Karina of aespa, has officially joined the Nike family as a global ambassador. In an exclusive interview with the sportswear and athletic brand on July 17, the 25-year-old singer shared her personal connection with the brand, her athletic roots, and how her journey as an artist mirrors that of an athlete.
From childhood, Karina’s bond with Nike was built through her love of watching performers on TV — many of whom wore the iconic swoosh. “That was when my connection with Nike began,” she said. “The brand is like second nature to me now. I’ll rock the Air Force 1 without thinking twice.”
Though known globally for her performances on stage, the aespa leader also has a background in sports, including ballet, swimming, futsal, and basketball.
Most notably, she holds a black belt in taekwondo, a discipline she credits with shaping her mindset. “It’s in that mindset that you learn patience, you gain respect for the process, and you develop a can-do spirit,” Karina shared. “Even with my busy schedule now, those lessons from Taekwondo are still with me.”
In the interview, Karina spoke about the similarities between athletes and entertainers, emphasizing the dedication required in both fields. “While entertainers give their all on stage, athletes push their limits in pursuit of victory.”
Her favorite Nike products? Karina says she’s been wearing the Air Force 1 and Dunk since she was young, but currently loves the Nike Air Max Muse in silver, which she wore during a trip through Europe. “I can pair them with a leather jacket and jeans.”
As Nike’s newest ambassador, the K-pop idol hopes to inspire others to believe in their dreams and express themselves with confidence. “Nike empowers self-expression and encourages people to challenge stereotypes and forge new paths,” she said. “If you’re confident in your dreams, you should keep pushing forward.”
With this new role, Karina adds Nike to her growing list of brand endorsements. The list includes YSL Beauty, Prada, Krush Beer, Converse Korea, MLB, Gentle Monster, and more.
Meanwhile, aespa prepares for a new release in September and embarks on a world tour this year.
