The charismatic leader of aespa, KARINA, recently shared unique and revealing moments in an interview for the August edition of W Korea magazine. In a relaxed and sincere conversation, KARINA spoke about the experience of being on a world tour, her personal and professional challenges, and how she has evolved both as an artist and as an individual. Additionally, the interview was accompanied by a stunning photo shoot in partnership with PRADA.

You must have almost fainted from exhaustion last night. You just finished the Seoul performance of your second world tour, ‘SYNK: PARALLEL LINE’, right?
That’s right. The world tour, which will continue until early next year, has just kicked off. After the performance yesterday, we all had a meal together.
What was on the menu for the dinner?
It had to be samgyeopsal, of course. We ate a lot, really, a ridiculous amount (laughs).
It’s been exactly a year since the last world tour, ‘SYNK: HYPER LINE’. If this were a game, it would be the ‘Round Two’. Did you definitely feel the growth this time?
Absolutely. During the first concert, it felt like I was just following directions. But this time, it’s hard to find any part I didn’t actively participate in. We even worked on the set list together and were deeply involved in the stage direction. For my solo stage, it was initially planned to be just choreography, but I suggested adding silhouette cuts at the last minute. It was an addition made on the day of the rehearsal. It must have been a difficult request, but I’m grateful they accepted it well.
The stage video of your solo song ‘Up’ from this concert has become a hot topic on YouTube. One comment in particular is receiving a lot of support: ‘SM should release the track soon’
Haha, it seems like the company has a positive view on it as well. Not just my solo stage, but the other members’ solo stages are also so well-received that I think there will be discussions about how to release them in the future. I took on old-school hip-hop for the first time with Up, and it’s a genre I’ve really wanted to try for a long time. I’ve mostly worked with EDM genres until now, and I especially love hip-hop dance. It felt like the choreographer was really determined with the dance this time—like, ‘Alright, we’ve set the stage, now smash it with the dance!’
This year, you’re touring 14 cities, and you’ll expand to the Americas and Europe early next year. In a way, you’re at the starting line of a long race
That’s right. I’m already missing Korean food and feeling a bit anxious about how busy it will be, but once I’m abroad, I’m actually the type who enjoys playing around the most. I make sure to go out and explore whenever I have free time. My manager ends up working hard because of me.
What do you usually do for fun?
I’m the type to visit all the famous tourist spots in that country. Sometimes, when my manager tells me to avoid crowded tourist areas, I cheerfully reply, “Then I’ll do my hair and makeup myself and go out looking pretty!” (laughs)
In the documentary about your first world tour, ‘SYNK: HYPER LINE’, there’s an interesting moment where you say right before going on stage, “Please let me perform with dignity.” What did you mean by a dignified performance at that time?
I get incredibly nervous every time I perform. I often have sweaty palms from the tension and joke with the members backstage saying, “Should I just run away?” When I’m nervous, my mind goes blank, so I tend to practice twice as hard as others. On the first day of last year’s world tour, I made a lot of mistakes on stage. It was so stressful that I stayed up monitoring until dawn and went on stage the next day like a person who had been awakened. I feel like I need to be dignified and confident in myself to perform on stage. That way, I can enjoy the performance a bit more.
In past interviews, you mentioned that the debut stage with ‘Black Mamba’ was the most dignified performance for you
Looking back now, I’m still a bit dissatisfied with it. But at that time, I think it was the best we could do. Since it was during the pandemic, we had to perform with only the camera lights on us and no audience. I still remember the pressure we felt. As the first girl group from SM in six years, we were under a lot of scrutiny. It felt like we had to prove something with that stage. Looking back at our debut stage now, the dance moves and gestures seem a bit embarrassing, but I really love the atmosphere of that time. I can sense the determination from the members. Watching the video, some of us are even bleeding because our skin rubbed against the stage outfits. But even that looks so beautiful to me. It makes me think, “Aww, you did great.”
Can a dignified performance be described as a stage where you are not ashamed of yourself?
Yes. In fact, there have been many performances I felt embarrassed about. Stages where I missed notes or made mistakes in the choreography. Even if these errors might be forgotten by others over time, I remember them. When my family watches those performance videos, I say, “Please watch them when I’m not around!” One mistake feels so significant to me that it drives me to strive for more perfection.
Do you tend to set high standards for yourself?
It seems so. I used to struggle quite a bit with this. I’m very harsh on myself but quite lenient with others. Even when I faced situations where others caused me harm, I would quietly endure it alone. But recently, I feel like I’ve been changing in a healthier direction. Now, I say no when something isn’t right, and I try to express my emotions as openly as possible.
What was the catalyst for this change?
It’s largely thanks to the members. All four of us are very honest with each other. We share our true feelings without hesitation, including things like what we dislike, what we’d like to change, and even feedback on how our expressions look on stage. If there’s jealousy, we talk about it openly, expressing what we envy about each other. We’re also very straightforward with the staff we work with. As a result, they take great care of us. Senior colleagues even say that finding staff like ours is rare. I think this supportive environment has been the main factor in my change.
Recently, your first full-length album activities have successfully wrapped up. Since it was your debut full-length album, it must have been prepared with a level of intensity different from usual
Yes, exactly. Just look at the music video for Armageddon… (laughs).
Almost every second of the music video was filled with CGI, and there was even a comment saying, “I bought the album because I felt bad for watching it for free”
