Karina of aespa: The Rise of K-Pop’s AI Goddess

Karina, a standout member of the “Jang-Ka-Seol” trio—which comprises IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, aespa’s Karina, and NMIXX’s Sullyoon—has captivated fans with her embodiment of “perfection.” Her striking, almost AI-like beauty, along with her exceptional dance prowess, solid vocal abilities, and cheerful demeanor, make her a frequent subject of praise in headlines, often labeled as a “trendsetter” or “perfect.”

When aespa made their debut, their unique concept centered around AI and a digital universe. Each member is represented by an avatar known as an “ae,” allowing them to explore a vibrant alternate reality. Karina’s stunning visuals brought clarity to this intricate narrative, showcasing looks that at times seemed even more enchanting than her own avatar. This led to the rise of the popular meme, “Karina is a goddess.”

It’s not solely about her beauty; Karina excels across a range of talents including vocals, rap, and dance. As of October 20th, her solo track “Up” is leading the Melon charts. Impressively, she penned the lyrics herself with minimal promotional buildup—just a single challenge video alongside dancers. Originally an unreleased song, “Up” was made available as a digital single following overwhelming fan requests, a testament to Karina’s popularity.

An industry expert remarked, “Karina appears to be a heavenly gift to girl groups. Her flawless looks coupled with remarkable talents must make her agency feel quite fortunate.” They further noted, “It is exceptionally rare to uncover and nurture a trainee like Karina, a true all-rounder. This demands an extraordinary amount of luck.”

Karina’s affinity for dance began early; she actively participated in her school’s dance club during her middle and high school years. Her ability to beautifully embody choreographers’ visions makes her a delight to watch, paired with adept control over her movements. As a trainee, she showcased her skills by performing a solo dance in Taemin’s “Want” during a live show, as well as a duet with EXO’s Kai at a virtual presentation for Hyundai Motor.

As the leader of aespa, Karina is also celebrated for her nurturing nature towards her fellow members. She often ensures her teammates are included during interviews and takes care of those behind her in crowded situations. A viral video captured her attempting to assist a reporter about to stumble in a bustling airport, demonstrating her kindheartedness. It’s no wonder she attracts fans of all demographics. Consequently, her striking presence has led to a surge of advertising opportunities.

In November, Lotte Chilsung appointed Karina as the ambassador for their Kloud Crush, a new “4th generation beer.” The impact was significant, with the company noting a 6.3% year-on-year increase in beer sales, reaching 21.6 billion won in the third quarter. Experts linked Lotte Chilsung’s impressive growth directly to the influence of Karina’s promotional efforts. Similarly, another brand she endorses also enjoyed considerable gains; a post of her wearing Converse gear led to those items selling out quickly online.

aespa is gearing up to drop their fifth mini-album, titled “We Fresh,” on October 21st, which will explore techno sounds for the first time. Reflecting the lyrics of “Up,” which state, “A height that no one has ever seen,” it seems the Karina phenomenon is bound to persist longer into the future.