Karina (aespa) | Leader, Main Dancer

Karina (카리나) | Leader, Main Dancer, Lead Rapper

Yoo Jimin (better known by her stage name Karina), is a South Korean singer, main dancer, and leader of the Kpop girl group aespa under SM Entertainment. Before debuting Karina was active on social media and was recruited by SM Entertainment where she became a trainee in 2016.

She debuted as the leader of aespa on November 17, 2020 with the digital single "Black Mamba".

She debuted as a member in the unit GOT the beat from the project girl group Girls On Top on January 3, 2022.

Stage Name: Karina (카리나)

Birth Name: Yu Ji Min (유지민)

Position: Leader, Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist, Visual, Face Of The Group, Center

Birthday: April 11, 2000

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Chinese Zodiac Sign: Dragon

Height: 167.8 cm (5’6″)

Weight: 45 kg (99 lbs)

Blood Type: B

MBTI Type: ENFP

Nationality: Korean

Official Symbol: Heart ❤

Official Animal: Whale

Official Number: 24

Karina was active on Social Media and was a former ulzzang recruited by an SM casting manager and she became an SM trainee in 2016.

In February 2019, Karina appeared in Taemin's "Want" music video and also acted as dancer for the song's promotional stages.

On November 1, 2020, she performed alongside EXO’s Kai for the virtual showcase held by Hyundai Motors and appeared with him in 'Beyond DRIVE - The all-new TUCSON', a collaboration virtual showcase between Hyundai Motor Company and SM Entertainment.

On October 27, 2020, S.M. Entertainment revealed Karina as the second member of aespa.

On December 27, 2021, it was announced that Karina will be debuting in the first unit, GOT the beat, of the female project group, Girls On Top. She will be debuting alongside, Winter, BoA, Taeyeon and Hyoyeon of Girls' Generation, and Wendy and Seulgi of Red Velvet.

Karina's audition song was Taeyeon's 11:11. The first time aespa members met Taeyeon she said "I'm such a big fan I love you."

Karina wanted to become a singer because of "Girls' Generation."

To relieve stress Karina goes shopping, eats good food, and reads a book in a quiet place.

Karina says that her specialty is picking up items such as a TV remote and bobby pins with her feet.

Karina's baptismal name is 'Katarina' so she chose Karina as her stage name. Her other stage name options included 'Woo Ah' and 'Jasmine.'

In addition to appearing in the music video, Karina was also a backup dancer for Taemin's "Want" promotional stages.

Karina loves playing mobile games, especially "PUBG."

Karina was recruited into SM entertainment through a social media DM. She was active on social media prior to becoming a trainee and an SM recruiter saw her posts. She originally thought it was fake but realized it was real when they sent their business card.