(laughs) Yes, that’s right. It was the longest shoot for a music video we’ve done. I think it took about 4 to 5 days. We’re very grateful. After all, the company believed in us and made bold investments in terms of both cost and quality. The preparation for this album was definitely different. There were many meetings, and we prepared in a more systematic and focused way than ever before. We had double title tracks, and I was happy with how Supernova turned out fresh and new, and Armageddon met our expectations.
Recently, you appeared on a YouTube web show and said, “I didn’t expect ‘Supernova’ to be this popular,” which sparked a lot of buzz
Before the album was released, the members had a discussion. We thought that Supernova would be popular with the general public and that Armageddon would be appreciated by our peers in the industry. We anticipated that the reactions to the two tracks would be quite different. Supernova, with its fresh elements both in listening and viewing, would likely receive a response of “It’s fun,” while Armageddon, with its impressive choreography, sound, and CGI, would catch the interest of industry insiders. Both are great, but as artists, we naturally had a stronger attachment to Armageddon.
Did you discover anything new from this activity?
Since debut, our world view has been clear. While it’s great that our world view has become a defining color for us, sometimes it felt like we were confined by it. Some people might see us as only capable of playing within this world view. However, during the Spicy promotions last year, I felt a sort of refreshment. It was like we had been stuck in the avatar world and suddenly landed in the real world for a bit. The Spicy activities broadened our perspective. Since then, we’ve been more actively involved in the production process, suggesting ideas like, “How about incorporating this into our world view?” or “Would this sound make it feel more like us?” With this year’s Armageddon activities, I feel we have a clearer understanding of our team’s identity. I no longer doubt it. There’s a strong belief that “Since we’re doing it, it’s our music.”
The reason I liked Armageddon was because it showed a certain resolve. These days, easy-listening music is mainstream in the K-pop scene, but aespa seems to push forward with the intense ‘metal flavor’ they’ve maintained since debut
Yes, we’re definitely on our own path (laughs). I don’t think we need to give up our unique style. With this belief, if we continue on our own path, I believe there will definitely be people who follow us. And the ‘metal flavor’ concept is really what we do best. If we suddenly came back with a pure concept one day, it might feel awkward for everyone. To be honest, we’re not great at smiling sweetly at the camera. We’re always more into giving intense looks… (laughs).
Haha, recently you’ve been quite active on variety shows. You’ve appeared on web variety shows as well as the Netflix original show ‘Agents of Mystery’ that was released in June, right?
I really love variety shows. I’ve been hooked on TV since I was young and was a ‘variety kid.’ I enjoy meeting people, being active, and talking—all of it.
Anyway, variety shows often reveal more of your true self compared to the stage. Maybe that’s why there are so many comments praising your friendly personality. The comment ‘Karina gained popularity not just for her looks but for her personality’ got the most ‘likes,’ you know?
I’m blushing just thinking about it, not sure where to look…(laughs). My personality has changed a lot. I used to be really shy and would only answer questions asked to me. But at some point, I became more outgoing. All the members’ MBTI types started with the extroverted ‘E,’ but eventually, one by one, they became introverted ‘I,’ and now I’m the only ‘E’ type left. Since then, I feel like I have this strong urge to make everyone laugh! I often find myself dancing, making jokes, and singing in front of the three introverted members (laughs).
Haha, among fans, you’re known as ‘Kasujong.’ Seeing how much you care for and think of your fans, they compare you to the actor Choi Su-jong, who is famous for his devotion to his fans
I’m a true ‘Pink Blood’ at heart. I’ve been a huge fan of SM since I was young, which is why I joined the company. I was a massive fan of Girls’ Generation, f(x), and Red Velvet, so I understand what it’s like to be a fan. I know how those unnies made me go ‘Ah! Oppa!’ when they approached us, and that’s why I feel like I can connect well with our fans.
When you communicate with fans on the platform ‘Bubble,’ it gives the impression that you’re trying to connect as ‘Yoo Jimin’ rather than just as the musician ‘Karina’
That’s right. While I’m active as KARINA, my life as Yoo Jimin is much longer. I want to subtly remind fans of that fact and also hope they see me as an individual, not just as KARINA.
What do you consider the most important value in your life as both Karina and Yoo Jimin?
Myself. I always think about what makes me happy in what I do.
When your values waver, what has held you steady as Karina?
My mom. She’s a nurse, but her original dream was to be a poet. She reads a lot and sends me books every month. One of my most treasured times is reading books with her and discussing them. She also writes me letters frequently, always reminding me, “Family is always on your side. Even though we spend less time together physically, you are always in our conversations. Never forget that you always have a place to come back to.”
Is there a recent book you’ve read with your mom that stands out?
Yes, “The Kitchen of Sixteen Nights”. It’s a Chinese novel with a unique premise. After death, everyone passes through a place called the “Hell’s Kitchen,” where you can order any food you craved most in life. While reading, I couldn’t help but think of my mom’s spicy shellfish noodles. It’s a bowl made with love and plenty of my favorite water celery. Nothing supports me as much as family does. Even when I’m struggling, I remind myself, “I am loved,” and “I am important.”
It’s full-blown summer now. Do you have any dream vacation plans?
I’m planning to go to Jeju Island. I’ve only been there once before, and that was a trip with my dad before debut. We did the usual things like seeing camellias, eating black pork, and riding horses, and I have great memories from that trip. This time, I’d like to stay in a guesthouse where I can mingle with other travelers. If timing works out, it would be great to go with the members, or even just with my sister.
Today, you wore outfits from the 2024 Prada F/W collection for your shoot. If you could take one piece from today’s outfits on vacation, which one would it be?
I’d choose the pink-toned oversized shirt. It seems perfect for a vacation spot. It would look great just draped over, or even worn open over a swimsuit.
What is the question you find yourself asking most often these days?
“How can I be happier?” I’m constantly searching for the answer. Since I have a job where I stand in front of many people, I want to find that answer quickly and share it with everyone.

