K-pop sensation Karina finds herself back on the singles market after her highly publicized relationship with actor Lee Jae-wook ended. The couple made waves in February when they confirmed their romance, triggering mixed reactions from fans, some of whom accused Karina of betrayal. Lee's agency, C-JeS Studio, confirmed the split, citing his commitment to focus on filming projects.

Despite the breakup, both parties intend to maintain a supportive professional relationship. Karina faced backlash for her relationship, with critics deeming her an irresponsible representative of her group, aespa. In response, she issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram, promising to mend the discord. However, the controversy persisted, with fans even staging a protest outside her management agency.

This incident sheds light on the intense scrutiny faced by K-pop idols from their devoted fan base, illustrating the complexities of fame in the South Korean entertainment industry.

The trend of high-profile celebrity breakups continues in South Korea, with actors Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol joining the ranks of split couples. Their separation, announced shortly after publicly confirming their relationship, follows a pattern of fan backlash. Criticism arose, with fans labeling their relationship as merely transitional, especially given Ryu's recent breakup with his co-star Lee Hyeri after a seven-year relationship.

Han, known for her role in the Netflix thriller "Gyeongseong Creature," responded to the allegations on Instagram, expressing frustration at the baseless speculations. Her post, since deleted, highlighted the toll such rumors take. Post-split, Han's agency, 9ATO Entertainment, emphasized the couple's prioritization of their acting careers to avoid further emotional strain from their personal lives.

This scenario echoes previous celebrity breakups, such as the October split between Blackpink singer Jisoo and actor Ahn Bo-hyun, who parted ways just two months after confirming their relationship. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by South Korean celebrities navigating their private lives amidst intense public scrutiny.