Karina

Born Yu Ji-min on April 11, 2000, in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Karina demonstrated early talent and was discovered by SM Entertainment through social media. She underwent four years of training, during which she appeared in labelmate Taemin’s 2019 music video for “Want” and performed with him on music programs. She also participated in a virtual showcase for Hyundai and SM alongside Kai from EXO. Karina dropped out of Hansol High School to focus on her training, later obtaining a GED equivalent certificate. Her dedication and early exposure laid the groundwork for her debut, establishing her as a multifaceted performer.

Karina debuted on October 27, 2020, as the second member and leader of the SM Entertainment girl group Aespa, releasing the digital single “Black Mamba” on November 17, 2020. Her career progressed with significant achievements, including hosting the program “Travel Diary Soul: Seoul” from October to December 2021, a tourist promotion by the Seoul Metropolitan Government that reached 39.5 million households across 19 countries. In December of the same year, she joined SM’s supergroup Got the Beat as a member. In 2024, Karina achieved her first top-ten song as a solo artist on the Circle Digital Chart and earned her first solo music show award from “Show! Music Core” with her song “Up” from Aespa’s single album “Synk: Parallel Line.” Her solo career also includes the single “Sad Waltz” for the Netflix series “Song of the Bandits” in 2023 and participation in the Netflix unscripted show “Agents of Mystery” in 2024. She also appeared as a cast member in KBS’s “Synchro U,” where she earned the Rookie Award – Show and Variety Category at the 2024 KBS Entertainment Awards.

Beyond her musical and hosting endeavors, Karina has become a recognized figure in South Korea’s MZ population, topping brand reputation rankings for K-pop artists and influencers. She has engaged in various endorsements and ambassadorships, commencing in April 2022 as a goodwill ambassador for “Maeil Business Newspaper’s” “Clean Campaign.” Her brand partnerships expanded significantly in 2024 and 2025 to include major global brands. In March 2025, Karina demonstrated her philanthropic commitments by donating ₩100 million to support recovery efforts from wildfires in South Korea. Her continuous engagement across music, television, and brand collaborations underscores her broad influence and career progression.