In the August issue of ELLE Korea, GISELLE shines with an incredible interview where she shares her reflections on the music world and the special influence of fans on her journey. In addition to the interview, you’ll be captivated by a stunning photoshoot of GISELLE, set in a summer scene that highlights her elegance and charm.

We met right after the successful activities of aespa’s ‘Armageddon’
Since it was our first full-length album, I felt the strong unity and dedication from everyone throughout the process. I was pleased with the results as much as we had prepared, and I was eager to share it with our fans, MY.
They continue to move forward without a break. On July 3rd, they made their debut in Japan with ‘Hot Mess’. For Giselle, who grew up in Japan, this must be especially meaningful
Since this is our first major activity in Japan, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. I’m working hard to use Japanese as much as possible. The concept and song are quite different from the images we’ve shown before, so I think fans will enjoy it in a new way.
I heard that two additional shows at the Tokyo Dome have been added to aespa’s second world tour schedule, which started in Seoul on June 29
Yes! Given the great love we’ve already received, I hope aespa‘s official debut in Japan feels like a special gift.
The first world tour was an epic journey across 21 cities from February to September last year. How will that experience reflect in this tour?
We had a special experience spending several months abroad, including performances in North America, South America, and Europe. This time, we have more shows per city and various events planned, so I’m excited that we’ll be able to connect with fans more closely during the performances. I also have some personal little TMI that I realized from the last world tour.
Oh, I’m curious!
I realized that shoes are important to me (laughs). I don’t want to be restricted by my outfits, so moving forward, I’ll be very careful in choosing my shoes for concerts and performances.
So, how were the LOEWE shoes you wore today? The heel looks unusual, so it didn’t seem very comfortable (laughs)
Oh, no. They were surprisingly comfortable. I was actually quite surprised by how comfortable they were.
You mentioned that you’re so interested in fashion that you might have become a fashion designer if you had chosen a different path. This is already your second show with Loewe. How would you describe the synergy between you and LOEWE?
LOEWE is like a ‘pursuit of dreams’ in my life. When someone prefers a particular brand, you can often gauge what kind of person they might be. But LOEWE, rather than showcasing the brand itself, highlights the individual’s identity. The brand has a unique and powerful strength of its own.
Would you say that it enhances the ‘Giselle effect’ (laughs)?
I basically enjoy ‘digging’ into things, and I like that LOEWE offers many elements for that. As one of the early houses of the LVMH group, it has a rich history and is closely connected to the arts through the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize. Its deep history allows me to delve into it like I do with music.
In March, you met with ELLE at a mansion in Paris, and today you enjoyed the summer in Seoul in the garden of a single-family home. Are you influenced by the seasons?
Absolutely, yes! The warm weather today allowed me to strike poses more comfortably. But more than anything, what’s most important is who you’re with. The people you are with are the most important.
I was actually quite surprised when I saw the first regular album of aespa. It had been a long time since an album included the names of everyone who contributed in the ‘Thanks to’ section.
It was a natural thing to do. Both my and the members’ opinions were heavily reflected, and we all strongly shared the motivation to do our best. We were given such opportunities, and since it’s something we couldn’t achieve without each other, we always have a fundamental sense of gratitude.
I was also impressed by the ‘aespa salon’ where the members would touch up the staff’s hair and makeup in the waiting room from ‘Supernova’ to ‘Armageddon’ (laughs)
All of us members enjoy doing things that make us laugh. Even though we sometimes fall asleep from exhaustion together, when we’re not tired, we try to find and watch one more video or use it as an excuse to chat, always trying to keep our energy up. Being with lively members makes me feel energized as well. It’s really something I’m grateful for.
If the members have recently expressed gratitude to Giselle, it might be because:
We all find it quite awkward to talk about these things with each other! But I guess they might appreciate the everyday care I provide (laughs). I believe that showing consideration when we have the mental space for it helps us enjoy our time together and stay together for a long time.
