In a shocking development, Ukraine-born Miss Japan 2024 Karolina Shiino gave up her crown after being embroiled in multiple serious controversies. Karolina Shiino had won Miss Japan 2024 last month. However, questions were raised by Japanese fans on social media asking how a Ukrainian-born woman won the prestigious title. Not only this, but fans had said that Karolina Shiino did not represent traditional Japanese beauty ideals. However, there is another reason why Karolina Shiino quit her Miss Japan 2024 crown and that is her affair with a married man. Now, the question arises who is Karolina Shiino and what is the entire controversy revolving around her? Below is everything you need to know about Miss Japan 2024 Karolina Shiino-
Who is Karolina Shiino?
Karolina Shiino, 26, was born in Ukraine, however, she was raised in Japan. Shiino was crowned 2024 Miss Japan on January 22 and was the first woman of European descent to earn the title of Miss Nippon. Karolina Shiino moved to Japan when she was 5 years old along with her mother. Over the years, Karolina Shiino became fluent in Japanese, and in 2022, she became a naturalized Japanese citizen. However, Shiino’s participation in the Miss Japan pageant has been controversial due to her predominantly European descent. After winning Miss Japan in January, she was quoted saying that she was 'happy to be recognized' through the pageant.
Coming back to Karolina Shiino's affair, a Japanese local magazine broke the story of her love relationship with a married man. The man was later identified as Takuma Maeda who is a doctor by profession. Though the pageant organisers extended their support to her citing that she was not aware of the marital status of the man, it was later revealed that she was aware.
Finally, on Tuesday, Karolina issued a public apology on her Instagram and posted a statement in Japanese whose English version says, "We would like to deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to Mr Maeda’s wife, family, and everyone involved. There were some discrepancies in what I explained to my agency the other day. Confusion and fear made it impossible to speak the truth. I am truly sorry for conveying something that is not true to everyone who believed in me and supported me. I take this situation seriously and have declined the Miss Japan Grand Prix."
As per reports, the Miss Japan Association has said it accepted Shiino’s decision to step down and said the role will remain vacant for the rest of the year.