KARINA
PROFILE
| GIVEN NAME | Yu Jimin 유지민 (劉知珉) |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 2000-04-11 (April 11th, 2000) |
| NATIONALITY | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| HEIGHT | 168cm / 5’6’’ (tallest in the team) |
| MANAGEMENT | SM Entertainment |
| GROUP | aespa |
| UNIT(s) | GOT the beat |
| OFFICIAL POSITION(s) | Leader |
| DEBUT | 2020-11-17 as aespa with Digital Single Black Mamba |
| FIGHT SKILL | Rocket Puncher |
| MBTI | ENFP / ENTP |
| @katarinabluu |
| OFFICIAL EMBLEM | SIGNATURE |
 Heart💙 |
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CAREER SUMMARY
PRE-DEBUT
Karina was scouted by an SM Entertainment casting manager through Instagram and trained for 4 years before her debut in 2020.
Karina said that she started dreaming of becoming a K-Pop idol when she first saw the famous “kick” choreography from "Into the New World" by Girls’ Generation (also a group under SM Entertainment) back in 2007, when she was in the first grade of elementary school.
As a trainee of SM Entertainment, Karina made an appearance in the music video for labelmate Taemin’s "Want" in 2019 and also performed with him on music programs.
AFTER DEBUT
In 2020, Karina debuted as a member and leader of aespa, a 4-member group under SM Entertainment, with Giselle, Winter, and Ningning with the Digital Single Black Mamba. Upon debut, she was praised for her “CG-like” or “AI-like” visuals befitting the group’s overall concept.
In 2021, Karina was announced to be a member of SM’s female supergroup, GOT the Beat, with other female labelmates such as BoA, Taeyeon and Hyoyeon (Girls’ Generation), Seulgi and Wendy (Red Velvet) and her bandmate, Winter.
In 2024, Karina was chosen as a model for Vita 500, a vitamin drink by Kwang Dong Pharmaceutical.
POSITIONS
LEADER
Karina is the official leader and eldest member of aespa. “Leader” is the only designated official position within the team.
VOCAL
Karina is commonly thought to be the sub-vocal (not an official position) of aespa. Her range is mezzo-soprano (middle to low).
In aespa’s title tracks, Karina often starts the song (”the opening fairy” of aespa), as her distinctive vocal tones stand out and capture attention. This was the case for some of aespa’s notable title tracks such as "Black Mamba," "Next Level," "Savage," "Girls," "Spicy," and "Drama."
Her deep vocals in lower ranges and metallic tones in higher ranges shine in a variety of genres that aespa has showcased, including R&B and hyperpop.
Karina singing Gummy’s "Childish Adult" on Knowing Brothers (2021)
Karina’s solo OST release for the Netflix original drama, Song of the Bandits
RAP
Karina is commonly thought to be the lead rapper (not an official position) of aespa.
Karina has had memorable rap verses in aespa tracks, such as "Next Level," "Savage," "Dreams Come True," "Girls," "Spicy," and "Drama," with the other rapper in the team, Giselle.
Many of Karina’s “opening fairy” moments in aespa title tracks start with Karina’s rap verse. Karina also showcased her rap skills in GOT the Beat releases.
Karina’s rap verse in Savage (2021)
Karina’s rap verse in Stamp On It (2023)
DANCE
Karina is commonly thought to be the main dancer (not an official position) of aespa.
Karina is praised for her overall stage presence as well as her dance skills, with strong balance, core strength, speed and fluidity. She is known for her powerful dancing skills that maximize the details of complicated choreographies.
As the tallest member of aespa, Karina’s interpretation of aespa’s choreographies highlighting her long limbs often goes viral. Some examples include the “drop to the floor” moment from the chorus of "Black Mamba" and the signature/viral choreo of "Next Level" with the arms bent back framing the face.
Karina is often in the “center” position in many of the dance breaks for aespa title tracks.