Karina

Karina, born Yoo Ji-min, is the leader and main dancer of aespa, one of the most successful K-pop girl groups of the 2020s. Born in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, she was recruited by SM Entertainment as a trainee and quickly stood out for her exceptional dancing ability, striking visuals, and charismatic stage presence. She was officially introduced as the first member of aespa in October 2020, building massive anticipation for the group’s debut.

aespa debuted on November 17, 2020, with the single “Black Mamba,” which became the most-viewed debut music video by a K-pop group at the time. The group’s innovative concept, which incorporates virtual avatars and a science fiction narrative, set them apart in the competitive K-pop landscape. Subsequent releases including “Next Level,” “Savage,” “Girls,” and “Supernova” all achieved massive commercial success, with “Supernova” becoming one of the biggest K-pop hits of 2024 and dominating Korean music charts for weeks.

As the leader and visual center of aespa, Karina has become one of the most recognizable faces in K-pop. Her technical dancing skills, powerful stage presence, and versatile performance ability have earned her widespread acclaim. She has graced the covers of major fashion magazines including Vogue, Elle, and W Korea, and has secured lucrative endorsement deals with global brands such as Dior and various Korean beauty and fashion companies.

Beyond her group activities, Karina has expanded into solo ventures including acting, solo music releases, and brand ambassadorships. Her influence extends well beyond music, as she is considered a fashion icon and trendsetter among young audiences across Asia and increasingly worldwide. By 2026, she has established herself as one of the premier K-pop idols of her generation.