Watching the behind-the-scenes footage of the ‘Armageddon’ recording, I felt a strong sense of the song’s and aespa’s appeal. What do you think is the biggest musical strength of aespa in their fourth year since debut?
Everyone in music has their own unique color, but I feel that our concept is particularly well-defined. Not only visually, but also with our use of synth sounds and unique lyrical expressions, which make us stand out. Armageddon aligns well with aespa’s world view. We really enjoy this world view. By understanding the concept, people end up liking and enjoying it even more than they might expect! We also have inside jokes, where we tease each other about various settings and elements (laughs). That’s just us.
If you were to meet an alien in real life, as depicted in the music video for this activity, would you want to be friends with them?
Wow! It would feel like fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a child. It would be great to realize that humans are not the end of existence and that humanity is just a small part of the world. I’d also be excited to gain information about a new world.
What information would you want to obtain?
Do you have a family too? How were you born? Are there other alien friends like you who have come here as well? Do you know anything about our world? And of course, I’d ask, ‘Where did we come from?’
How was the experience of participating in the new Bolbbalgan4 song ‘Lips’ as a featured artist and contributing to the rap making?
I was surprised and grateful. While you might know that GISELLE is a member of aespa, I didn’t expect that my vocal tone would be considered so closely, so receiving the offer itself was very exciting. Initially, there were rap lyrics already written, but they said I could rewrite them if I wanted, so I did. I tend to write top lines relatively quickly.
Giselle recently appeared in a YouTube series with the Seoul Tourism Organization, exploring landmarks like Hannam-dong and ‘The House of Seoul’. What does Giselle think is attractive about Seoul?
Knowing that the content was about showcasing Seoul from the perspective of someone who has lived abroad for a long time, I felt that I needed to present myself as a ‘Korean senior’ (laughs). From what I know, Korea is a country where trends are very distinct. Of course, Japan is similar, and there are ‘hot spots’ all over the world, but Seoul has this explosive ‘pop!’ ‘pop!’ feeling. And that, from the viewer’s perspective, is extremely dopamine-inducing. Seeing people enjoy trends and content right at that moment makes it seem fun even if I’m not there in person.
From an artist’s perspective, the rapid cycle of trends might be a concern
Yes, that’s right. As a player who sets trends, it’s natural to worry about how long people will continue to talk about aespa and remain interested in our music. But I believe it’s okay as long as we do well. Showing good songs and high-quality performances is the most important thing.
Popular appeal and a devoted fanbase can be a different aspect as well
Through our fans, we actually realize our own identity. Everyone tends to be a bit lost when they debut. K-pop groups have distinct concepts, and their characters are gradually shaped by identifying their positions, personalities, and visual traits. Fans play a significant role in this process. Their reactions serve as references or guidance, helping us discover what suits us best.
Is the reason for this analytical perspective because Giselle wasn’t an early trainee under the influence of K-pop?
It definitely feels like the presence and uniqueness of K-pop are more tangible. While I grew up listening to songs by artists like Girls’ Generation and 2NE1, I wasn’t immersed in the Korean music scene from a young age. This might be a bit philosophical, but idols start presenting themselves from a young and immature stage, so it’s natural to have clumsy aspects. Fans, however, may prefer perfection but also love artists more for their imperfections. Since debuting, I’ve felt that love and influence more deeply. I believe that fans are half of what makes K-pop what it is.
As someone who has a significant impact on others, what advice would you give to peers or younger girls?
Hmm… I would say to love yourself. Unconditionally! Loving yourself is essential for being able to love others, understand what you want, and pursue your goals. If there are reasons why it’s hard to love yourself, you should try to change or overcome those reasons. I believe that the more you become rational, the more you can also love. Even if you don’t like some of your traits, don’t shrink or feel depressed about it. There’s no need for that. I truly want to say, “Just love yourself.”
If you were to give yourself a perfect score, like the lyrics in ‘Spicy’ that say ‘Cause I am a 10 out of 10 honestly,’ which part of yourself would you give a 10?
Wow, that’s a really tough question. Still, I think I would give today’s photoshoot a 9.

