On the morning of February 27, South Korean media outlet Dispatch broke the news that actor Lee Jae Wook and aespa‘s Karina are in a relationship. Hours later, Lee Jae Wook’s agency, CJes Studios, made a statement confirming the report. “The two are getting to know each other,” they wrote. “Lee Jae Wook is currently filming a drama, and as this involves his private life, we ask for warm respect to be shown.”

Echoing this sentiment, Karina‘s agency, SM Entertainment, confirmed the budding romance. According to Dispatch, the actor and the aespa member first crossed paths at the Prada fashion show in Milan on January 14 and started dating soon after. The report detailed their discreet meetings in Lee Jae Wook’s neighborhood and shared sightings of the couple during late-night walks, painting a picture of a nascent, yet promising, relationship.

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♬ Star – Colde

However, this romantic development seems to have cast a shadow over SM Entertainment’s financial standing. On the day the relationship was confirmed, SM Entertainment’s stock experienced a significant downturn, opening at 87,700 KRW (about 65.80 USD) and closing at 79,900 KRW (about 60.00 USD). This marked a decrease of 3,000 KRW (about 2.25 USD) or 3.7 percent.

This decline was surprising given the company’s recent announcement on February 7 about its decision to pay dividends worth approximately 28.1 billion KRW (about 21.1 million USD) and retire 241,379 of its shares. This strategic financial maneuver was aimed at enhancing shareholder value, marking a first in SM Entertainment’s history since its inception in 1995. The link between the dating news and the stock market’s reaction remains speculative. That said, the timing of the downturn is too big of a coincidence.

Dispatch has a history of exposing dating news

Karina, who debuted with aespa in 2020, and Lee Jae Wook, who has been acting since 2018, are influential figures in their respective fields. Meanwhile, Dispatch is known for revealing high-profile relationships, often at the start of the new year. This has become an anticipated event among fans, as Dispatch has a history of exposing dating news involving K-pop idols, actors, and other celebrities, leading to widespread media coverage and public interest.

As their fans come to terms with this news, the industry is watching closely to see how this relationship will unfold. Many are concerned about its eventual impact on both their careers and the broader entertainment landscape. The confirmation by their agencies marks a significant moment, blending the worlds of acting and K-pop in a romance that has everyone talking. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Apparently it was love at first sight for both celebrities. Source: X/@femmrohi.