KUALA LUMPUR: It seems that the recent rumours of adultery between Japanese actress Erika Karata and actor Masahiro Higashide are true.
According to Soompi, the agency of the actress, known for her role in the South Korean fantasy romance drama series Arthdal Chronicles, issued an apology on the matter yesterday.
The statement by BH Entertainment read: “First, we would like to say that we are truly sorry to have worried so many people with this news about Erika Karate. She regrets her actions and is currently reflecting (on the issue). We bow our heads in apology to families, fans and all those concerned who have been deeply hurt by this incident. Once again, we apologise.”
Recently, a Japanese news outlet had reported that Masahiro, 31, and his wife Anne Watanabe, 33, had been living apart due to the actor’s relationship with Erika.
Masahiro and the 22-year-old actress had starred together in the romance film Asako I & II, which was released in 2018.
Anne, who is also an actress and the daughter of famous Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, married Masahiro in 2015. The two have three children together.
A Japanese tabloid magazine reported that this affair had apparently been going on for three years, beginning when Erika was only 19.
It also revealed that the affair was going on while Anne was pregnant with the couple’s third child.
Masahiro’s management had released a statement as well. Part of it read: “Most of the information in the report is true. (This issue) was caused by Masahiro Higashide’s foolishness and lack of responsibility, so regardless of whatever criticism he may face, his actions are inexcusable.”
It also dispelled rumours that the couple had divorced or was seeking a divorce.
The two were currently only separated and apparently undergoing a cooling period in order to eventually work on a way to repair the relationship.
Erika, who has been working in both Japan and South Korea, recently starred in Arthdal Chronicles which began streaming on Netflix last year.