Aespa Members Profile: Ages, Names & Facts

Meet aespa: The Powerhouse Members Reinventing K-Pop

Since bursting onto the scene in November 2020 under SM Entertainment, aespa (styled as aespa) has completely transformed the K-Pop landscape. Known for their signature “metaverse” concept—combining real-life members with digital virtual counterparts (their “ae” avatars)—the group has captivated millions of fans worldwide, known as MY.

Behind the futuristic lore, jaw-dropping choreography, and chart-topping hyper-pop hits like “Next Level,” “Supernova,” and “Whiplash”, are four exceptionally talented and distinct individuals. Let’s dive into who Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning are!

1. Karina (카리나)

• Full Name: Yu Ji-min (유지민)
• Position: Leader, Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Visual
• Birthdate: April 11, 2000
• Fun Fact: As the leader and oldest member of the group, Karina is often recognized for her commanding stage presence and striking visuals. Aside from her work with aespa, she’s also well-known for her participation in the powerhouse project unit GOT the beat.

2. Giselle (지젤)

• Full Name: Aeri Uchinaga (우치나가 애리 / 김애리)
• Position: Main Rapper, Sub Vocalist
• Birthdate: October 30, 2000
• Fun Fact: Multilingual and fiercely talented, Giselle grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and is fluent in English, Korean, and Japanese. She brings a unique western-hip-hop flow and sharp cadence to aespa’s tracks, heavily contributing to the group’s songwriting and composition credits.

3. Winter (윈터)

• Full Name: Kim Min-jeong (김민정)
• Position: Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer
• Birthdate: January 1, 2001
• Fun Fact: Born in Busan, South Korea, Winter is celebrated for her crystal-clear vocals, incredible stage versatility, and sharp dancing skills. Her dual-sided charm—being effortlessly cute off-stage but fierce and charismatic the moment the music drops—has won over countless fans.

4. Ningning (닝닝)

• Full Name: Ning Yizhuo (宁艺卓)
• Position: Main Vocalist, Maknae (Youngest)
• Birthdate: October 23, 2002
• Fun Fact: Hailing from Harbin, China, Ningning possesses a powerhouse vocal range that anchors many of aespa’s biggest musical climaxes. As the maknae (youngest member), she is known for her vibrant, artistic personality and love for fashion and drawing.

Why the Members Shine Together

What makes aespa special is the tight-knit bond between the members. Because their ages span just a brief two-and-a-half-year gap (from 2000 to 2002), they interact less like a strict hierarchy and more like a close group of creative best friends.

Whether they are experimenting with fierce electronic dance tracks, releasing soulful solo projects, or selling out global arena tours, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning continually push the boundaries of what a modern pop group can achieve.

Who is your favorite aespa member, and what is your go-to track from their discography?