South Korean singer Yu Ji-min (유지민)—best known across the world as KARINA (카리나), the leader of K-pop girl group aespa—is now officially part of the Converse Family.
Since 2020, the Suwon-native has frequently worn Converse, even helping the brand promote the avant-garde Chuck 70 De Luxe Wedge and starring in its "Create Next" campaign in early 2024. The newly-announced partnership builds on this relationship, recognizing and celebrating the fact that the 26-year-old exists at the intersection of performance, fashion, and contemporary celebrity culture.
"Both on stage and off, I love breaking the mold and exploring my individuality through style, and Converse is a natural canvas for that," shared KARINA in an official press release. "I’m excited to join the Converse family and inspire others to celebrate their creativity and express themselves boldly."
The K-pop superstar's ambassadorship announcement is accompanied by two fashion-forward expressions from Converse: Run Star Crush and Chuck 70 X.
Like KARINA, both new silhouettes from the heritage brand fuse heritage with experimentation. While the Chuck 70 X elevates the iconic design through craftsmanship and modern detailing, the Run Star Crush plays with exaggerated proportions, sculptural elements, and lightweight lift to deliver a statement sneaker.
With these modern designs, Converse provides an open invitation for creators, rebels, and risk-takers to express themselves through their footwear choices. Both shoes are rooted in familiar One Star Brand DNA and informed by decades of cultural cachet to deliver boundary-pushing style.
KARINA's go-to Run Star Crush is now available globally via Converse.com and select shops; the Chuck 70 X has launched in China and South Korea, but releases worldwide on Thursday, Aug. 27. The Run Star Crush is priced at $120.
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