Ukraine-born Miss Japan Winner Gives Up Crown After Affair With Married Man Goes Public
Born in Ukraine, she moved to Japan with her mother at the age of five and adopted her step-father's Japanese last name. Fluent in Japanese, she became a naturalised citizen in 2022.
Ukraine-born Karolina Shiino, aged 26, clinched the title of Miss Japan two weeks ago, igniting public debate owing to her heritage.
Tabloid published about her affair with married man
While some welcomed the crowning of the naturalised citizen, others argued that she did not embody traditional Japanese beauty ideals. Amidst the controversy, a local magazine published an expos¨¦ alleging an affair involving Shiino.
The article in the Shukan Bunshun reported that Shiino had engaged in a relationship with a married influencer and doctor.
Initially, the pageant organisers defended Shiino, asserting that she was unaware of the man's marital status. However, on Monday, they stated that she had admitted to knowing about his marriage and family.
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Former Miss Japan's apology
The Miss Japan Association stated that Shiino apologised for being misleading, and they accepted her resignation from the title.
Shiino also apologised to her fans and the general public in a statement on Monday, where she said she had acted out of fear and panic in response to the report. "I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me," she said.
The Miss Japan title will remain vacant for the rest of the year, despite having several runner-ups. Karolina Shiino was crowned on January 22, becoming the first person of European descent to receive the honor.
Born in Ukraine, she moved to Japan with her mother at the age of five and adopted her step-father's Japanese last name. Fluent in Japanese, she became a naturalised citizen in 2022.
Upon receiving the title, she had said in her speech: "I had not been accepted as Japanese many times, but I am filled with gratitude to have been recognized as Japanese today."
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