aespa gave an interview to JTBC’s Newsroom, where they discussed their new album and future plans. Below, you can find the translated interview.

“Only I can define myself.” We have the group aespa here on Newsroom, who have returned with their unique and captivating sound. Welcome. It’s a pleasure to have you here.
aespa: Hello, we are aespa. Wow.
It’s already been four years since your debut. And your first full album was released recently, receiving an incredible response from the public. NASA even used the lyrics of Supernova to explain the concept of a supernova on their official social media. How did that feel for you?
KARINA: First, we were also very surprised and kept checking if it was really the official account. But it was. We were very grateful that NASA knows our music, and who knows, maybe we could even collaborate with them in the future.
Your live singing skills recently at university festivals and on music programs have been highly talked about. You were amazing.
WINTER: Before our debut, we did a lot of intensive singing training, even running in the practice room. And since our seniors are great singers, we watched their videos to learn how to manage our energy. These live evaluation sessions also helped us a lot.
The voices of each of you are unique and beautiful, but when you sing together, the harmony is really distinctive.
aespa: Thank you!
The sound of aespa is often described as “iron/metal taste,” like something futuristic and bright.
GISELLE: We were the first to use this term “iron/metal taste” because it expresses our style well. We haven’t found a better expression to define us, so we like this description a lot.
Supernova and Armageddon are powerful songs. Could you show some choreography or a memorable part of Armageddon?
KARINA: Sure! There’s a part where we place our hands beside our faces and do a wavy motion with our middle fingers. This part of the song says “wayo wayo,” which we express with this choreography. There’s also a hand movement where our hands come together, which we interpret as a meeting of myself and my other self, symbolizing a kind of awakening.
The album’s slogan is “Only I can define myself.” How does aespa define itself?
NINGNING: Since our debut, we’ve always tried to maintain our style without deviating. We believe that only we, as members of aespa, can do that. Recently, we’ve heard people say that “aespa is a genre,” and we’re starting to like that idea.
KARINA: We want to continue making music that best represents us and that our audience loves. Our B-sides span various genres like ballads, punk, and pop, showing our versatility.
It seems you are expanding your horizons. What have been the most memorable moments of your journey so far, especially considering the challenges of debuting during the pandemic?
NINGNING: Our debut during the pandemic made every encounter with our fans even more special. Every performance and opportunity to meet our fans is very precious to us, and we remain grateful for every moment.
Fans, “MYs,” are your biggest source of motivation, right?
KARINA: Yes, how did you know? We were eager to meet our fans, and now that we can, we’re making the most of it, playing and interacting with them.
What does aespa like to do in your free time? Winter, I heard you’re a fan of The Strongest Baseball.
WINTER: Yes, I’ve liked baseball since school. This show is great, showing behind-the-scenes and retired players. I have many friends who are also fans, and we watch together while eating delicious food.
Do you root for any specific team? Lotte Giants?
WINTER: Yes, I’m from Busan, so I root for the Lotte Giants. But my first encounter with baseball was with the Doosan team, so I support all the teams. Fighting!
Ningning, you mentioned liking martial arts.
NINGNING: Yes, I recently joked about it on a music program. It’s not a big passion, I was just kidding.
Giselle, didn’t you mention athletics?
GISELLE: Yes, I also participated in athletics. Ningning made the joke more fun.
Let’s talk about the future. You are about to start your second world tour. How are the preparations going?
KARINA: We’re busy with promotions and show preparations, but we’ve already reviewed the setlist. We’re excited to visit new countries.
What places will you visit?
GISELLE: Last year we went to the USA and South America. This year, we’re going to Australia and several Southeast Asian countries.
Many fans around the world are waiting for you. What’s the next step for aespa?
WINTER: We want to continue developing our unique universe, telling our stories, and reaching new heights with each project.
Is there any nickname you would like to have among the public?
KARINA: We can’t choose our nicknames, but we love the ones fans create for us. They are creative and fun.
NINGNING: Yes, they always come up with something interesting.
KARINA: We hope they continue giving us these nicknames during our upcoming activities.
We hope aespa continues to expand its unique musical universe. Thank you for being here today.

