:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4799594/original/009063300_1712774275-Snapinsta.app_387693464_1153365258968244_8578338988236075226_n_1080.jpg "Karina Aespa Delete Apology Letter After Breaking Up with Lee Jae Wook, Fans’ Reactions Highlighted")
Karina’s action of apologizing to her fans immediately attracted the attention of not only South Korean media, but also international media. Quoting Koreaboo, Friday (8/3/2024), BBC media even reviewed Karina’s news while alluding to the subculture of K-pop fans who responded negatively to news of their idol’s dating.
The news attracted the attention of Korean netizens. They were busy discussing it after one of them uploaded the article on a popular online community. Many netizens were confused by how the incident portrayed Korea and the Korean music industry abroad. Many called it ’embarrassing’ the nation’s image.
“This is embarrassing,” said the netizen.
“Our distorted fan culture has caused national embarrassment,” added a different netizen.
“Everyone is making a fuss about apologizing, LOL. Can’t believe he wrote an apology letter, I feel sorry for the idols, really.”
“Korean fans, LOL. It’s been a long time since K-pop went global, but they don’t seem to understand the fact that if something like this happens, it will immediately embarrass the country,” commented another netizen.