aespa (에스파) MEMBERS

K-pop sensation aespa has taken the music world by storm since their debut in 2020. This four-member girl group, formed by SM Entertainment, has quickly become one of the most talked-about acts in the industry. With their unique concept, catchy songs, and impressive talents, aespa has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, known as MY.

Karina, Giselle, Winter and NingNing make up this powerhouse group, each bringing their own strengths to the table. From their debut single "Black Mamba" to chart-topping hits like "Next Level" and "Savage," aespa has consistently delivered music that pushes boundaries.

aespa is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment, one of the "Big Three" entertainment companies in South Korea. The group consists of four members: Karina, Giselle, Winter and NingNing. SM Entertainment announced the debut of aespa in October 2020, with each member being revealed individually over the following days.

The group's name, aespa, has multiple meanings. It combines "Avatar X Experience" and the word "aspect," reflecting their unique concept. This innovative approach involves each member having a virtual counterpart called an "ae," creating a bridge between the real and virtual worlds. The group's concept is based on the SM Culture Universe, where the members interact with their virtual selves in a world called KWANGYA.

aespa made their debut on November 17, 2020, with the digital single "Black Mamba". Their debut music video achieved the highest number of views in 24 hours for a K-pop group's debut video at the time. The group quickly gained popularity, with their second single "Next Level" released in May 2021, peaking at number two on the Circle Digital Chart. aespa's first extended play (EP), "Savage," released in October 2021, became the highest-charting debut album by a K-pop girl group on the US Billboard 200 chart, reaching number 20.

Karina, born Yu Ji Min on April 11, 2000, in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, has become a prominent figure in the K-pop industry. Her journey to stardom began when she was scouted by an SM Entertainment casting manager through social media in 2016. Before joining SM, Karina trained at the BORN Star Training Center as a vocalist.

As the leader, main dancer, lead rapper, sub-vocalist, center, and visual of aespa, Karina showcases her versatility. Her talents extend beyond singing and dancing; she's skilled in playing musical instruments and various swimming styles. Karina is also a black belt in Taekwondo, demonstrating her athletic prowess.

Karina's stage name comes from her baptismal name, Katarina, reflecting her Catholic faith.

She has a unique fear of heights and birds but enjoys eating chicken.

Karina is an avid K-drama fan and has reached the highest level (9926) in the game Gardenscapes.

Her favorite color is blue, and she has a special fondness for dinosaurs, particularly the Mosasaurus.

To relieve stress, Karina enjoys eating good food, shopping, or retreating to a quiet place to read.

Stage Name: Karina (카리나)

Birth Name: Yu Ji Min (유지민)

English Name: Katarina Yu

Position: Leader, Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Sub-Vocalist, Visual, Face of the Group, Center

Birthday: April 11th, 2000

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Chinese Zodiac Sign: Dragon

Height: 167.8 cm (5’6″)

Weight: 45 kg (99 lbs)

Blood Type: B

MBTI Type: ENFP

Nationality: Korean

Representative Symbol: Heart ❤

Representative Animal: Whale 🐋

Representative Number: 24

Instagram: @katarinabluu

Giselle, born Uchinaga Aeri, has a unique multicultural background. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, to a Japanese father and a Korean mother. This diverse heritage has shaped her identity and contributed to her linguistic abilities. Giselle is fluent in Korean, Japanese, and English, having attended international schools in both Japan and South Korea.

Giselle's journey to becoming an idol was remarkably swift. She joined SM Entertainment's idol training academy for about two months before becoming an official trainee. Her total training period lasted only 11 months, making her the female idol with the shortest training period in SM Entertainment's history. Giselle was one of eight idols who passed SM's prestigious Saturday Open Auditions, earning her the title of "Sooman's Pick".

Giselle's stage name was inspired by her trainer, who thought she looked like a "little British girl" and chose an elegant name to match.

She has a diverse range of interests, including music theatre and playing the guitar.

Giselle is known for her ability to imitate people and draw eyebrows quickly.

Her favorite color is black, and she enjoys cloudy weather.

Giselle has a Wattpad account and is close friends with Yeji from ITZY.