aespa‘s first full-length album, Armageddon, has finally been released! MelOn Magazine shared exclusive photos of the album, along with a short interview and messages from the members. Check it out below:

Recommend a song that boosts aespa’s confidence, like “Armageddon”!

KARINA: I would like to recommend a song called “Talkin’ Talk” by D’Sound. This was the song with which I learned my first choreography as a trainee, and I received praise while practicing until dawn. (laughs) So, whenever I listen to it, I remember how I felt back then.
GISELLE: I often listen to songs that make me feel at ease and give me inner strength! When I listen to ADOY‘s “Swim”, I can fall asleep comfortably. I love the peaceful atmosphere of this song, so I often listen to it, especially when I’m in the car!
WINTER: The song I would like to recommend is “Who Says” by Selena Gomez & The Scene. The message about embracing your own beauty is wonderful. Every time I listen to it, I feel more confident.
NINGNING: My recommendation is “Me, Myself and I” by Beyoncé~♬. Since the lyrics are about finding yourself, I feel more confident whenever I listen to it. Also, I love the rhythm and vibe of the song, so I listen to it often!

What was the moment you most wanted to spotlight while preparing the album?
GISELLE: I really liked the jacket image, which matches the album’s mood perfectly. Therefore, I want to spotlight both the moment of the photoshoot and the jacket image itself!
Which song from [Armageddon] would you most like to spotlight?
NINGNING: I would choose “Armageddon”. The dance is completely my style and I really love the song. I hope everyone listens to it a lot!
Which concept from the [Armageddon] jacket images would you most like to spotlight?
WINTER: I think all the members turned out great this time. So, it’s really hard to choose just one. Hmm… if I have to choose with difficulty, I would say the “Launch Code” concept, which was revealed first, was the most impressive.
Which scene from the “Armageddon” MV would you most like to spotlight?
KARINA: When I think of the “Armageddon” music video, I want to spotlight the group choreography scene! This time, the choreography matches our vibe well and I think it was captured perfectly. If anyone hasn’t seen the music video yet, I recommend watching it right now!

KARINA: aespa’s first full-length album, Armageddon, is finally out in the world! Please give us lots of love!! First of all, I love Armageddon…
GISELLE: Armageddon. Isn’t the song good~? Please listen a lot 🖤
WINTER: I like this song. Winter option – ⭐
NINGNING: Armageddon. You’ll definitely want to dance while listening…! You can dance secretly…♡

aespa is on the cover of the new edition of BAZAARMEN LIT, an electronic and interactive magazine created by Harper’s BAZAAR Man, where they explored various sides and interpretations of the members. Below you can read the full translated interview. Credits to @ojjing_eo

