Karina is a South Korean singer, dancer and the leader of aespa. Since debuting in 2020, she has built a career across K-pop music, live performances, fashion, advertising and international events.
source: @weversecommunity
Karina Profile & Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Karina |
| Birth Name | Yoo Jimin |
| Korean Name | 유지민 |
| Birthday | April 11, 2000 |
| Group | aespa |
| Agency | SM Entertainment |
| Debut | November 17, 2020 |
| Position | Leader, Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper |
| Fandom | MY |
aespa’s official profile lists Karina’s birthday as April 11, 2000.
Who Is Karina?
Karina is the leader of aespa and one of the group’s main performers.
She is particularly recognized for her dance skills, stage presence and ability to move between vocal and rap parts. Her role as leader has also made her one of the main representatives of aespa during interviews, performances and promotional activities.
Karina’s Early Life
Karina was born on April 11, 2000, in South Korea.
Before becoming a professional idol, she developed an interest in dance and performance. She later entered SM Entertainment as a trainee and spent several years preparing for her debut.
Karina’s Pre-Debut Career
Before aespa’s debut, Karina appeared in SM-related promotional content and gained attention through her pre-debut activities.
She also appeared alongside EXO’s Kai in a Hyundai campaign, giving fans an early look at her before she officially debuted.
Her trainee experience eventually led to her selection as one of aespa’s four members.
Karina’s aespa Debut
Karina officially debuted with aespa on November 17, 2020.
The group introduced itself with the digital single “Black Mamba,” beginning aespa’s distinctive concept involving the members, their virtual counterparts and the group’s fictional universe.
Karina quickly became one of the group’s most recognizable performers.
Karina’s Role in aespa
Karina serves as aespa’s leader and main dancer while also contributing vocals and rap.
Her dance style is particularly prominent during aespa’s performance-heavy songs. She is also frequently positioned at the center of choreography and major stage moments.
Her deeper vocal tone adds another texture to aespa’s vocal arrangements.
Karina’s aespa Music Career
Karina has participated in aespa’s major releases since the group’s debut.
Important releases include:
- Savage
- Girls
- MY WORLD
- Drama
- Armageddon
- Whiplash
- Rich Man
- LEMONADE
Through these releases, aespa has explored electronic pop, dance, hip-hop and other contemporary sounds while continuing its futuristic identity.
Karina’s Major aespa Songs
Some of the major songs in Karina’s aespa career include:
- “Black Mamba”
- “Next Level”
- “Savage”
- “Girls”
- “Spicy”
- “Supernova”
- “Armageddon”
- “Drama”
- “Whiplash”
- “Rich Man”
These releases cover different stages of aespa’s musical development, from its early virtual-world concept to its later global pop sound.
Karina’s Individual Activities
Outside aespa, Karina has participated in fashion campaigns, advertising, entertainment appearances and other individual schedules.
Her individual popularity has also led to collaborations with major brands and appearances at fashion and commercial events.
Rather than maintaining a separate solo discography, much of Karina’s individual career has developed through performance, fashion and brand activities.
Karina’s Fashion & Brand Career
Karina has become one of aespa’s most visible members in fashion and luxury-brand activities.
She has appeared in fashion editorials, campaigns and international events, building an individual image alongside her career with aespa.
In April 2026, Karina became the first female brand ambassador for luxury golf brand MARK & LONA. The partnership included campaign visuals and the “PLAY ILLUSION” commercial.
In September 2026, MARK & LONA released new Autumn/Winter 2026 campaign visuals featuring Karina, including a fashion film and specially selected items associated with the campaign.
Karina’s aespa Tours & Live Activities
Karina has participated in aespa’s major tours and live performances since the group’s debut.
Her concert activities include:
- aespa LIVE TOUR 2023 ‘SYNK : HYPER LINE’
- aespa LIVE TOUR 2024 ‘SYNK : PARALLEL LINE’
- 2025 aespa LIVE TOUR ‘SYNK : aeXIS LINE’
- 2026 aespa LIVE TOUR ‘SYNK : aeXIS LINE’ in Japan — Special Edition Dome Tour
- 2026-27 aespa LIVE TOUR — SYNK : COMPLæXITY
aespa’s official Japanese schedule documents the group’s previous Japan tours, while the 2026 schedule includes the group’s first Japan dome tour.
Karina’s 2026 Dome Tour Activities
In 2026, Karina participated in aespa’s Japan activities surrounding the group’s SYNK : aeXIS LINE Special Edition Dome Tour.
The Japan schedule included Tokyo Dome activities, promotions and fan-related events connected to the tour.
