A K-pop sensation named Karina, who previously apologized to her fans for being in a relationship, finds herself single once again.

Karina and actor Lee Jae-wook shook the K-pop scene when they revealed their relationship in February. However, the revelation was met with criticism from some fans who felt betrayed.

Lee’s agency, C-JeS Studio, confirmed their split, stating that he intends to focus on his filming commitments. Despite the breakup, they assured that they would continue to support each other professionally.

The backlash against Karina, a member of the group Aespa, led her to issue a public apology on Instagram. In her post, she expressed regret for causing surprise and pledged to demonstrate a more mature and diligent attitude in the future.

Following the news, some fans organized a protest outside her management agency, questioning the need for her to pursue personal relationships when she already has the support of her fans.

Aespa, which debuted in 2020 with the single “Black Mamba,” is gearing up for the release of a new full-length album. Lee, aged 25, gained fame through his roles in popular dramas like “Alchemy of Souls” and the Disney+ series “Royal Roader.”

Karina’s apology and subsequent breakup shed light on the pressures faced by South Korean celebrities due to the expectations of their devoted fan base.

This incident is not unique. Just days before, actors Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol announced their separation following public backlash over their relationship. Fans accused them of being in a rebound relationship, especially considering Ryu’s previous long-term relationship with singer-actress Lee Hyeri.

Han, known for her role in the Netflix series “Gyeongseong Creature,” responded to the allegations on Instagram, expressing frustration over the groundless speculations.

After their split, Han’s agency, 9ATO Entertainment, emphasized the actors’ commitment to their careers, aiming to avoid emotional strain from personal matters.

In a similar vein, last October, Blackpink singer Jisoo and actor Ahn Bo-hyun ended their relationship abruptly, just two months after confirming their dating status.