Aespa’s Karina And Ningning Discuss The Pressures And Comforts In Being A Leader And A Maknae

In K-Pop groups, the role of leaders is to make the members’ charms and strengths stand out. Leaders are communication channels between the group and the agency, so most of them are the oldest members (but not always). On the other hand, the youngest is in charge of the group’s energy. Both are very important roles every group has.

Sports Seoul recently released interviews of the leaders and maknaes of several K-Pop groups both new and old to ask how they felt in the position they’re in. Let’s take a look through aespa‘s leader and maknae interview!

Let’s see what Karina has to say about being a leader!

Q: What is your favorite thing about being the leader?

It’s good to have more responsibility.

—Karina

Q: When is being a leader difficult?

I feel pressure to lead the team well.

—Karina

Q: Do you get jealous of the maknae (Ningning)?

I’m the youngest at home, so I’m used to always being the youngest. Being the oldest is still a little difficult.

—Karina

Q: If you could be born again in the same group, would you be the leader or the maknae?

Maknae.

—Karina

Q: Words for the maknae for the new year?

Ning, let’s get along well like we do now! My Ning might not like it, but you’re so cute. No matter how much you deny it, it remains a fact. Cute Ning, please continue to be the cute and kind maknae this year.~ I love you!

—Karina

What are Ningning‘s thoughts about being the youngest in a group of four?

Q: What do you like about being the maknae?

I love that the older members take care of me. I think because I’m the youngest, there are a lot of things to watch out for.

—Ningning

Q: What’s difficult about being the maknae?

Sometimes when we have to go out and buy coffee, I go instead of the others.

—Ningning

Q: When are you jealous of the leader (Karina)?

Karina is the oldest, so I love that she takes care of the younger members and supports them even when she’s having a hard time. If I don’t know a Korean word, she tells me. Thank you for being like a mother to the team. You’re doing great.

—Ningning

Q: If you were born again in the same group, would you want to be the leader or the maknae?

I want to be the maknae. I like that the older members are kind to me.

—Ningning

Q: Words of encouragement to the leader for the New Year?

Thank you for always being kind and loving. I look forward to being by your side as maknae Ningning. I love you!

—Ningning

These girls certainly have a lot of love for each other! Even through the hardships.