What kind of ASMR videos do you watch usually?
When I can’t sleep, I’ll listen to the sound of hairdryer and the sound when you bathe a dog
What hair colour do you want to try?
I want to dye my hair red
When you’re travelling, do you prefer the sceneries, food or the human and culture?
I think sceneries and food are important
How do you most like your fans to call you?
I like it when everyone calls me “Jimin ah”
Which animal do you most like your fans to see you as?
Cat, I also like snow ferrets recently
Regardless of anything, what’s a perfect day like for Jimin?
Spend the day leisurely and happily without making any plans
Are there any unforgettable memories after becoming an artist?
Performing at Tokyo Dome for the first time is unforgettable for me
What do you do when you’re resting?
Watch anime, play mobile games
Describe your personality
Joyful, straightforward, enjoying to my heart’s content
Which comeback do you like the most?
It was originally Drama, but I think it’s going to change to Armageddon
If you were to say something to yourself when you just debuted, what would you say?
I hope you smile more and enjoy your promotions
What colour would you use to describe yourself?
Blue, because it’s refreshing and my mood gets better looking at the colour blue
Up till now, which first experience is the most meaningful to you?
Concert, it feels like I’m debuting once again
Are there any goals that you want to achieve this year?
It’s the first time we’re releasing our full length album, so we hope to receive everyone’s love and acknowledgment. Especially if this album is able to win awards, that would mean a lot to us
Can you say something to fans who are currently having a difficult time?
If there are some things that you want to do, instead of minding what others would think about you, do what you want to do and live your life
In Jimin’s opinion, what is your most ideal relationship with the fans?
When there’s talk, there’ll laughter – that kind of relationship (just like super-nova and arma-geddon)
From debuting with a no-audience stage to having stages with some audience then to having your very own concert, what’s Jimin’s journey like?
Initially it didn’t feel like I debuted, but we had more chances to meet the audience and meet our fans, and I realised the importance of having stage with fans
Do you have anything to say to the chinese fans?
Hi, China MYs! I miss you, I love you guys 💙

What does music mean to you? What style of music do you want to try in the future?
Music is like an existence that can control me. According to what I listen, my mood changes as well. Even though I’ve tried out different styles of music as aespa, but if I have a chance in the future, I would like to try band or EDM
Has your motto changed? It was “so what” before
My motto now is “live cutely” because the word “cute” has a cheerful and bright connotation to it. So wherever I feel tired, for myself to live happily, I changed my motto to “live cutely”
What do fans mean to you?
To me, our fans is the embodiment of “love!”. Regardless of how I look, regardless of the situation, fans is an existence that gives me love. In that sense, fans is “love” to me
Everyone knows you have an interest in fashion, how has your understanding of fashion now changed as compared to before?
I don’t think there’s any change. I always have my own ideas when it comes to fashion. For example, the colour of an outfit, the material, and most importantly, it has to suit me. This hasn’t changed~
Were there any difficult moments after debuting? How did you overcome them?
I’ll choose to talk to my members and the staff around me to overcome the difficulties. In order for me to press on, I think I’ve put in a lot of effort. During those times, the fans’ support gave me a lot of strength
When MYs face difficulties, can you say some words of encouragement to them?
Even though there are hard times, but when you push through that period of time, it’ll be over before you realise it, and you’ll see your growth. If there are fans who are currently going through this kind of moments, I hope you guys will be able to press on. Good luck!
Are there any sides and charms of Giselle that the fans have not yet seen?
I think I’m multifaceted, so I feel that as we get closer, as time goes by, they’ll be able to discover different sides to me and my charms. MYs, let’s see each other for a long, long time~
Which would you choose – living in the moment or chasing your dreams?
I think I’ll choose to chase my dreams. Living in the moment is important but I think dreams are very precious. I think it’s also enjoyable when you work hard to achieve your dreams
If you have a chance to come to China again, where do you want to visit? What do you want to eat?
I want to go to Ningning’s hometown Harbin. I want to go to the Harbin Ice-Snow World and I want to go to the food trail that Ningning recommended, and I want to have good Dimsum
If you have a long break, what would you choose to do?
I want to go to Hawaii for a week or so, and I also want to go to Japan and enjoy a healing time with my family. And I went to Busan with my members last time, it was fun, so I want to go again
What fashion tips would you like to share with everyone through SNS?
Just like I wore LOEWE’s set piece for this photoshoot, I’ll wear a set piece from a brand, or like all-black, or a set of denim outfit – I think it’s nice to have a uniform look
What’s your biggest charm?
I think my charm is cool. People around me say my personality is cool. And they always say that I’m very loyal, so I think this is also my charm
If you can act in a movie, what kind of character do you want to portray?
I want to play an action film lead and film cool action scenes. I also want to try those characters that are cool and have girl crush vibes
Are there interesting episodes from the making of the album this time?
The location where we filmed the track video, there was a constant scent of mint chocolate. After understanding (from the staff), even though they’re all props, but they actually prepared edible mint chocolate flavoured food, so it was fascinating to me and I felt happy

