Fans of K-pop and K-dramas were abuzz today with rumors of a potential romance between aespa member Karina and rising star Lee Jae Wook. The news, first reported by South Korean media outlet Dispatch on February 27th, has yet to be officially confirmed by either artist’s agency.

According to Dispatch, the pair’s alleged relationship reportedly began after they met at a fashion show in Milan last month. The report claims they have continued to meet in Seoul despite their busy schedules. While details remain unclear, the possibility of a budding romance has sparked excitement and concern among fans.

While both SM Entertainment, Karina’s agency, and C-JeS Studio, Lee Jae Wook’s agency, initially refrained from commenting, they later confirmed the news, stating that the two are “getting to know each other.”

This confirmation has brought mixed reactions from netizens. While some fans expressed their support and well wishes for the couple, others voiced concerns about the potential pressure and scrutiny they might face, especially due to the newness of the relationship and the intense media attention often directed towards Korean celebrities.

이제 저런 연애 기사로는 안 가려지는 세상인데 저 연애는 좀 크네요 ㅋㅋㅋ

— sei (@seiee68) February 27, 2024

One Twitter user, @Yi__mo, stated, “But if they were dating for a month, they might have seen each other, twice? Why couldn’t Dispatch wait? Lol.”

존나너무하네 내가 만난지 한달이면 내 친구힌테도 안 알려ㅠㅠ 뭐 숨길거있나봄

— 일락 (@lakkege) February 27, 2024

Another user, @lakkege, expressed stronger concern: “This is seriously too much. If it’s only been a month, I wouldn’t even tell my friends ㅠㅠ. I think Dispatch has something to hide.”

ㅋㅋ 내일 이재욱 드라마 첫방인데 그분들은 이재욱이 뭐가 그렇게 미워서 기사를 내셨을까? 측근 누군지는 몰라도 고새 그걸 디패에 찔러버리는구나만난지 한 달이면 사귀기는 커녕 썸타고 있을 시기인데 얘네 헤어지라고 아주 고사를 지냈네 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 아 진짜 너무 투명해서 웃김 https://t.co/Ug9it8VFPa

— 꼬 (@imperfectluv4u) February 27, 2024

Another user — @imperfectluv4u/Twitter, said Lee Jae Wook’s drama starts tomorrow, did they hate him so much they had to release the article today? I’m not sure who it is, but one of their acquaintances told Dispatch. If they have been dating for a month, that’s more of a situationship than a relationship. I bet that person told Dispatch to break them up. Lol, this is so obvious that it’s funny.

Several other users echoed similar sentiments, questioning the timing of the report and its potential impact on the newly formed relationship.

Lee Jae Wook’s recent drama premiere on February 26th further fueled speculation about the motives behind the report, with some fans suggesting it might be a publicity stunt.

Regardless of the reasons behind the news, the reported relationship between Karina and Lee Jae Wook has undoubtedly captured the attention of fans around the world. Whether the rumors blossom into a lasting romance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the couple’s journey will be closely watched by the ever-observant eye of the K-pop and K-drama fandom.