Ukraine-born Japanese beauty pageant winner Karolina Shiino relinquished her title after a tabloid reported her alleged affair with a married man.

26-year-old Karolina Shiino won the title two weeks ago.

Her heritage sparked off debate with some claiming she did not represent traditional Japanese beauty ideals.

The article in the Shukan Bunshun reported that Shiino had engaged in a relationship with a married influencer and doctor. The man has not provided any public comment, reported BBC.

According to reports, the Miss Japan Association initially defended Shiino and said she did not know the man was married.

The organisation said she had confessed the development.

She had apologised for being misleading and organisers had accepted her title resignation, the Miss Japan Association said as quoted by BBC.

What will happen to the title now?

The title will remain vacant for an entire year now.