Lee Jae-wook, aespa’s Karina break up shortly after going public

(From left) aespa’s Karina and Lee Jae-wook. Images: Instagram/@prada

South Korean actor and model Lee Jae-wook and aespa’s Karina have parted ways just five weeks after their relationship was made public.

Lee and Karina’s split was first reported by Korean media outlet TenAsia on Tuesday, April 2, citing “emotional pain” due to malicious comments and the pair feeling sorry for their fans.

The actor’s agency C-Jes Entertainment confirmed the report minutes later, saying the ex-couple decided to remain colleagues.

“Actor Lee Jae-wook decided to break up [to] focus on the work he is currently filming, and the two will remain as colleagues who support and support each other,” C-Jes told SpoTV News. “We will greet you with good activities in each position in the future. We ask for your warm interest and support.”

SM Entertainment, Karina’s label, confirmed their split as well, saying, “It is true that Karina and Lee Jae-wook have broken up.”

The ex-couple was confirmed to be in a relationship in February 2024, after reportedly falling in love at first sight while attending a Prada fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week in January of this year.

Lee and Karina were also spotted going on dates at night, with Korean media outlets pointing out that this might’ve been due to the latter still living at aespa’s dorm.

Shortly after their relationship was made public, Karina penned a handwritten letter on her Instagram account where she apologized for “disappointing” her fans with the “surprising news.”

Lee started his acting career in 2018 in the K-drama “Memories of the Alhambra” until he bagged lead roles two years later. He is widely known for his appearances in “Alchemy of Souls” and “Extraordinary You.”

Born Yu Ji-min, Karina debuted as the leader, lead rapper, main dancer, and center of aespa in November 2020 with the single “Black Mamba.” The female quartet is best known for their hit songs “Next Level,” “Spicy,” “Savage,” and “Illusion,” just to name a few.

The K-pop idol is also a member of the SM Entertainment female supergroup GOT The Beat with her bandmate Winter, Girls’ Generation members Taeyeon and Hyoyeon, Red Velvet’s Seulgi and Wendy, and soloist Boa.