Who is Lee Jae-wook, the Korean actor dating Karina from K-pop group Aespa? (2025)

The secret’s out – K-pop group Aespa’s Karina has a beau, and it’s none other than South Korean actor Lee Jae-wook. The two were confirmed to be dating on Tuesday (Feb 27).

Lee Jae-wook and Karina had their first public interaction while attending the Prada show at Milan Fashion Week on Jan 14 earlier this year. According to South Korean news agency Dispatch, a close associate of the couple disclosed that it may have been “love at first sight", and added, "They fell in love from the moment they first met at a fashion show".

Curious? Here are a few more things to know about Lee.

HE'S TWO YEARS OLDER THAN KARINA

Born on May 10, 1998, the 25-year-old actor is two years older than Aespa’s Karina, whose birthday falls on Apr 11, 2000.

HYUN BIN'S AGENCY SIGNED HIM BEFORE HIS DEBUT

Lee studied in Chung-Ang University in Seoul, under the department of Theatre and Film. While still in university, the actor made his debut as Marco Han in 2018’s Memories Of The Alhambra, alongside A-list actors such as Hyun Bin and Park Shin-hye. Lee was reportedly signed immediately under Hyun Bin’s agency, VAST Entertainment, following his casting in the drama.

After three years, Lee parted ways with VAST Entertainment and has, since 2021, been signed under C-JeS Entertainment.

2019 WAS HIS BREAKOUT YEAR

The actor gained popularity for his roles in two shows in 2019 –Search: WWW, where he was paired with actress Lee Da-hee, and Extraordinary You. He has since remained friends with his co-stars from the latter show, Rowoon and Kim Hye-yoon. The beloved trio briefly reunited on screen again in the variety show House On Wheels 4 in 2022.

Lee’s rising popularity after Extraordinary You eventually led to him securing his first leading role in 2020’s Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, alongside Go Ara.

Most recently, he starred in the K-drama series Alchemy Of Souls in 2022. His performance in the drama earned him a Global Excellence Award at the Korea Drama Awards that year.

HE'S GOT A NEW SHOW ON DISNEY+ NOW

Lee is starring in The Impossible Heir, which premieres on Disney+ on Feb 28. He plays Han Tae-oh, the son of a murderer, who stops at nothing to seize his spot in the high seats of society.

HE SEEMS TO LOVE ANIMALS

Charming and mischievous, Lee seems to have instant chemistry with anyone, including Mimi, the puppy in Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.

Lee could not hold back his cute aggression towards Mimi upon meeting her on set. Needless to say, it’s mutual love at first sight for them.

But while the star is a dog lover and an avid fan of dog videos, he seems too busy with work to care for one himself.

HE’S AN ENTERTAINER AND A MAMA’S BOY

During one of his livestream sessions, Lee revealed his Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) results. As it turns out, he’s an ESFP entertainer — joyful, passionate, and spontaneous.

It’s no wonder the hyungs from Alchemy Of Souls are so affectionate towards him.