. She added that she would show her “more mature and hardworking side” in the future.
Karina, whose real name is Yu Ji-min, exploded in popularity since Aespa’s debut in 2020 with their single “Black Mama.” Last year, their album “My World” broke a South Korean record, selling more than 2.1 million copies, according to the BBC.
Trucks like the one that visited Karina’s agency have reportedly become a common practice used by K-pop fans to express their rage recently.
Some fans, however, have voiced their support for the singer with similar electronic billboards.
“You don’t need to apologise for feeling. I will always root for your happiness. You deserve all the love, support, all the good things,” wrote one of them.
Karina’s relationship with Lee, 25, was revealed on Feb. 27 with the pair confirming they had first met last year.
Lee’s agency, C-JeS Studio, has requested “warm respect… as this involves his private life.”
It had been common within the last 10 years for K-Pop agencies to bar their newest stars from dating or even having their own personal cell phones, according to the BBC. Revealing their romantic relationships publicly was considered taboo.
Last year, K-popo group Blackpink’s lead singer Jisoo scandalously admitted to dating actor Ahn Bo-hyun, sending waves throughout the K-pop world.
Experts told the BBC then that pop stars’ agencies take such actions to make them appear as “romantically obtainable” idols.
Karina made her screen debut in the hit drama series “Memories Of The Alhambra” in 2018.
She gained more fans after starring in the drama “Alchemy of Souls.”
