Karina, born as Yoo Ji-min, is a South Korean singer, rapper, and dancer best known as the charismatic leader of the sensational K-pop girl group aespa under SM Entertainment. Since her debut in 2020, Karina has quickly risen as one of the most talked-about fourth-generation K-pop idols, captivating fans with her stunning visuals, sharp stage presence, and powerful dance skills. Known for her futuristic AI-inspired concept as part of aespa’s unique lore involving digital avatars, Karina has helped redefine the boundaries of music, technology, and pop culture.
Before fame, she trained for nearly four years at SM Entertainment, showcasing exceptional dedication and passion for her craft. Her pre-debut videos already showcased her standout features and skill, causing a stir among fans even before she hit the stage. When aespa debuted with “Black Mamba,” Karina immediately stood out—not only for her otherworldly beauty but also her deep vocals and commanding charisma. Since then, she’s led the group through a series of hit comebacks like “Next Level,” “Savage,” and “Spicy,” earning both commercial success and critical acclaim.
In addition to her music career, Karina has become a fashion icon, often seen front row at luxury fashion shows and serving as a muse for brands like Prada. Her AI counterpart, æ-Karina, adds a unique twist to her stardom, blending real-life talent with the digital age.
Personal Life
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Yoo Ji-min |
| Other/Nickname | Karomi, Rina, Kwangya Goddess |
| Profession/Occupation | Singer, Dancer, Rapper |
| Birthplace | Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 24 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 2000 |
| Hometown | Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A (Presumed Non-religious or Private) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 167 cm (5’6″) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 45 kg |
| Body Measurements | 33-24-34 (Approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black (often dyed in performances) |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Parents | Names not publicly disclosed |
| Father’s name | Not Known |
| Mother’s name | Not Known |
| Brother’s name | Only child |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | None (as of public knowledge) |
| Dating | No confirmed relationships |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Hansol High School |
| College/University | Not Attended (Began idol training) |
| Educational Qualification | High School Graduate |
Controversies
- In 2020, prior to debut, Karina faced minor online backlash due to alleged leaked private messages where she was rumored to have spoken negatively about other idols. SM Entertainment denied the claims, and she successfully debuted as the leader of aespa, eventually earning immense popularity and support.
- Karina’s AI counterpart and the “metaverse” concept also sparked debate among K-pop fans regarding the increasing digitization of idols, but it also brought aespa massive attention and innovation accolades.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Tteokbokki, Jelly candies, Donuts |
| Favorite Movie | Marvel Films (especially Iron Man) |
| Favorite Actor | Not publicly stated |
| Favorite Actress | Not publicly stated |
| Favorite Color | Blue and Black |
| Favorite Designer | Prada, Givenchy |
| Favorite Destination | Tokyo, Paris |
| Favorite Cafe | Not disclosed |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Casual streetwear, luxury athleisure |
| Favorite Book | Not publicly known |
| Favorite Athlete | Not publicly known |
Money/Net Worth
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Estimated $250K–$400K per year (group + endorsements) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $2 million USD (2025 estimate) |
Contact Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://aespa.smtown.com |
| E-Mail Address | N/A |
| Phone Number | N/A |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea (exact address private) |
Social Media
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Karina (singer) |
| N/A (aespa official @aespa_official) | |
| N/A | |
| @aespa_official |
Personal Quote:
“I want to be remembered as someone who constantly grew and made people feel empowered.” – Karina
Early Life and Career
Karina was born Yoo Ji-min on April 11, 2000, in Seongnam, South Korea. From a young age, she showed a natural inclination toward the performing arts, studying ballet and modern dance before shifting to K-pop. Her visuals and dance skills caught SM Entertainment’s attention through her Instagram, and she was quickly cast and began training in 2016.
Before debuting with aespa, Karina appeared in a Hyundai commercial alongside EXO’s Kai—this moment hinted at her powerful star potential. Finally, in November 2020, she debuted with aespa’s futuristic hit “Black Mamba,” introducing the world to SM’s metaverse girl group. Her fierce presence made her a fan favorite instantly. Each comeback, including “Next Level,” “Savage,” and “Drama,” further showcased her vocal and dance evolution.
She has also ventured into fashion, appearing at Paris Fashion Week and collaborating with global brands. Karina’s blend of elegance, cool confidence, and forward-thinking appeal makes her a standout star of the new K-pop generation.
Current life/Events
As of 2025, Karina continues to promote with aespa, recently wrapping up their second world tour, “SYNK: Rebirth.” The group released their first full album “Armageddon” to critical acclaim and are breaking into the U.S. market with collaborations and performances at major global events, including Coachella 2024.
Karina is also a regular fixture in fashion editorials and luxury brand campaigns, often praised for her model-like visuals and elegance. With fans (called MYs) all over the world, she remains one of the most influential K-pop idols of her generation.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Karina
- Her stage name “Karina” was chosen by SM’s founder, Lee Soo-man.
- Before joining SM, she was active on Instagram and gained popularity for her beauty.
- Karina trained for about four years, longer than most aespa members.
- She was featured in a Hyundai commercial with EXO’s Kai before debuting.
- Known as the “AI Goddess,” fans often say she looks unreal due to her sharp features.
- She loves gummy candies and often shares her sweet tooth with fans.
- Karina is an introvert off-stage, but transforms into a confident performer on stage.
- She’s skilled in ballet and modern dance, which adds depth to her choreography.
- A huge gamer, Karina often plays “League of Legends” in her free time.
- She writes in a personal diary daily and encourages fans to do the same for self-growth.
