What about Espa... 'Lee Jae-wook♥' Karina, will her 4-year relationship with a girl group become bad news?

Group Espa Carina (24, real name Yoo Ji-min) acknowledged her romantic relationship with actor Lee Jae-wook (26). A relationship between a young man and a young woman is something to cheer for, but Karina's situation is a little different. The global fandom was shocked by the news of the dating relationship of Karina, an idol who has entered her 4th year of debut as a girl group.

On the 27th, Karina's agency SM Entertainment acknowledged her romantic relationship with Lee Jae-wook, saying to Ten Asia, "We are now getting to know each other." It is said that the two met at the collection of an Italian luxury brand last January, fell in love at first sight, and their relationship developed into lovers. Karina and Lee Jae-wook, who have been dating for two months, were spotted by the public on a date in Seoul, and eyewitness accounts began to flow. Karina, who is currently living in a dormitory, is taking time out of her busy schedule to enjoy a date with Lee Jae-wook.

It is said that the public's views on star relationships have become more lenient, but idol relationships are still sensitive and have complex interests. Aside from domestic fans, fans in Southeast Asia, where Aespa enjoys considerable popularity, have a conservative view when it comes to their favorite star's love life. Industry insiders point out that Karina's romantic relationship is bound to have an impact not only on domestic fans but also on global fans. In fact, Southeast Asian K-pop fans are said to be excited about the romantic relationship between Karina and Lee Jae-wook.

Karina is still in her fourth year of debut, and admitted to dating much earlier than average. Although it has disappeared now, in the past, many entertainment companies had girl group members write a so-called 'no dating until N years after debut' clause. This is because for a girl group, dating rumors in the early stages of their debut were judged to be fatal to the group's popularity. Among the 4th generation girl groups with a similar age group as Aespa, there are no members who have admitted to being in a romantic relationship.

In addition, Espa's growth has slowed significantly, so this rumor about Karina's relationship is expected to be even more damaging. According to Hanteo Global, an album statistics platform, Espa's 4th mini album 'Drama', released in November last year, sold 1.2 million copies (annual cumulative basis), surpassing the 3rd mini album (1.89 million copies) released six months earlier. It was only 65%. In a situation where album sales, which can be seen as a measure of popularity, have dropped significantly, it seems that the love affair of Karina, the representative of Espa, will be bad news for the team. At the same time, the rival group Le Seraphim is creating a lot of buzz, creating an even more contrasting picture.

A romantic relationship between a young man and woman is very natural and something to celebrate, but the fact that Karina is a member of a girl group in her fourth year who needs to focus on her growth is by no means a good thing. Considering that Espa's growth has slowed significantly recently, it is true that it leaves quite a bit of disappointment. Aespa is a girl group that still has a long way to go. Attention is being paid to whether Espa can overcome the negative news about Karina's romantic relationship and create growth momentum again.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr