Actor Lee Jae Wook is facing criticism after mentioning his past relationship with aespa’s Karina during a recent interview with Xports News. The actor, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Dear Hongrang, discussed various topics including his K-drama The Impossible Heir, which coincided with the time his relationship with Karina was revealed.
In the interview, Lee was asked if the dating news had affected his work. He responded cautiously, stating, “It wasn’t hard to stay focused [because of the relationship]. But if I go into too much detail, it might get personal.” His words, although measured, have drawn ire from fans who feel he is using Karina’s name for publicity instead of moving on from their brief romance.
Many fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, accusing the actor of name-dropping for attention. One user commented that Lee continues to reference the relationship to leverage the past attention it garnered, while others emphasize that Karina has already apologized for the situation and moved on.
The relationship, confirmed in February 2024 following a report by Dispatch, lasted only a few weeks before both agencies announced their split. During that time, the two were reportedly seen together in Lee’s neighborhood and shared late-night walks. However, as time has gone on, fans believe that drawing attention to their past serves little purpose and is viewed as unprofessional by many.
As Lee continues to navigate the backlash, it remains to be seen how this will affect his ongoing projects and public perception.
