These days, whenever I watch aespa and Ningning appears, I find myself stopping the screen without even realizing it.

Why has Ningning, who used to look thin and sensitive, become so beautiful lately?

Of course, she was pretty to begin with. But that's not what I'm talking about.

In the early days of her debut, she had a cute and bouncy vibe, but now the overall atmosphere has changed.

It feels like she has completely found her own style.

When I talk about K-pop with my friends in LA, Karina is usually the first name that comes up in discussions about aespa.

But these days, I keep bringing up Ningning.

"Have you seen Ningning's recent photos?"

Especially when I see videos taken with regular cameras at events, I'm amazed.

It looks like a doll is walking around. Her big eyes and distinct features mean that even from a distance, her face stands out.

Even when dressed in flashy clothes and adorned with jewelry, she doesn't get overshadowed.

But what's even more interesting is that Ningning is not just a pretty Chinese member.

Her real name is Ning Yijiao, and she was born in 2002 in Harbin, China. She was a child who sang on Chinese broadcasts from a young age, and SM discovered her talent.

She was revealed as part of SMROOKIES in 2016, and her debut with aespa was in 2020, so her trainee period was longer than expected.

Knowing this makes me think that SM is quite shrewd.

They found a talented young girl in China, brought her to Korea, trained her for several years, and eventually debuted her as the main vocalist of aespa.

They didn't just bring in someone who was already famous with a large Instagram following; they literally selected and nurtured a raw gem.

And Ningning can really sing.

This is important because while there are many pretty idols, not all of them can be the main vocalist.

When she hits high notes during live performances, you can tell she's not just any main vocalist.

Plus, she's improved in expressing herself while dancing, and she knows exactly where the camera is now.

So, luxury brands can't just sit back, can they?

She became the global brand ambassador for Gucci, and Bulgari also selected Ningning as their ambassador.

Maybelline chose Ningning as their brand ambassador for the Asia region as well.

Seeing this makes me realize just how large the Chinese fandom is.

In Korea, she is seen as one of the four members of aespa, but in China, Ningning has a significant individual fandom with considerable purchasing power.

In fact, after the cover featuring Ningning was released in Vogue China, reports stated that approximately 2.65 million yuan worth of sales occurred within 24 hours.

Of course, we shouldn't calculate how much Ningning earns from this.

The magazine sales do not directly equate to her income.

Her personal earnings have never been disclosed.

However, this does show the power of her fandom to some extent.

Brand companies don't just dress idols in dozens of outfits and invite them to events for no reason.

Ultimately, they are looking at whether people are interested in what that person wears and if it drives actual consumer behavior.

So, every time I see Ningning, I find it fascinating.

Someone from SM must have seen that little girl singing in Harbin and thought, "She has potential."

Who would have guessed that Ningning would be wearing Gucci and Bulgari jewelry, attending global events now?

And she's only twenty-three.

Women often experience a significant change in their appearance in their early to mid-twenties, and I think Ningning is one of those cases.

She has lost weight and found a styling that suits her, and her beauty has suddenly skyrocketed.

Looking at her recent photos, I feel like she has really stepped up her game. I think this is just the beginning for her.

Since she can sing, she can also pursue solo activities, and with the Chinese market available, she has opportunities for individual activities. Her stunning visuals mean that fashion and beauty brands will continue to seek her out.

Sometimes, while criticizing SM, I also find myself acknowledging their choices when I see members like her.

What did they see in that young girl?

They took a little girl who sang in China, trained her for years, made her the main vocalist, and now she has become a face that luxury brands are fighting over.

When I see Ningning's recent photos, I genuinely think about that.

SM really has an eye for talent.