Karina/ Yu Ji Min (aespa)

As the leader and main dancer of aespa, one of SM Entertainment's most innovative girl groups, Karina has quickly become a household name in the industry. Her journey from trainee to idol has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a passion for performance that shines through in every aspect of her artistry.

Karina's impact extends beyond her role in aespa, as she continues to make waves in various aspects of entertainment. From her involvement in the supergroup GOT the beat to her ventures into acting with Netflix's "Song of the Bandits," Karina has shown her versatility as an artist. Karina's background, her rise to fame, her contributions to aespa's success, and her growing influence in the K-pop scene. We'll explore her musical style, career milestones, and the qualities that make her a standout performer in today's competitive industry.

Before her debut, Karina was actively involved in social media, which played a crucial role in her journey to stardom. Her online presence caught the attention of SM Entertainment, leading to her recruitment. This early engagement with social media platforms helped Karina build a foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry.

Karina's path to SM Entertainment was unique compared to her fellow aespa members. Unlike Giselle, who entered through an open audition, Karina was discovered by a casting manager through her social media account. Initially, she thought it might be a scam, as the casting manager didn't mention they were from SM Entertainment. This unconventional recruitment method highlights the changing landscape of talent scouting in the K-pop industry.

Karina's training period at SM Entertainment began around 2016. Interestingly, she was not part of SMROOKIES, SM Entertainment's pre-debut training team. During her time as a trainee, Karina honed her skills and prepared for her future debut. She participated in various activities, including being a backup dancer for TAEMIN's 'Want' and appearing in his music video in 2019. This experience provided her with valuable exposure to the industry before her official debut.

The training period was not without its challenges and enjoyable moments. Karina and her fellow trainees often indulged in delicious food and danced to loud music on Saturdays. Despite the rigorous process to maintain their physical condition, Karina found these experiences to be fun and memorable.

On October 26, 2020, SM Entertainment announced its plans to debut a new girl group, marking the company's first since Red Velvet in 2014 and its first overall idol group since NCT in 2016. The members were revealed individually from October 27 to 30, with Karina being introduced as the second member on October 27. The group's name, aespa, was created by combining 'AE' (Avatar X Experience) and 'aspect,' signifying both sides of their concept.

SM Entertainment announced the release of aespa's debut single, "Black Mamba," on November 17, 2020. The song, written and composed by a team of international songwriters and produced by Lee Soo-man, was described as an electropop and dance-pop track with a signature synth sound and a bass-heavy hook. Lyrically, "Black Mamba" introduced the group's unique worldview, focusing on a being that interferes with the members' connection to their avatars.

The debut of aespa and the release of "Black Mamba" garnered significant attention and broke several records. The music video achieved the highest number of views for a K-pop group's debut video in 24 hours, amassing 21.4 million views. It also became the fastest debut music video to reach 10 million views in K-pop history, achieving this milestone in just nine hours. The group made their broadcast debut on KBS2's Music Bank on November 20, 2020, to perform "Black Mamba". aespa's impact was further solidified when they earned their first music show win on SBS's Inkigayo on January 17, 2021.

Karina, despite being designated as a sub-vocalist in aespa, has demonstrated strong vocal foundations that often surpass expectations. Her vocal abilities are comparable to many lead vocalists in the 4th generation of K-pop idols. Within aespa, Winter stands out with her strong sense of intonation and developed mixed register, while NingNing is recognized as the group's strongest vocalist, showcasing more developed and connected registers across her range.

As aespa's main dancer, Karina exhibits powerful and striking moves. However, some observers note that she can appear stiff at times and may need more experience to fully embody the music she dances to. Compared to other main dancers in the industry, such as those from ITZY or Red Velvet, Karina is still developing her skills. Her performance in the "Beyond Drive" collaboration with Kai highlighted areas for improvement in emotional expression and fluidity.

Karina's stage presence has evolved since aespa's debut. Initially criticized for lacking presence, she has shown significant improvement since the release of "Next Level". Karina exudes a confident and elegant charm on stage, capturing the audience's attention with her cool persona. However, within aespa, NingNing is often noted for having the strongest stage presence, with her theatrical style and powerful mixture of charisma and dramatic charm.

