Actor Lee Jae Wook has come under fire after briefly touching on his past relationship with aespa’s Karina in a recent interview, stirring fresh controversy among fans who believed the matter had already been put to rest.
In a promotional interview with Xports News, Lee discussed his upcoming period drama Dear Hongrang and the revenge-thriller series The Impossible Heir. The conversation largely focused on his approach to acting and his growth through recent roles. But the tone shifted when the topic of his dating controversy from earlier this year was brought up—specifically, how it affected him while filming The Impossible Heir.
When asked if the media frenzy surrounding his romance with Karina disrupted his work, Lee replied cautiously:
“It wasn’t hard to get into or stay focused in character [because of the relationship]. But if I go into too much detail, it might get personal.”
Though his response was brief and careful, it reignited heated discussion online. Fans of Karina interpreted his words as a subtle reference to the former relationship, sparking criticism that he was unnecessarily bringing the issue back into the spotlight—especially while promoting new projects.
A Relationship That Made Headlines
The pair had made headlines in early 2024 after Dispatch published photos of the two on discreet late-night strolls. Their agencies confirmed the relationship shortly after, though it ended within weeks due to conflicting schedules. Despite the short-lived romance, the news drew intense attention, particularly toward Karina.
In the wake of the media storm, Karina took a reflective approach. She issued a handwritten apology to fans on Instagram, expressing remorse for the distress caused and pledging to prioritize her group and supporters. Since then, she has avoided any public mention of the relationship and has steadily refocused on her career.
Fan Reaction: “Let Karina Move On”
Lee Jae Wook’s recent comments, although vague and indirect, have triggered disappointment among fans who argue that the topic should remain closed—especially given Karina’s efforts to move past it. Many see the mention as a needless reopening of old wounds and an unfortunate distraction from his professional achievements.
Some online users speculated that his reference was a subtle strategy to stir attention for his new shows. Others criticized the imbalance in how the scandal continues to haunt Karina more than her former partner, despite her silence and restraint on the matter.
For many, the issue isn’t about what Lee said—but that he said anything at all. With Karina staying deliberately quiet on the subject, fans argue it would be respectful for Lee and the media to do the same.
As backlash mounts, it remains to be seen whether Lee or his agency will address the controversy directly. For now, his brief remark has overshadowed his promotional efforts and reignited debate over celebrity relationships and the scrutiny that follows.