The dome tour represented another step in aespa’s growth as a live act in Japan.
Karina’s 2026-27 SYNK : COMPLæXITY Tour
Karina is also part of aespa’s 2026-27 LIVE TOUR — SYNK : COMPLæXITY.
The tour began in Seoul on August 7 and 8, 2026, before continuing internationally. The Seoul concerts were held at Gocheok Sky Dome.
The wider tour includes dates across Asia, North America, Latin America, the UK and Europe.
Karina’s Japan Fan Events
Karina has also participated in aespa’s Japan fan activities.
One of the group’s 2026 events was MY-J presents aespa JAPAN FANMEETING 2026 “MY CLASSMaeTE,” created for members of the official Japanese fan club.
The event was announced alongside aespa’s other 2026 Japan activities.
Karina’s Other Events & Appearances
Karina’s career also includes:
- Music award appearances
- Television performances
- Fashion events
- Magazine features
- Brand campaigns
- Commercial shoots
- Fan events
- aespa promotional events
- International concert appearances
Her individual schedules have expanded alongside aespa’s growing international activities.
Karina’s 2026 Activities
Karina’s 2026 activities include:
- aespa’s LEMONADE era
- SYNK : aeXIS LINE Japan activities
- aespa’s Japan dome tour
- MY-J fan meeting activities
- SYNK : COMPLæXITY
- MARK & LONA ambassador activities
- Fashion and media appearances
aespa’s official Japanese news archive documents the group’s 2026 releases, tours, fan events and Karina’s individual brand activities.
Karina’s Achievements
Karina’s career highlights include:
- Debuting as aespa’s leader
- Becoming one of the group’s main dancers
- Participating in aespa’s major albums and singles
- Performing on multiple international tours
- Performing at major Japanese dome venues
- Building an individual fashion and advertising career
- Becoming a brand ambassador for MARK & LONA
- Representing aespa at international events and campaigns
Karina’s Music Credits
| Release | Year | Karina’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Black Mamba | 2020 | aespa member |
| Savage | 2021 | aespa member |
| Girls | 2022 | aespa member |
| MY WORLD | 2023 | aespa member |
| Drama | 2023 | aespa member |
| Armageddon | 2024 | aespa member |
| Whiplash | 2024 | aespa member |
| Rich Man | 2025 | aespa member |
| LEMONADE | 2026 | aespa member |
Karina’s Performance Style
Karina is particularly known for combining sharp choreography with a strong stage presence.
Her dancing often emphasizes controlled movements and clean lines, while her vocal and rap parts allow her to shift between different sections of aespa’s songs.
Her performance style has become one of the defining aspects of her role within the group.
Karina’s Current Activities
Karina remains active as a member of aespa while continuing her individual fashion and brand career.
In 2026, her schedule includes aespa’s LEMONADE era, international touring and MARK & LONA activities.
She continues to work primarily through aespa’s group activities while developing her individual profile through selected commercial and fashion projects.
Karina Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Karina |
| Birth Name | Yoo Jimin |
| Birthday | April 11, 2000 |
| Group | aespa |
| Position | Leader, Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper |
| Agency | SM Entertainment |
| Debut | November 17, 2020 |
| Fandom | MY |
| Individual Focus | Music, Performance, Fashion & Brand Activities |
Karina FAQ
Who is Karina?
Karina is a South Korean singer, dancer and the leader of aespa.
What is Karina’s real name?
Karina’s birth name is Yoo Jimin.
When is Karina’s birthday?
Karina was born on April 11, 2000.
What group is Karina in?
Karina is a member of aespa.
What is Karina’s role in aespa?
She is aespa’s leader and main dancer and also performs vocals and rap.
When did Karina debut?
Karina debuted with aespa on November 17, 2020.
What agency is Karina under?
Karina is under SM Entertainment as a member of aespa.
Is Karina a solo artist?
Karina has participated in individual activities, but her primary music career remains centered on aespa rather than a standalone solo discography.
What brands has Karina worked with?
Karina has participated in various fashion and advertising campaigns. In 2026, she became a brand ambassador for MARK & LONA.
Is Karina still a member of aespa?
Yes. Karina remains a member of aespa alongside Winter, Giselle and Ningning.
Karina’s Official Socials
Karina’s individual social media accounts can be listed here when confirmed through official sources.
For group-related updates, follow the official aespa accounts and website.
Related Content
- aespa Members Profile
- Winter Profile
- Giselle Profile
- Ningning Profile
- aespa Discography
- aespa Tours & Live Activities
- aespa Latest News
- aespa Comebacks & Releases
- aespa Performances & Events
