Netizens Criticize Esquire Magazine Over aespa’s Karina and Lee Jae Wook’s Relationship Coverage

Speculation about a budding romance between Aespa's Karina and actor Lee Jae Wook has ignited following an exposé by Dispatch. According to insiders, the pair allegedly found love during the Prada Menswear show in January 2024, where they met for the first time.

Esquire Korea wasted no time in capitalising on the buzz, swiftly releasing footage of the duo from the fashion event. Despite the time lapse, the magazine's decision to unveil the behind-the-scenes video has stirred both intrigue and controversy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 에스콰이어 코리아 (@esquire.korea)

In a caption accompanying the footage, Esquire Korea teased the connection between the pair, dubbing them "Prada lovers" and insinuating a serendipitous link forged amidst the glamour of the fashion world. However, the timing of the release, just as news of their relationship surfaced, has sparked debate among fans.

“Emptying out Esquire’s hard drive. The whole world is buzzing about Karina and Lee Jae Wook’s relationship. Esquire personally took a video of the fashion show at which they said the pair fell in love at first sight at. We are sharing this precious behind-the-scenes footage with the world. A relationship linked up by Prada… Isn’t it so heart-fluttering?”

While some view the magazine's move as a standard practice in the realm of celebrity coverage, others have voiced concerns over the potential invasion of the couple's privacy. Fans, in particular, have expressed worry for Karina and Lee Jae Wook, suggesting that their newfound relationship should be allowed to develop without undue scrutiny.