Popular Korean Track Athlete Apologises To aespa’s Karina
In the midst of a rising career, popular Korean track athlete Kim Min Ji has recently made headlines for an unexpected apology to aespa‘s Karina.
Known for her lightning speed and dynamic energy, Kim has been a prominent figure in the Korean sports world, especially as a runner for the esteemed Jincheon County team in Chungcheongbuk-do Province. The Jincheon-gu track team, renowned for its string of successes, has been a launchpad for Kim’s soaring popularity.
Although Kim did not compete in the 19th Asian Games in China, her commitment to her sport remains unwavering. Outside of the track, Kim has charmed audiences on the Korean show Kick A Goal, where she showcases not just her athletic skills but also a magnetic charisma that has endeared her to many fans.
Kim’s venture into the entertainment world extended to her recently unexpected appearance on King of Mask Singer.
During the show, aside from charming netizens, Kim addressed the buzz she’s been creating — not just for her athletic achievements — but for her striking resemblance to aespa’s Karina.
Kim’s photos from the field, highlighting her elegant features and athletic form, have drawn comparisons to the popular K-pop idol, earning her the nickname “Track Karina.” This moniker, which she embraced during an Instagram live session in July 2022, has been a source of both pride and a surprising twist of events — as mostly recently revealed by Min Ji herself.
The unexpected turn came during King of Mask Singer when host Kim Sung Joo inquired about her feelings towards these nicknames. Initially, Kim Min Ji expressed how she initially reveled in the comparisons, basking in the attention it brought.
Kim Sung Joo: How do you feel about these nicknames? They must make you feel good, right?
Kim Min Ji: For the first three months, yes. I loved it.
However, as time progressed, the nickname began to feel burdensome. In a candid moment, she expressed a desire to apologize to Karina for any unintended consequences of this comparison.
But with time, it’s starting to feel overwhelming. And I feel like I have to apologize to Karina.
— Kim Min Ji
Kim Sung Joo, taken aback by this revelation, prompted her to elaborate, leading to Kim Min Ji publicly apologizing to Karina.
Yeah… In fact, I’d like to take this moment to say, ‘Sorry, Karina.’
— Kim Min Ji
This heartfelt apology, albeit unexpected, underscores the nuanced relationship between athletes and idols in the Korean entertainment industry. While both realms often intersect, the individual identities and pressures faced by personalities like Kim Min Ji and the aespa leader are unique and complex.
📺 | #KARINA is mentioned on 'King of Mask Singer'
Athlete Kim Minji's well-known nickname is ‘Karina of the athletics world’. Regarding the nickname/compliment she said she liked it for the first three months but it became more and more burdensome,
+#카리나 #aespa #에스파 pic.twitter.com/1mDZ5l9bhe
— KARINA Charts (@karinachartss) December 10, 2023
As for Karina, it’s likely she would find this gesture unnecessary yet endearing, emphasizing the mutual respect and understanding that often exists among public figures.
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