Recently, Dispatch exclusively reported that actor Lee Jae Wook and aespa‘s Karina have been seeing each other after spending time together at Prada’s fashion show on January 14 in Milan. The relationship has since been confirmed.
Lee Jae Wook (left) and Karina (right)
The couple has been received with mixed reactions. Many are supportive, but others lament losing their celebrity crush to a relationship. Fan communication apps, such as Bubble, have only increased parasocial relationships as fans can subscribe to their favorite idols for a monthly fee to obtain exclusive content and direct messages.
Lee Jae Wook (left) and Karina (right) | @aespazone/Instagram
However, since Karina’s dating announcement, some fans have been dissatisfied with the service. Some have gone so far as to unsubscribe from her on Bubble, even announcing their departure online. One fan who subscribed in 2021, briefly taking a break in 2022 only to return a few months later, has now unsubscribed again due to her dating announcement.
| theqoo
My other friends who are also fans are also all pretending to be fine on the outside, but if you look closely, none of us are fine.
I started the subscription both on Karina and Winter’s Bubble on 22.08.01. I originally subscribed on ‘21.05.06.’ when their Bubble first launched, but due to my life’s issues, I stopped in February 2022.
Anyway, I’m on both Karina and Winter’s Bubbles for the 575th day as of today, but I decided to keep only Winter’s Bubble.
Even if you report [issues] to Gwangya 119, they will freaking ignore you and the number of lawsuit is 0, but SM, which is a YES man for things like this (dating), is completely incompetent. Dispatch, who stalked them, should be cancelled, and honestly, Karina should receive hate for this.
As a leader and the center, she was was not able to respect her position. It’s only been over 3 years and 3 months…
What is certain is that some of Karina’s fans will leave and Winter will be the center for the full album’s comeback…
— Armamenter
Additionally, Karina has received hateful messages through social media platforms. Some have even blamed her recent “inactivity” on her relationship.
I’m baffled by the rumors that Karina’s absence on BBL is linked to her relationship. She missed one week due to illness and had prior commitments from the 18th-22nd. Let’s not jump to conclusions. #Karina #BBL #Rumors #Clarification pic.twitter.com/bVDQozjbfU
— Michelle Alexis (@mitchalexis15) February 28, 2024
i’m so confused when they say karina doesn’t go on bbl as often since dating him… she missed one week at the beginning of feb bcs she was SICK, and then was at HMA and smtown japan from the 18th-22nd? pic.twitter.com/kBReVX776C
— busy (@anovacow) February 28, 2024
for the next few days we probably wont get anything from karina, as in bbl or social media etc. so pls just focus on sending her love <3
— (@yoojrie) February 27, 2024
So, fans have attempted to band together to support the idol, sharing positive messages via Bubble and X (formerly Twitter).
guys please send a lot of supportive messages on karina’s bubble hashtag. a lot of people are still sending her hate #유지민은봐라
— mar (@yujimjn) February 28, 2024
LOVEYUS!!!
Lets send our love and support for Karina with her bubble hashtag!
You can use our template:
Karina, we cares deeply for you. You don’t need to worry about anything as long as you’re happy, we’ll be happy too. Keep shining bright, and never forget that you are… pic.twitter.com/Y03gSyRLe0
— KARINA INDONESIA (@SEKARINA_ID) February 27, 2024
if you have karina’s bubble please send her lots of encouragement and positive messages. you can also send her messages through her bubble hashtag #유지민은봐라
카리나 너무 사랑해요 항상 행복하고 건강하시길 바랍니다 항상 몸조심하세요 나는 항상 행복하고 당신을 지원할 것입니다 <3 pic.twitter.com/j2UVMFvDZC
— 윈터얼트 (@wntrult) February 27, 2024
Despite some unsubscribing to Karina’s Bubble, the idol has actually seen an increase in followers via her individual Instagram account. She has surpassed 12.5 million followers, reportedly gaining over 40K since the dating news. Her engagement also has gone up by 2.45%.
KARINA has surpassed 12.5M (+100K) followers on Instagram!#KARINA #카리나 #aespa @aespa_official pic.twitter.com/s0Zdb6KAyV
— usa aespa #DRAMA OUT NOW (@usa_aespa) February 28, 2024
❀Instagram❀
➳ Karina Gained 23,976 Instagram Followers In The Last 24 Hours. #KARINA #AESPA #유지민 #카리나 #カリナ #エスパ #에스파 @aespa_official pic.twitter.com/k5BKsHc8Np
— KarinaChartss (@KarinaStats) February 28, 2024
❀Instagram❀
➳ Karina Gained 43,848 Instagram Followers In The Last 24 Hours.
➳ Karina Was The Most Followed Idol On 27/02/2024.#KARINA #AESPA #유지민 #카리나 #カリナ #エスパ #에스파 @aespa_official pic.twitter.com/JQt4dDuJxK
— KarinaChartss (@KarinaStats) February 27, 2024
However, SM Entertainment stocks have dropped since the couple’s announcement. Read more below.
SM Entertainment Stocks Drop Following aespa Karina’s Dating News With Lee Jae Wook
