The Ukraine-born winner of the Miss Japan beauty pageant, Karolina Shiino, has relinquished her crown following revelations of her involvement in an affair with a married man.
Shiino, 26, faced public scrutiny due to her heritage, with conflicting opinions on whether she represented traditional Japanese beauty ideals.
A local magazine, Shukan Bunshun, published an exposé detailing Shiino’s relationship with a married influencer and doctor.
Initially defending her, pageant organizers stated last week that Shiino was unaware of the man’s marital status.
However, on Monday, organizers announced that she had confessed to knowing about his marriage, leading to her title resignation.
In her apology to fans and the public, Shiino acknowledged her wrongdoing, stating, “I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me.”
The Miss Japan title will remain vacant for the year, despite having several runner-ups.
Crowned on January 22, Shiino made history as the first person of European descent to receive the honor.
Born in Ukraine, she moved to Japan at the age of five, adopting her step-father’s Japanese last name.
Fluent in Japanese and a naturalized citizen since 2022, Shiino expressed gratitude upon receiving the title, saying, “I had not been accepted as Japanese many times, but I am filled with gratitude to have been recognized as Japanese today.”
Source-BBC
