The “Alchemy of Souls” actor has become the center of public outrage after suddenly bringing up his short-lived romance with aespa’s goddess-like member Karina right in the middle of promoting his latest project. Although their relationship ended in controversy long ago, Lee’s vague remarks about “private matters” are being slammed as an obvious attempt to attract attention from Karina’s massive fanbase. Online communities are exploding with accusations that this is nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt — exploiting his ex-girlfriend’s image to reignite interest in a career many claim has cooled down ahead of his drama’s release. The real motive behind deliberately reopening someone else’s old wounds remains a dark mystery hanging over the actor’s career.
On May 7, 2026, during a press conference for his highly anticipated new drama *Doctor on the Edge*, Lee Jae-wook found himself once again under fire. While discussing his role as a talented yet troubled plastic surgeon assigned to a remote island, the actor was asked about balancing personal life with intense filming schedules. In what many are calling a calculated slip, Lee responded with a vague yet pointed reference: “There were times in the past when private matters affected my focus, but I’ve learned to channel everything into the work. Some experiences leave lasting marks, but we move forward.”
Though he avoided naming Karina directly, netizens instantly connected the dots. The brief mention instantly revived memories of their 2024 dating scandal that rocked the K-entertainment industry. Fans of aespa, known as MYs, flooded online forums with fury. “Why bring this up now? The drama is struggling in pre-release buzz and he suddenly remembers his ex?” one viral comment read. Another added, “Karina suffered enough from that relationship. Stop using her name to trend.”
The backlash intensified rapidly. Within hours, hashtags like #LeeJaeWookCloutChaser, #LeaveKarinaAlone, and #BoycottDoctorOnTheEdge began trending on X and Korean platforms such as TheQoo and DCInside. Clips of the interview were edited and shared millions of times, with commentators accusing the actor of deliberately stirring nostalgia for his high-profile romance to boost visibility for the upcoming medical romance series, set to premiere later in 2026 alongside projects like *Dead-End Job*.
Their relationship had been short-lived and explosive. Confirmed by Dispatch in early 2024, the pairing of the elegant actor and aespa’s visual queen sparked immediate fan outrage. Karina faced severe backlash from portions of her fandom, leading to a public apology and the couple’s swift breakup after just weeks. Many believed the intense scrutiny damaged both careers temporarily. Lee Jae-wook, once riding high on *Alchemy of Souls* fame, saw his projects receive mixed attention afterward, while Karina focused on aespa’s group activities and solo endeavors.
Critics argue that referencing the past during promotion for *Doctor on the Edge* — co-starring Shin Ye-eun — feels opportunistic. “His career hasn’t been as dominant lately,” one industry insider noted anonymously. “Bringing up Karina, even indirectly, guarantees headlines. It’s a classic tactic when buzz is low.” Supporters of the actor countered that the question forced him to address personal topics and that his response was neutral and professional. However, the overwhelming sentiment online leans toward condemnation.
MYs have been particularly vocal, protecting Karina who has rebuilt her image strongly since the scandal. “She apologized, moved on, and succeeded. Why drag her back into this for drama promo?” one fan posted, amassing over 50,000 likes. Others pointed out the timing: with aespa continuing their global dominance and Karina’s individual popularity soaring, any mention risks reopening old wounds for the idol.
Lee Jae-wook’s agency has yet to issue a formal response, though representatives earlier requested focus remain on his work. The actor himself has maintained a relatively low profile on personal matters in recent years, concentrating on diverse roles across film and television. Yet this latest incident has reignited debates about celebrity ethics, ex-relationships in the spotlight, and the fine line between promotion and exploitation.
As *Doctor on the Edge* gears up for release, the controversy has ironically increased its visibility — though not in the way producers likely hoped. Discussions about the drama now inevitably circle back to the Karina mention, creating a double-edged sword of attention. Some viewers express curiosity about whether the emotional depth Lee brings to his character stems from real-life experiences, while others vow to skip it entirely.
This episode highlights the ongoing challenges in Korea’s entertainment industry, where past relationships never fully fade from public memory. For Lee Jae-wook, the question lingers: was this a genuine, off-the-cuff remark or a strategic move to save a project? For Karina and her devoted fans, the pain of seeing her name used again feels all too familiar.
The mystery of his true motives continues to fuel speculation. As netizens dig deeper and demand accountability, one thing is clear — in the eyes of many, Lee Jae-wook has crossed a line. Whether this backlash will ultimately harm or help his new drama remains to be seen, but the reputational damage may take far longer to heal. In an industry built on image, reopening old scars for clout carries heavy consequences. The public is watching closely as this storm unfolds.
