i feel like sm thought karina would be the popular one, the next it-girl and they pushed her super hard and stuff (like miss girl was everywhere) but in the end, winter is the top it girl (not to take away from karina, the push sm gave her didn't go to waste or anything)
you could tell sm wanted giselle to be the popular one in the western market, like she was the "english speaker" and "relatable to fans" person but in the end, that went to ningning and i think giselle is prob the least popular