On March 13, JinE posted a lengthy apology on her Instagram account regarding the controversy sparked by her post mocking Aespa Karina’s romance. She apologized, saying: “I would never have posted such a message to attract attention in a negative way. I admitted that I had made a mistake in expressing my thoughts in the post.”
She explained, “I was so upset because I knew very well that she was receiving excessive criticism as the most popular member of the group. I used the term ‘nanrina’ just to say, ‘Everyone, please stop.’ I should have been more careful in my words but in the end I made a mistake.”
JinE added, “I once again apologize to Karina and her fans who were negatively affected by my words and actions. I am truly sorry”.
Earlier, when Karina and Lee Jae-wook admitted their romantic relationship, JinE posted the caption “Karina Karina Karina nanrina” on her Instagram. Noting that “nanrina” means “to cause a sensation,” some netizens suspected that JinE was making fun of Karina.
As the controversy intensified, JinE apologized on February 29, saying, “I’m sorry if it was rude. I just got upset because she’s my favorite member.”
JinE debuted as a member of the girl group Oh My Girl in April 2015, but left the team in 2017 after taking a break due to health reasons.
