While Karina, a member of the group Espa, wrote an apology after admitting her relationship with actor Lee Jae-wook, the British BBC highlighted this and pointed out that the K-pop industry is under a lot of pressure.
On the 6th (local time), the BBC reported in an article titled ‘K-pop star Karina apologizes after making her relationship public’, “The K-pop star apologized after angry fans accused her of ‘betrayal’ because she had a boyfriend.” .
He then mentioned the ‘truck protest’ held by some fans in front of the headquarters of SM Entertainment, Karina’s agency, and explained, “Such truck protests have recently become a common practice used by K-pop fans to express support or dissatisfaction.” At the time, the truck’s electronic signboard said, “Karina, did she lack the love her fans gave her? Why did you choose to betray your fans? “If you don’t apologize directly, you will see lower album sales and empty concert seats.”
The BBC said that this was not limited to Karina and pointed out that “stars in Korea and Japan are working in industries that are notorious for high pressure.” He said that disclosures related to private life are especially difficult to handle, and that just 10 years ago, K-pop agencies controlled not only new singers’ romantic relationships but also possession of personal cell phones.
He continued, “Even now, admitting a relationship is often considered embarrassing in front of fans.”
However, not all K-pop fans were dissatisfied with Karina’s love life, saying, “There is no need to apologize for your feelings. I always support your happiness. “You deserve all the love and support,” she quoted a fan saying in support.
In a report last August about the romantic relationship between Blackpink member Jisoo and actor Ahn Bo-hyun, the BBC reported that some experts said, “K-pop stars’ agencies want to sell (to fans) idols who seem capable of forming a romantic relationship, at least in their imagination.” “He was also reported to have said.
Karina’s handwritten apology. Instagram captureKarina and Lee Jae-wook acknowledged their relationship on the 27th of last month, saying, “We are getting to know each other.” The two reportedly met for the first time at a luxury brand collection held in Milan, Italy last January and developed into a romantic relationship.
On the 5th, Karina apologized to her fans by posting a handwritten letter on her Instagram. He said, “I’m sorry for surprising you. I want to make up for the hurt my (Aespa fandom name) has suffered. “From now on, I want to show you that I am more mature and work hard without disappointing you,” he said, adding, “I am sorry and thank you very much.”
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.