If you’ve ever watched an aespa music video and thought, "There is no way she’s a real person," you aren’t alone. Between her AI-like facial symmetry and those legs that seem to go on forever, Yu Ji-min—better known as Karina—has a presence that feels larger than life. But when the stage lights dim and the platform boots come off, the question remains: how tall is Karina, really?
The internet loves to debate K-pop heights. It’s basically a national pastime for fans. One day she looks like a literal giant standing next to her members, and the next, she’s dwarfed by a host on a music show.
Honestly, the "official" numbers and the "eye test" don’t always match up. Let’s break down the facts, the rumors, and why her proportions make everyone so confused.
The Official Stats: How Tall Is Karina According to SM?
In the K-pop world, official profiles are like a baseline. According to SM Entertainment’s official data and various verified profiles, Karina stands at 167.8 cm (roughly 5 feet 6 inches).
That makes her the tallest member of aespa.
For a girl group idol, 168 cm is actually quite tall. Most female idols hover around the 160–164 cm mark. When you put her in a group where the other members—Winter, Giselle, and Ningning—are generally between 161 cm and 165 cm, Karina naturally draws the eye. She’s got that "center" energy that comes from being just a bit more statuesque than the rest.
But here is where it gets tricky.
In some interviews, like her appearance on the popular YouTube series IDDP, Karina has confirmed she is around 167 cm. However, K-pop agencies are notorious for adding a centimeter or two to an idol's height to make them seem more "model-like." On the flip side, some idols are actually taller than their profiles because they don't want to seem "too big" for their group's concept.
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Proportions vs. Reality: Why She Looks 6 Feet Tall
You've probably seen the photos. Karina walking through an airport, looking like she just stepped off a runway in Paris.
She has what fans call "CG-level proportions."
Basically, her head is very small, and her neck is long. In the world of Korean beauty standards, a small face relative to your body height makes you look much taller than you actually are. This is the "8-head ratio" everyone talks about. Because Karina’s face is so tiny, your brain perceives her legs as being incredibly long, which adds a perceived 5 cm to her height.
Then there’s the styling.
Aespa’s concept is futuristic, heavy on the "Metaverse" aesthetic. This means:
- High-waisted skirts that start at the ribs.
- Massive platform boots (we’re talking 10-15 cm sometimes).
- Vertical choreography lines that emphasize length.
When she’s on stage in those boots, she’s easily pushing 180 cm (5'11"). No wonder fans are constantly asking how tall is Karina when she’s towering over everyone during "Next Level."
The Comparison Test: Karina vs. Other Idols
The best way to figure out an idol’s true height is to look at them standing next to someone with a "confirmed" measurement.
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Take IVE’s An Yujin, for example. Yujin is famously tall, standing at about 173 cm (5'8"). When Karina and Yujin have stood near each other at award shows, there is a clear difference. Karina is visibly shorter, which supports the 167 cm claim.
What about her own group?
- Giselle: Officially 163-164 cm. Karina is noticeably taller, maybe by 3 or 4 cm.
- Winter: Officially 163 cm. The gap is very clear here; Winter often looks quite "tiny" next to Karina.
- Ningning: Also around 161-162 cm.
Some fans on Reddit have speculated that Karina might actually be closer to 166 cm because she sometimes appears level with idols who claim to be shorter. But honestly? A centimeter here or there doesn't change the fact that her frame is built for dance.
Why Her Height Matters for aespa’s Performance
Height isn't just a number in K-pop; it’s a performance tool. As the Main Dancer, Karina uses her long limbs to create wider, more impactful movements.
If she were 155 cm, the "Savage" choreography would look completely different. Her height allows her to cover more space on stage, making the group’s formations look more dynamic even though there are only four members.
Interestingly, Karina once mentioned her "ideal type" is someone taller than 180 cm. This caused a bit of a stir because it’s a pretty specific requirement! But when you're nearly 168 cm yourself—and you spend half your life in 4-inch heels—you probably want someone who doesn't make you feel like a giant.
Common Misconceptions About Karina's Physique
People often assume she’s "too thin" because of how tall and lean she looks on camera. However, Karina has a black belt in Taekwondo. She’s incredibly strong.
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That "paper-doll" look is mostly a result of her height-to-weight ratio. She’s reported to be around 45–46 kg (roughly 100 lbs), which is very light for someone who is 5'6". While that’s standard for the industry, her muscle definition during dance breaks shows that she’s far from fragile.
Another myth is that she wears "height-increasing" insoles in every shoe. While most idols do this, Karina often wears flat sneakers in "dance practice" videos, and guess what? She’s still the tallest person in the room.
Taking Action: How to Keep Up With Karina
If you’re trying to track the most accurate info on Karina, don’t just rely on the first Wiki page you see. Here is how to get the real scoop:
- Watch "IDDP" and "Workman" episodes: This is where idols usually "correct" their official profiles. Karina is pretty honest about her stats when asked directly.
- Check "Fansite" photos: Professional fans (masternims) often take photos from floor level at airports. These unedited shots give the best look at her real-world proportions without the stage trickery.
- Look for "Barefoot" content: Variety shows like Knowing Bros sometimes have segments where idols take off their shoes. That’s the "moment of truth" for K-pop heights.
At the end of the day, whether she’s 167 cm or 168 cm, Karina’s "tall girl" energy is a massive part of why aespa works. She carries that leader mantle with a literal and figurative stature that’s hard to ignore.
For fans who want to emulate her look, focus on high-waisted silhouettes and pointed-toe footwear. These are the styling secrets that help her maintain that iconic, elongated silhouette regardless of the actual number on the measuring tape.
Check the latest variety show appearances from 2025 and early 2026 to see if she's dropped any new updates on her fitness or lifestyle routines, as she’s been increasingly vocal about her health and gym habits lately.