Karina's career has been marked by significant achievements and recognition since her debut with aespa. Her talents and charisma have led to notable performances, awards, and brand endorsements.

Karina's journey in the entertainment industry began even before her official debut. In February 2019, she appeared in Taemin's "Want" music video and served as a backup dancer for the song's promotional stages. This early exposure showcased her dancing skills and set the stage for her future success.

On November 1, 2020, just before her debut with aespa, Karina performed alongside Kai for a virtual showcase held by Hyundai Motors. This collaboration demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside established artists.

At the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards, Karina opened the award show with a special collaborative dance performance, highlighting her position as a rising star among 4th generation idols.

Karina's impact in the K-pop industry has been recognized through various rankings and awards. In 2021, she topped South Korea's brand reputation for K-pop artists and influencers for two consecutive months. She also led Star News' female idol category for eight weeks.

In the Korean Business Research Institute's monthly "Individual Girl Group Members Brand Power Ranking," Karina secured the first position in both the June and July issues and ranked fourth in the October issue. These achievements underscore her growing influence and popularity in the industry.

Karina's appeal has attracted numerous brand endorsements, further solidifying her status as a rising star. In April 2022, she was selected as a goodwill ambassador for Maeil Business Newspaper's "Clean Campaign".

Her influence in the fashion and beauty industry has been particularly notable. In December 2023, Vogue Korea announced Karina as the new face of YSL Beauty's "Rouge Pur Couture" lipstick line. This was followed by her appointment as Converse Korea's new ambassador in January 2024.

Karina's versatility as a brand representative extends to the beverage industry as well. In November 2023, Lotte Chilsung selected her as the model for their "Kloud Krush" alcohol beverage. In April 2024, she was chosen as the model for Vita 500 Zero, a popular Vitamin C drink brand in Korea.

Karina's public image and influence in the K-pop industry have been marked by both adoration and controversy. Her striking visual appeal and unique facial features have earned her widespread acclaim as one of the most visually stunning idols in the industry. Often referred to as the "AI goddess" due to her enigmatic charisma and captivating stage presence, Karina has become a prominent figure in the K-pop landscape.

Karina has established herself as a fashion icon, particularly among the MZ generation. Her personal style, often compared to that of a "fashion doll," has garnered significant attention. Off-stage, Karina exudes a gentle and pure beauty, contrasting with her magnetic stage persona. Her everyday wardrobe has become a source of inspiration for fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Karina's influence extends to social media, where she has amassed a substantial following. Her individual Instagram account has experienced a notable surge in followers, surpassing 12.5 million. Reports suggest that she has gained thousands of new followers since her dating news broke, with her engagement rate showing an uptick of 2.45% .

The relationship between Karina and her fans is complex and multifaceted. K-pop agencies have fostered parasocial relationships between idols and fans, encouraging fans to express their fandom through consumerism. This has led to a sense of ownership among some fans, resulting in strong reactions to personal developments in idols' lives.

When Karina publicly acknowledged her relationship with actor Lee Jae-wook, it sparked a range of reactions from fans. Some expressed disappointment and anger, leading to unsubscribing from fan communication platforms and targeting Karina with hateful messages on social media. However, many fans rallied to her defense, sharing positive messages and expressions of unity.

The incident highlighted the challenges K-pop idols face in balancing their personal lives with fan expectations. It also sparked discussions about privacy and the nature of fan-idol relationships in the K-pop industry.

Karina's journey in the K-pop industry showcases her growth from a talented trainee to a multifaceted artist. Her role in aespa's success, coupled with her solo endeavors, has made her a standout figure in the current generation of idols. Karina's influence extends beyond music, as she has become a fashion icon and a powerful brand ambassador, leaving a lasting mark on the entertainment landscape.

While Karina's rise to stardom has been met with both praise and challenges, it highlights the complex nature of fame in the K-pop world. Her ability to navigate these waters while continuing to grow as an artist speaks to her resilience and dedication. As Karina moves forward in her career, her impact on the industry and her fans is likely to keep expanding, solidifying her position as a key player in the ever-evolving K-pop scene.