[Source]Karolina Shiino, a model born in Ukraine who has Japanese citizenship, has chosen to step down as the winner of the 2024 Miss Japan Grand Prix following a magazine report that revealed her involvement in a romantic relationship with a married influencer. The report, published by Shukan Bunshun on Wednesday, disclosed that Shiino, 26, was involved with a married doctor. At first, the Miss Japan organizer denied the claim on Thursday by stating that the doctor had portrayed himself as single, and that Shiino had been unaware of his marital status. However, the association admitted on Monday that Shiino was aware of the doctor’s marital status and in turn apologized for their initial denial. In response, Shiino offered to relinquish her title as Miss Japan despite initial support from contest organizers. She expressed regret for causing trouble and betraying her supporters. The association also apologized and announced the decision to leave the competition’s top honor vacant for the year.Trending on NextShark: Michelle Yeoh talks openly about divorce with ex-husbandAbout Shiino: Shiino became the first person of European descent and the first naturalized Japanese citizen to win the Miss Japan Grand Prix title. However, she is also the first winner to have given up the title. Shiino was born in Ukraine and moved to Japan at the age of 5 after her mother remarried a Japanese man. Her initial victory sparked skepticism on social media, with many questioning the decision to crown someone who is not of Japanese descent. This sparked a debate on Japanese identity and the eligibility criteria for Miss Japan. Trending on NextShark: ‘The Bachelor’ sparks controversy for tagging wrong Asian American contestantDownload the NextShark App:Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
