On April 2, TenAsia brought to light the breakup between Aespa’s Karina and actor Lee Jae-wook, which occurred after a brief 5-week public relationship. The announcement cited emotional distress from malicious comments and a sense of remorse towards fans as reasons for the split.

Subsequently, both Karina and Lee Jae-wook’s agencies, SM and C-JeS respectively, confirmed the news. While SM’s acknowledgement remained concise, C-JeS delved into details, attributing the breakup to Lee Jae-wook’s need to focus on work.

The disparity in the agencies’ statements triggered diverse reactions, with some interpreting C-JeS’s explanation as an attempt to shift blame onto Karina. This interpretation fueled resentment among Karina’s fans, leading to online attacks against Lee Jae-wook. Criticisms ranged from his alleged silence during the relationship to accusations of one-sided benefits from the dating news.

Particularly contentious were references to Lee Jae-wook’s appearance and popularity, alongside accusations of benefiting unilaterally from the relationship’s publicity. Also, his agency’s intent to pursue legal action against malicious comments targeting him alone, without considering Karina, further stoked the flames of criticism.

Nevertheless, a counter-argument emerged, asserting that C-JeS holds no obligation to address malicious acts against Karina and that assigning blame serves no constructive purpose. This faction advocated for respecting both artists’ privacy and refraining from baseless criticism.

The aftermath of the breakup underscores the intense scrutiny public figures face in romantic relationships and highlights the need for greater privacy and respect from fans. Rather than vilifying individuals involved in celebrity relationships, the focus should shift towards fostering a culture of understanding and support for personal choices.