Karolina Shiino, the Ukraine-born model who made history by winning the title of Miss Japan 2024 just two weeks ago, has decided to relinquish her crown amidst a swirl of controversy. The 26-year-old, who holds Japanese citizenship, faced backlash after reports surfaced about her alleged relationship with a married influencer who is also a doctor.
Shiino’s groundbreaking victory on January 22 marked the first time a person of European descent had been crowned Miss Japan Grand Prix Winner. However, her reign was short-lived as a Japanese weekly magazine published details about her supposed involvement with the married influencer, prompting her to step down.
Initially, Shiino defended herself, claiming that she had ended the relationship upon learning about the man’s marital status. Her model agency, Free Wave Co., stood by her side, stating that she had been transparent about the situation. However, subsequent revelations contradicted this narrative, indicating that Shiino had continued seeing the man even after discovering his marital status.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Shiino expressed regret for her actions, admitting that fear and confusion had prevented her from addressing the situation openly. She apologized to her supporters and acknowledged the trouble she had caused.
Born to Ukrainian parents, Shiino became a naturalized Japanese citizen and grew up in Nagoya, Japan, after moving there at the age of five. Her win had initially sparked debate due to her foreign heritage, but the scandal surrounding her personal life overshadowed these discussions.
The Miss Japan Association accepted Shiino’s decision to resign and announced that the title would remain vacant for the remainder of the year. The controversy surrounding Shiino’s resignation has reignited discussions about the standards and expectations placed on beauty pageant winners in Japan.
As the dust settles on this chapter of her life, Shiino’s story serves as a reminder of the scrutiny and challenges faced by individuals thrust into the spotlight, especially in the realm of beauty pageants.
