MANILA, Philippines — Korean actor Lee Jae-wook and Karina of the girl group Aespa have broken up, just five weeks after the pair publicly confirmed they were dating.
A report from Korean media outlet TenAsia said the reason behind the split was the mental pain both artists obtained from malicious comments directed at them, and feeling apologetic for their respective fans.
Following the release of TenAsia's report, the respective agencies of Jae-wook (C-JeS) and Karina (SM Entertainment) both confirmed the breakup.
"It is true they broke up," a source from SM Entertainment, which also handles Aespa, said while C-JeS offered more details.
The agency said Jae-wook decided on the split to focus on an ongoing project, though he will remain a supportive colleague to Karina.
"They will each greet [fans] through good activities from their respective positions going forward. Please show lots of warm interest and support," C-JeS ended.
Jae-wook is best known for his role in the popular fantasy love story "Alchemy of Souls." Aespa is a fourth-generation girl group that debuted in 2020. Apart from Karina, its members include Giselle, Winter and Ningning.
Related: Lee Jae Wook, Aespa's Karina confirmed dating