Karina of aespa is stepping boldly into new territory as she eyes a future in acting, a move she revealed during a recent guest appearance on Jonathan’s YouTube talk show. With candid reflections on her evolving ambitions, Karina made it clear she’s thinking beyond the stage. “I want to try everything I can as a celebrity,” she explained, emphasizing her desire to live without regrets. Acting, she said, is one path she’s seriously considering.
During the conversation, Karina mentioned her specific interest in portraying emotionally complex characters—particularly those that are sad or pitiful. It’s a surprising yet intriguing choice for someone often praised for her “girl crush” image. Jonathan, who also expressed an interest in acting, found support from Karina, who told him, “I think you would do well.” Their shared curiosity made for a lighthearted and revealing exchange.
In addition to acting, Karina discussed her growing comfort with variety show appearances. She confessed that earlier in her career, she and her members sometimes questioned whether they needed to “make up” stories just to be interesting on camera. These days, however, she feels more relaxed and authentic. She expressed a preference for talk shows over physically demanding variety formats and shared her admiration for good hosts. While she admitted that the job of a host seems tough, Jonathan offered encouragement, noting that strong hosting relies more on listening than speaking—a quality he believes Karina already possesses.
Following the episode’s release, Karina’s remarks sparked debate among fans. Many applauded her honesty and ambition, saying they were excited to see her expand her talents. Others, however, questioned whether she has the dramatic presence or facial expressiveness to succeed as an actress, citing her limited acting background. Still, Karina is not entirely new to the screen. She previously starred in My Art Film, a noir-style short tied to her solo song Up, in which she played a confident, alluring character opposite Lee Dong Hwi. The project hinted at her potential and sparked speculation about her future in scripted roles.
As Karina grows more comfortable in front of the camera and seeks out new creative outlets, her willingness to take risks suggests that acting may not be a distant dream but an inevitable next step. Whether her path leads to television dramas, films, or continued solo projects, she’s carving out space for herself in multiple arenas—just as she intended.