Karina, real name Yoo Ji-min, was born on April 11, 2000, and is the charismatic leader of aespa, SM Entertainment’s groundbreaking girl group. Introduced in 2020 alongside her AI avatar “æ-Karina,” she quickly caught attention for her futuristic concept, powerful visuals, and commanding stage presence.
Before debuting, Karina was a trainee for nearly four years and appeared in various pre-debut videos. Her training shines in her sharp dance moves and consistent vocals, often leading the group’s performances.
What makes Karina stand out is her duality. She can pull off cold, elegant visuals in MVs like “Savage,” then switch to warm, playful vibes during fan calls and behind-the-scenes clips. Her fans, known as MYs, praise her for being “AI-perfect” on camera yet genuinely soft and down-to-earth off-stage.
Karina’s rap and dance are core to aespa’s high-impact performances. Her synchronization with other members, particularly in tracks like “Next Level” and “Spicy,” showcases not just skill but leadership.
Fashion-wise, Karina is a Gen Z style icon. From holographic performance outfits to casual techwear, she’s been featured in campaigns for Givenchy, Prada, and more.
She has also become an advocate for innovation in entertainment, frequently participating in digital interviews, virtual fan meets, and tech-forward performances. Karina proves that you can lead a futuristic group and still stay authentic—making her a trailblazer in modern K-pop.