If you can meet chinese fans face to face, what would you say to them?
I hope there’ll be more opportunities to meet China MYS. I miss you always!
Is there anything that you’re curious about the chinese fans?
I’m curious if the chinese fans have any chinese songs that they would like me to sing, and I also really want to perform the songs that the fans have chosen for me on stage
If you were to release a solo album, what style would you like to try?
I want to use my own story to personally write songs and sing them. I’ll use the stories to decide the respective stylesApart from being a singer (idol), do you have any other things that you’d like to try?
I play the piano well when I was young, so I wanted to be a pianist. From a music point of view, it seems like it’s also related to being a singer (idol)
Recommend some food that you usually eat
Because I like enoki mushrooms, so I like food with enoki mushrooms. When I ate iron pot cuisine (food stewed in an iron pot) previously, I refilled the enoki mushrooms five times. I really like enoki mushroomsWhich song would you most want to recommend from the album this time?
LIVE MY LIFE! Unlike the titles which give off a strong feeling, it’s a song that portrays a different charm of aespa, and it’s also a song that’s suitable when you go out for a drive in summer
Is there any memorable moment when you’re learning chinese or a word that you really like?
“Piào liàng” which means “beautiful”. I learnt this word through Ningning when I was a trainee. And I also said to Ningning before that she’s piào liàng
Is there a stage that you most want to show to the chinese fans?
I want to use stages that we’ve never shown before, ones with new styles and charms, to meet the chinese fans. In the future, please look forward to and look after me like you’re doing so now as well~
In that moment when you achieved your dreams, what would you say to yourself?
When that moment comes, I want to say to myself “of course you can do it”
Do you want to try out chinese songs? What kind of chinese songs do you like?
“Xiǎng jiàn nĭ” which I’ve sung cutely before
In terms of music genres and styling, are there anything that you want to try?
I’ve never really tried R&B properly so I want to try that
Fans really like the childhood photos and stories you’ve shared, can you share another fun episode?
I cried and ran to the toilet after quarteling with my older brother. Because of my resentment from the argument, I secretly smeared soap on his toothbrush. But my brother found out immediately and told our mum, so I got scolded
From debut to now, reflecting on yourself, how has Winter and Minjeong changed?
My hair colour changed a lot ^^ Because there were a lot of sides to me that have grown, so it’s hard to pick one. From the debut videos and photos, it does seem like my hair colour has changed a lot
Which moment when you’re promoting do you most want to share with your family?
When we’re going on tour overseas, I want to share the beautiful sceneries and exciting stories with my family
Winter who is very particular about food, can you share a menu that no one knows about?
There isn’t one it seems. I can tell you a TMI though, even though I can’t really drink, but I can feel that I like makgeolli (rice wine) and soju!
If you can predict the future or go back to the past, how would you choose?
I would choose to predict the future. If I have that ability, I can use it to choose songs that our fans think is better or would like when we’re deciding our title tracks
If you suddenly transform into an animal, which animal would you want to be?
I want to be an eagle. U can soar freely in the sky, and go to places that I want to go, and eagles are the strongest among the birds. That strong image is so cool

How to you relief stress?
When the weather is good, I’ll go on a walk myself, listen to music, and meditate to relief stress
Which emoji do you like to use the most?
I often use iPhone’s hippo emoji
In your opinion, what is something that is “it’ll be nice if it exists forever”?
Love
As compared to last year, how have you changed this year?
If I think about it calmly, I feel like I’ve matured. Because I now enjoy cleaning and recycling alone!
For 2024 this year, do you have any goals or ideas?
I want to finish the promotions for our first full length album healthily and safely, and go ahead with our new concert tour smoothly. I also look forward to my growth in various fields, and I want to meet overseas fans often. If I have time, I want to travel
What do you want to say to chinese fans?
Thank you for supporting and liking me since debut. I look forward to seeing you guys again, and take care of your health. Wait for me~
What are some stories or memes that you have between you and the chinese fans?
Whenever I go back to China for activities, everyone welcomes me warmly, I’m very thankful to everyone
Do you have any solo activities or plans in the new year? What do you want to do the most? What do you want to try?
We’re releasing our first full length album this year, and having our second tour. I want to first focus on aespa’s activities. If I have the chance, on my own, I want to try out new things in music or fashion
Is there anything that you haven’t done or you want to do it again after missing the chance to do so?
I want to travel
If there’s a chance, what animal would you like to become?
I want to become a cat who can go around freely
If you have a break in a year, what would you want to do the most?
I want to go on a retreat, enjoy nature and the culture
What is something that you’ll definitely do before and after a performance?
Before I go on stage, I’ll think about the choreo again. After the performance, I’ll check the performance recording
Do you prepare anything before you sleep? (like aromatherapy, music, or white noise?)
I’m into dramas lately, I’ll fall asleep as I watch them. I’ll also add aromatherapy oil into the humidifier, calm my body and mind as I go to sleep