Yu Ji-min (유지민), better known as Karina (카리나) of the K-pop girl group aespa (에스파), recently shared glimpses of her trip to New York City on social media. A series of photos featuring her without heavy makeup or elaborate styling quickly drew significant attention from fans, with her 'natural eyes' — seemingly without colored or circle contact lenses — becoming a particular point of discussion.
On October 30, Karina uploaded several travel photos to her personal social media account, sharing moments from her relaxed time in New York. The pictures show her visiting exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dressed in a simple yet stylish black top, short skirt, and long boots. She was captured in candid moments, looking down at her phone in front of art pieces, showcasing her natural daily life without deliberate posing.
Beyond the museum, Karina also explored the streets of New York, browsing local markets and enjoying meals at restaurants. She was seen posing playfully with a knife and fork at a dining table, revealing her laid-back, private side.
What captivated fans most was her natural appearance, a stark contrast to her stage persona. Karina's long hair was casually tied back, with bangs framing her face, exuding a fresh and understated vibe. With minimal visible makeup, her eyes appeared to be without the colored or circle contact lenses she typically wears, showcasing her natural gaze. This created a striking difference from her intense stage makeup.
Following the release of the photos, netizens flooded the comments with praise, saying, "She's really too beautiful," "Have fun on your trip," "She looks so pretty even naturally," "She looks great without special styling," and "Wow, the difference between Karina with and without contact lenses is huge." Some even exclaimed, "I didn't recognize her at first, I thought she was a rookie from a new girl group." Fans agreed that even in everyday attire, Karina's stunning visuals were undeniable.
Other netizens remarked, "It's truly amazing how much contact lenses and eye makeup can change a person's appearance. She's really suited to be an idol; she can pull off any makeup look." Some jokingly added, "She's so beautiful it's insane ㅠㅠ," and "She actually looks younger without contact lenses."
Many idols typically use circle lenses, which make their eyes appear larger and more defined, to enhance their stage makeup and facial features. However, Karina's rare appearance in a more natural state this time garnered significant positive feedback from netizens.