Born on January 1, 2001, in Busan, South Korea, Kim Min-jeong, known professionally as Winter, spent her childhood in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. Coming from a military family, she initially dreamed of becoming a soldier. Winter's musical journey began early, as she learned to play multiple instruments, including piano and guitar. Her academic prowess was evident during her time at Yangsan Samsung Middle School, where she excelled in advanced math and was elected vice president.

Winter's talents extend beyond her vocal abilities. She has demonstrated proficiency in various sports, including bowling, kendo, fencing, basketball, and badminton. Her experience with fencing has contributed to her SMCU lore character's ability to become "Armamenter," or a master of arms. Winter possesses a distinct vocal tone that sets her apart in the industry, with a sweet and soothing quality that complements aespa's diverse musical style.

Winter is a baseball enthusiast, supporting the Doosan Bears and Lotte Giants.

She has a unique ability to rotate her wrists 360 degrees, which she has showcased on the show "Knowing Brothers".

Winter is multilingual, being fluent in Japanese and able to speak the Gyeongsang Province dialect.

She is an avid viewer of action and war movies, with a particular fondness for the film "Northern Limit Line".

Ironically, despite her stage name, Winter is the member who struggles most with cold weather.

aespa's concept is deeply rooted in the SM Culture Universe (SMCU), a visionary project by SM Entertainment. The SMCU is not just a symbolic worldview but a new approach to express artists and music through storytelling content with compelling characters and narratives. This innovative concept involves each member having a virtual counterpart called an "ae," creating a bridge between the real and virtual worlds.

aespa's musical style is characterized by a unique blend of various genres and influences. Their songs often feature a mixture of hip-hop and dance elements, complemented by heavy sounds and introspective lyrics. The group's music is known for its catchy baselines, reminiscent of 2000s music, which helps tie their new concepts together with their general sound.

The group's music videos are a visual representation of their innovative concept. They showcase aespa's distinctive groove and enhanced stage presence, complementing the powerful energy of their tracks. The videos often depict encounters with alternate versions of oneself across different worlds, exploring themes of self-discovery amidst dystopian backdrops. This unique approach to storytelling in their music videos sets aespa apart in the K-pop landscape.

aespa has consistently broken records in the music industry since their debut. Their third EP, "My World," released on May 8, 2023, received an astonishing 1.8 million pre-orders, demonstrating the eager anticipation from their burgeoning fanbase. On the first day of its release, "My World" sold 1.37 million copies, breaking the first-day sales record for a K-pop girl act. As of mid-May, the album had sold over 2.01 million copies, setting a new benchmark in the industry.

The group has achieved the remarkable feat of being the first K-pop girl group to achieve over one million first-week sales with three consecutive albums, solidifying their global influence.

aespa's impact on the music industry has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. In 2021, they won several prestigious awards, including:

Stage of the Year at the Asia Artist Awards

New Artist of the Year - Digital Music at the Brand of the Year Awards

Best New Female Artist at the MAMA Awards

Record of the Year at the Melon Music Awards

Their success continued in 2022, with wins such as:

World Rookie of the Year at the Circle Chart Music Awards

Artist of the Year and Best Digital Song at the Golden Disc Awards

Best K-POP Song for "Next Level" at the Korean Music Awards

aespa's influence extends beyond the music industry. They made history as the first K-pop group to walk the red carpet at the prestigious "76th Cannes Film Festival" as ambassadors of luxury Swiss jewelry brand "Chopard". This event underlined their impact in the world of fashion and high-end luxury.

In a groundbreaking recognition, aespa secured a coveted spot on the Financial Times' esteemed "25 Most Influential Women of 2023" list. They stand as the sole representative from the world of K-pop, sharing the limelight with global icons such as Beyonce and Margot Robbie in the creator category. This inclusion underscores their meteoric rise and impact on the global music scene, redefining the perception of Korean pop music worldwide.

aespa has rapidly become a prominent force in the K-pop industry, showcasing their unique blend of talent, innovation, and global appeal. Their groundbreaking concept, which bridges the real and virtual worlds, has captivated audiences worldwide. With their powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and genre-blending sound, aespa continues to push the boundaries of K-pop. The group's achievements, from record-breaking album sales to prestigious awards, underscore their significant impact on the music scene. As aespa continues to evolve and grow, they are poised to leave an indelible mark on the future of K-pop and global entertainment.