Karina (South Korean singer)
As the face and leader of Aespa, she became a global K-pop phenomenon by blending cutting-edge AI concepts with powerhouse performance.
Born 2000 (age 26)·South Korean singer and rapper·Birthday: April 11·Generation Z
Biography
Born Yu Ji-min in 2000, Karina was a student with a passion for dance before being scouted by SM Entertainment. Her training period was marked by intense dedication, and she was unveiled as the first member of the agency's ambitious new girl group, Aespa, in late 2020. The group's concept, involving virtual avatars known as 'æ's and a complex sci-fi narrative called the 'SMCU,' was a risky industry experiment. Karina, appointed leader, became the human anchor for this high-tech vision. With her sharp rapping, precise dancing, and striking visual presence, she guided Aespa through a meteoric rise, turning songs like 'Next Level' and 'Savage' into chart-topping hits that defined a new, hyper-digital era for K-pop. Her role expanded into the supergroup Got the Beat, solidifying her status as a central figure in her company's musical universe.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Karina was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Karina Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Karina's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as the first revealed member and leader of SM Entertainment's groundbreaking girl group Aespa in November 2020.
- Performed as a member of the SM supergroup Got the Beat, which debuted in January 2022.
- Helped lead Aespa to win 'Rookie of the Year' awards at major Korean music ceremonies like the Golden Disc Awards and Seoul Music Awards in 2021.
- Featured on the soundtrack 'Once Upon a Time' for the 2023 drama 'See You in My 19th Life.'
Did You Know?
She was a member of a church dance team called the 'Hurricane Girls' before being scouted.
Karina is known to be close friends with Red Velvet's Seulgi and (G)I-DLE's Miyeon.
She is left-handed.
Her MBTI personality type is reported as ISFJ.
“Even if I'm lacking, I want to show you a Karina who is always trying her best.”
