Karina (Aespa): Profile, History and Facts

Karina, real name Yu Ji-min, is a South Korean singer and rapper. The charismatic leader of the famous K-pop group Aespa, she is also part of the super unit Got the Beat under SM Entertainment. Known for her versatile talents and unique style, Karina has captivated millions of fans around the world since her debut in 2020.

Presentation of Karina

Stage name: Karina (카리나)
Full name: Yu Ji-min (유지민)
Group: Aespa
Position in the group: Leader, main singer, rapper
Date of birth: April 11 2000
Astrological sign: Aries
MBTI: INFP
Representative emoji: ❤

Biography and Career

Originally from Suwon, in the province of Gyeonggi in South Korea, Karina grew up with her parents and her older sister, born in 1995. After studying at Seongnam Shingi Elementary School and Jeongja Middle School, she joined Hansol High School. Discovered on social networks by a representative of SM Entertainment, she left high school to devote herself to four intensive years of training before her debut.

Before joining Aespa, Karina gained attention by appearing in Taemin's "Want" music video in 2019 and in promotional performances with him. In 2020, she collaborated with EXO's Kai for a virtual showcase organized by Hyundai Motor Company.

On November 17, 2020, she debuted with Aespa via the single "Black Mamba". Since then, she has become an iconic figure, participating in projects like Got the Beat, variety shows, and prestigious brand campaigns.

Interesting Facts

Family

• She has an older sister born in 1995.
• Her mother and older sister were nurses.

Hobbies and talents

• She enjoys playing PUBG, although her members think she's not very good at it.
• She has a special talent for catching objects with her feet.
• She has a black belt in Taekwondo.

Personal particularities

• She loves green and barley teas.
• Her favorite emoji is ❤.
• She often cracks her knuckles and loves lipsticks (she has a large collection).
• She loves pink and blue Pringles, and eating them together is one of her little pleasures.

Achievements

• She won an award at the KBS Entertainment Awards 2024 for her role in the show Synchro U.
• In 2024, his single "Up" reached the top 10 on the Circle Digital Chart.

Couple and ideal

• Karina was previously in a relationship with actor Lee Jae Wook, but they separated in April 2024.
• His ideal type: a kind, faithful man, with a pretty nose and measuring over 1.80 m.

Official social networks

• Instagram

Karina in Aespa

As the leader of Aespa, Karina plays a key role in group cohesion. His talents in dancing, singing and rapping have earned him the admiration of his members and fans. Aespa member Winter describes her as attentive and always ready to help.

She is also a member of Got the Beat, a super unit made up of iconic female artists from SM Entertainment, where she continues to impress with her versatility.

Music and Solo Projects

• "Up" (2024): A single that marked his debut as a solo artist.
• "Sad Waltz" (2023): Original soundtrack for the Netflix series Song of the Bandits.

Discover her performance in “Up”: